New Spider owner...this is my first "project" car.

[Klayfish]

I wanted to stop here to introduce myself. I already posted a hello in the mirafiori forum, so for those who read that as well, I apologize for the repeat posting...but I want to meet as many people who know these cars as I can...I'm gonna need the help.

In a nutshell, I’m a complete car lover. Had lots of cars over the years, more than the wife wants to talk about. Back in the day, I had some really cool cars. But now that we have 3 young children and a live-in nanny, my budget for cool cars has nearly evaporated. My love of cars hasn’t.

As much as I’m a car nut, I’ve never learned how to do my own wrenching. I’ve done dozens of oil changes and a few spark plug changes, but nothing more. I understand them and can bench talk about mechanicals, I’ve just never done any real work myself. I’ve always wanted to.

Well, the wife gave me permission to get a “project” car to try to teach myself how to turn wrenches. I came across a local guy selling a pair of 1976 Spiders on Craigslist. They’ve both been in storage for several years. The guy owns a small restoration shop that does mostly old British cars, but these were his personal cars. I decided to take the plunge and go for it. Buying both cars for $500. I’ve picked up one already, and pick up the second one on Saturday.

As I posted on the other forum, having never done my own work, getting a car that’s somewhat disassembled is overwhelming. I had that moment of panic, thinking “What have I gotten myself into?” But I want to take it one step at a time and I’ll get there. My free time is very limited anyway, so this will be slow. I’ve got no unrealistic plans of a full restoration, I just want to learn the basics at this point. Maybe just get one of them to run.

So that’s my story and I hope to post updates and ask lots of questions as I go forward. Here are pictures of the one car I’ve picked up so far. I live not too far from Allentown, PA, and I’ve already made contact with a few local owners, which is cool.

http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa424/Klayfish/

Steve

[bobplyler]

That doesn't look too bad. I've seen much worse. Just take your time, and try not to cuss the Italians too much.

[courtenay]

You're going to have a lot of fun!! It doesn't appear that there is any body rust - hopefully it's the same on the underside.
You're going to find a whole lot of help on this site.

[mdrburchette]

That's very doable. Shoot, my cars are taken apart further than that chasing a wiper problem. You'll do just fine.

[flatlander]

You have lots of entertainment ahead of you. I am getting towards the end of a complete re-hab of a '76 (it was my first project car) and I have had a lot of good advice from other owners. I recommend three things to help you along the way: digital camera - take lots and lots of pictures as you take things apart (I did not do anywhere near enough of that); copy of the FIAT Spider shop manual (the Haynes and Chilton manuals can be helpful, but the shop manual was essential for me) and an enlargement of the wiring diagrams for your particular model year (I took mine to Kinkos and had it blown up to 24 x 36 so I could follow all the little lines). You will have some frustration and a lot of satisfaction along the way.

[Exit98]

Steve,

Great story. I know just what you mean about having the basic understanding but lacking the "doing". Me too.

You'll do fine. Having the two of them will help.

Us NJ guys aren't too far away. George has bunches of parts so stay in touch.

Good luck.

[Klayfish]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I spent a few minutes cleaning out the inside of the car last night, just to make it look a little less scary. Most of the stuff in it was interior trim, carpeting, etc...

The car's body is quite rust free for a 35 year old car. I need to crawl under it to see the underside real well, but from initial looks, it's pretty good too. The car has a "Ziebart Tidy Car" rustproofing sticker on it...remember them? ... and you can still see lots of the stuff they coated the car with. Floor has some small rust holes, but nothing horrible. The seats are in pretty rough shape, but that's the least of my worries right now. The center console is completely dismantled, that should be a fun challenge.

Right now, I'm waiting for my Haynes manual to arrive, and then to go pick up the second car this weekend. I'll post pictures of it in the main forum after I get it.

[azruss]

you will find a lot of cross pollenization between here and Mira. I single posting will get to same people.

[2ndwind]

Steve,
Congrats on the purchase. Two for $500 is a nice price, particularly if they both have titles. Car #1. Looks nice. I like the wheels and color and limited visual rust. I think you'll find that engine will run a little hot until you get a radiator. Looking forward to seeing car #2.

[BenjamminsFiat]

I agree with others that the first car doesn't look too bad at all.

Crazy coincidence, but my '76 bought from Washington state three months ago has the same rims as yours. I think they look great, but I'd like to get some different tires for mine.

Since you're starting with a partially disassembled car, let us know if you need pictures of assembled stuff. I'm sure between all of the owners on this board we can get you the reference pictures you need. Mine is a '76 same as yours, but mine is a California model I think.