Arachnophilia?

[Semiaussie]

Hi Everyone!
I joined this forum a few months ago, but finally decided to jump into the ring (I'm so shy).
Nor did I join earlier as I have not yet 'taken the plunge'. In fact, I haven't even driven one yet! I guess that makes them one of those 'special' cars that just grab you; I'm sure I'll still be enthralled when I finally get the chance.
I suppose my biggest issue is that there are relatively/comparatively few in Australia; and scant few here in Queensland.
By the way, I'm Dave. Yes, another one!
Anyway, there is a lot to think about, including where the heck I'm going to get it serviced around here.
Aussie members: are parts reasonable to source here, or is that going to be a nightmare?
Have I just asked a 'loaded' question?

Thanks and see ya!

[Estaban]

The best place I have ever found to get a Fiat serviced (here in the US) is my own back yard. Mechanics either grin or curse you when you bring a Fiat to them. I can't afford their grins and don't care for their curses.

As for not having driven one... then you have not lived yet. Poor you.

Glad to see you here!

[Semiaussie]

Hi Estaban,
Thanks for your comment. You're right, and I'm sure that there will be a backyard mechanic here, too!

[divace73]

Hey Semiaussie (does that imply 1/2 and to that which 1/2, top or bottom, left or right )
Join the Fiat club of QLD http://www.fiatqld.org.au/ that would be a good starting point. Speak to a few and go to the outings, there is also the turbo124 forum which is more Aussie oriented.
I do as much work as I can, if you are mechanically minded, most of it is easy enough (unless you need a hoist or special tools)
Parts can be a bit tricky sometimes, but with the current strength of the Aussie dollar and the internet you can get parts from OS. More than likely whoever you buy your car off may have some spare parts.
See how you go.

[Semiaussie]

Hi divace73,
Thanks for the info. I did in fact go to a meeting last week, but it was held at a sporting club and I was wearing thongs; didn't get in! Can you tell I never go to footy clubs? Anyway, I'll get it right next month.
I'm half Canadian, by the way, but not sure which half...might depend on the moment!
I'll certainly check out that "other forum" and see what's happening around the country.
Thanks again!

[narfire]

Hi Dave, welcome here. I should talk to my Dad about shipping stuff,he sends valves to Oz, perhaps room could be made for a 124 spider Hope you can find a car, they are an economical way to enjoy some spirited driving. I find them fairly easy to work on, some metric tools, a wee bit of confidence and varying amounts of instalation fluid and your good to go
Where did you hang your hat in Canada?
Chris

[Semiaussie]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the input, and the g'day! I'm sure your Dad could fit a Spider in there somewhere! Seriously!
Regardless of my statement about finding a mechanic, I do look forward to working on it myself, but just in case something BIG happens, I'd rather get it fixed in shortish order, then get into 'er again. I suppose it's all a bit pessimistic, but I've had British before, now pining for Italian... what's wrong with me?
One of my best cars was a Volvo 142. Remember to put gas in drive car! Enjoy installation fluid anyway. Done. Sorry for the rant.
I hailed from near St.Catharines, Ontario in a former life. Been in OZ for 16 years.
Have a good one,
David

[narfire]

Talked to dad last night about shipping... at least he did'nt poo-poo the idea. I believe he mentioned a 40 foot container,kinda guessing off the top of his head, was around $5000.00 to the land down under. He was usually crating his valves and shipping accordingly, perhaps a couple of spiders could fit? 3 cars without anything else perhaps
Still cheaper via container from LA though, and likely a car with fewer structural issues. Bit of salt on the roads here and if used as a daily driver would/could be an issue. Take a look at Craigslist Vancouver, several cars for sale at I think a decent price, I have a FI for sale as well.
Chris

[perthling]

For my money you'd be better off finding a local car which is already converted to RHD (unless you're happy to keep it LHD). There are quite a few on the east cost of Australia, from my perusal of carsales etc they haven't been moving quickly because some of the prices are a bit silly for what is an unknown vehicle in Australia.

I brought my '74 in from California then converted it to RHD. For what I spent you could find one already done and ready to roll, registered etc. There is plenty of advice elsewhere on this forum (and others) as to what to look out for.

[Semiaussie]

Hi Chris,
It is very kind of you to do that, thanks! I can see from Zachary's' post that you are one helpful Fiat dude. I'm certain there are a lot of members who wish there's someone like you nearby. I do. However, I'm wondering, if maybe the overseas route is too much of a drama(?) perthling is right about them being around, and I think(???) I'm willing to wait for the right car to come along.
Hi perthling, yeah, aren't there some asking prices out there! I understand that owners have an emotional value, etc. placed on them, and I get that they are more expensive in Australia, but geez 'how's your mama?' Really, what is the percentage of classic vehicles that actually give back the money that's put in, anywhere?

[divace73]

I paid $15,000 for my 1980 FI back about 12 years or so ago, it's still insured for the same amount, i have put a lot more into it but my wife thinks it's worth nothing......
Buy the best you can afford and have someone who knows spiders well to chack it out, oh don't buy on emotion like I did.....

[perthling]

There is a Pininfarina Azzura for sale, registered, in WA. Still LHD. Originally started in the mid teens, now down to $6,500. A modified '78 (RHD)with heavy duty clutch, massaged 2 litre and sports upgrades (depending on your point of view) was for sale at our car day in late november for under $10k. An unregistered LHD 79 just sold here for under $3k and it was straight out of the US with all emissions gear still fitted.

The $15-20k being asked by some is optimistic at best. I wonder if some are offered for speculative reasons only.

[Semiaussie]

Yeah, I hear you loud and clear, guys. I don't mind a bit of work, but haven't the time, or more importantly the space for a big job. I'll try my best to avoid the emotional element!

[adrians]

Hi Semiaussie and welcome to the group.

So this month put your shoes on and go to the club meeting, introduce your to the president - Graeme Smith and say that you know Adrian from Sydney and Giles from Perth, they're a very socialiable group - the Brisbane Club.

There has been a 74 or 78 Spider for sale around Samford for the past 3 years - so keep and eye out for it price was around $6500.

Regards

Adrian

[Fi8spider]

So a half Canadian wearing thongs walks into a Queensland sporting club holding a Fiat car Club meeting .....God bless Australia...
Welcome Dave, I imported my 74' from California back in 1991, one owner, originally sold by Imports of Stockton...My brother and I converted it to RHD and restored her ourselves...Things have changes a lot since then, perthling, adrians and co speak words of wisdom, buy one already done, plenty of neat spiders on carsales ready to go.
Heaps of cool Fiat owners in QLD mate...enjoy the search.