Big Dreams and an Empty Wallet

[SquareWheel]

Aloha

Friends allow me to introduce myself: My name is Matthew, I'm in my mid-thirties (maybe to early for my mid-life crisis), I live in Honolulu, Hawaii and I have the craziest idea: I want a Fiat Spider! When I was very young my parents both had fiats, coupes I believe?, but not spiders. I just love the idea of have another vintage toys (see below). My problem isn't my skills with a wrench (are you sure my headlight fluid is low?), but rather, my ex-wife emptied my pockets before announcing she was leaving me for greener (richer) pastures. I have come to believe that Hawaii is an ideal place to have a convertible, with its nearly year-round blue sky and warm temperatures.

The spider would be a weekend toy, and odd run-about. I ride my bicycle to work most days of the week, living only 3 miles away. I'm not looking for a bone stock model, or "it just came-off-the-show-room-floor" example. I want a car I can have fun with.

My last vintage toy

1968 BMW R69S with Stieb ST250 Sidecar

Honestly, my wrench-fu is weak, but I was lucky enough to have access to one of the greatest vintage (and modern) BMW wrenches in the states: Bud Provin. I don't think I'd be so lucky here is Hawaii to find as skilled wrench and friend as Bud.

Any words of wisdom or cautionary tales?

[rlux4]

Hello from Southern California. So Cal may be significant for you because I don't know how many Spiders are available in Hawaii, but they are fairly plentiful here. You'll hear the most common thing to look out for is rust. Spiders are uni-body, no frame that can be repaired or replaced, so if there is bad rust in critical areas (suspension areas) it's a deal stopper. Doors, hoods, fenders and so forth can be repaired but look closely underneath. Then of course you may be shipping it from mainland. If you find one in So Cal, there are quite a few forum members out here, and I'm sure one of us could help you inspection wise. Welcome to the forum, and good luck.

[mbouse]

sounds like a call to Mano Matt is in order.

We understand and sympathize with your deep felt NEED for a Spider. We are all afflicted with the same ailment.

good luck finding the right four wheeler to add to your collection.

and yes! 30 something is too early for a mid-life crisis, i firmly believe that 50 is the right time for that. 30 something can be great for a 1/3rd life crisis.

[baltobernie]

Hello and welcome from another new member!

As a fellow budget restorer, I know where you're coming from. Check some of the Fiat parts suppliers catalogs when estimating what you're getting in to. Some items are incredibly cheap, as there are variants of the 124 still in production. Brake rotors: $16, tie rod ends: $8. Other items are unbelieveably expensive. Certain license plate lights: $110 each! (two req'd). If you have safety or emissions inspections, these unique items can hammer you.

A couple of cars here:
http://honolulu.craigslist.org/search/c ... ax&addTwo=

[mbouse]

don't forget to factor in the used parts market, and your fellow Spider owners when making these decisions.