Possible purchase

If you just registered, post a brief greeting in here.
StarckMad
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2017 10:41 am
Your car is a: 1974 Fiat Spider

Possible purchase

Postby StarckMad » Thu Mar 02, 2017 7:36 pm

I'm looking at purchasing a 1974 Spider. It's a local SoCal car. I'm looking at it on Saturday. Owner says the ignition switch problem is what caused it to be put out of service. Any suggestions as I look at it will be much appreciated! I'm looking at this as a project to learn more about restoring cars. Thanks!

baltobernie
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 3466
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:00 pm
Your car is a: 1973 Spider [sold]
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Possible purchase

Postby baltobernie » Thu Mar 02, 2017 9:03 pm


StarckMad
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2017 10:41 am
Your car is a: 1974 Fiat Spider

Re: Possible purchase

Postby StarckMad » Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:48 am

Thanks balto! Read both articles and now feel better armed. Thumbs up!

User avatar
RRoller123
Patron 2020
Patron 2020
Posts: 8179
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: Possible purchase

Postby RRoller123 » Fri Mar 03, 2017 2:12 pm

The ignition switch is common wear failure part, and as long as it didn't lead to a bunch of burned wiring downstream, it is a pretty easy part to replace, and parts are readily available!
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle

User avatar
phaetn
Patron 2018
Patron 2018
Posts: 575
Joined: Thu Jan 02, 2014 7:42 pm
Your car is a: 1974 Fiat Spider 1800
Location: Ottawa, ON Canada

Re: Possible purchase

Postby phaetn » Tue Mar 07, 2017 8:56 am

Rust is the enemy. Almost everything else can be fixed with enough time, effort, and a few $, apart from a bent unibody. Look for rust on the shock towers, especially, as that's a stress point, as well as the rocker panels (prevents the car from sagging), floorboards, etc. Check the usual stuff: brakes, shifting ok (doesn't pop out of gear), engine ok. It's normal that you'll see some oil around, but you don't want it burning a lot (some puffs of blue smoke are common under certain conditions) or burning coolant.

If it is a fixer upper, it's not free to get parts, but they are plentiful from a few key suppliers and are much more reasonably priced than buying components for a new car. You can do many things yourself if you're willing to learn and get your hands dirty and have time and patience.

I have a '74 myself -- a great year: last of the small bumpers and first with the 1800 engine with a 4-2-1 header and single plane intake. It really has all the right bits. It's also easier to work in the engine bay than in later years once they start adding more emissions stuff and fuel injection. It's not as big as the 2.0L but it's easy to add more power if you want it.

Good luck and feel free to post some pics.

Cheers,
phaetn
1974 CS1
32/36 DFEV; CompuTronix ign.
9.8:1 c/r; 40/80 intake cam w/ Isky springs
Vicks' SS header & adj. cam pulleys
A/R's progressive coils, Koni Yellow dampers
205/50-15s on CD-66 style rims
Momo wheel, Corbeau seats w/ 5 pt belt
pics and HD vids


Return to “New Members / Introductions”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 27 guests