1971 Spider in San Jose saying hello

[V12StealthHunter]

Hello.

I just bought (sight unseen) a 1971 Fiat 124 Spider 1600cc, which I found through BaT (yes, its the red one). I'd say its just below daily driver in terms of condition. But the most important thing is its completely rust free. It has about 80k miles. Needs a new clutch (soon) and the drive shaft probably needs to be rebuilt. I also just ordered some new coolant hoses from midwestbayless in preparation for its first Californian summer. Its a 2-owner car that lived in Florida its whole life. Its been well taken care of. I've got paper work and some interesting newspaper cuttings going back to 1972.

Although I've always thought of myself as a British car enthusiast (I've certainly owned enough), but when I was born, my grandfather picked me up from the hospital on his way back from the dealer after buying a 128 sedan. So my first car experience at 0 days old was in an Italian car

Its such a pretty thing. I'm still obsessing over the sexiness of that crease that goes over the top of the doors. One would be hard pressed to find anything prettier under $50k right now in my opinion.

I'm still going through the motions of discovery and maintenance but I thought I'd also ask your opinions on a problem I have. An yes, its likely electrical (damn stereotypes). After the car was running for a few minutes, I switched it off and tried to restart it. But I got nothing. Literally nothing. The engine obviously not turning over, no clicking sound from the starter, nothing. Puzzled, I got out and after a few minutes of just looking at various things in the engine compartment, pretending I knew what was going on, I tried the key again, and it started. I had a look at the Fiat wiring diagram that comes with the owners manual and it appears that the ignition switch goes straight to the starter, which must mean, the starter has a built in solenoid. I'm guessing there are bad contacts somewhere along the path? Or is it typical for the (likely) original starter brushes to wear out at this age/mileage? Also another thing I noticed was that, one time, after starting the car, the starter did not disengage. I had to stop and start the car again, and it was all right again.

I hope this new found passion for Italian cars is the start of something beautiful.

Sorry I have no pictures right now but this is a link to the ebay listing; http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-Fiat-Spider-/151235048281

[aj81spider]

Welcome aboard. Looks like a nice car.

Next time that happens check the voltage at the starter. If it is low (or 0) check the voltage coming out of the ignition switch. It's possible it's a bad starter (not disengaging would be a problem), but it's also possible it's a bad ignition switch - which is a classic problem with Spiders.

[Exit98]

Wow, she's sweet. Those little bumper cars are getting hard to find. FWIW, if the price in the ad is what you paid I think you got a great deal.

With no rust you are good to go. The mechanical stuff (and electrical) can all be sorted without much pain.

Any driveshaft shop can take care of that problem. Get the parts you need from Auto Ricombi, center bearing, universals and the rubber donut if you need it, and bring everything to the shop. I got mine done for less than $100 I think. It pops right out.

By the way, there was no "Pininfarina" sticker on 71 gloveboxes (they weren't Spider 2000's back then) so somebody replaced the wood or else just stuck it on there.

Good luck and keep posting.

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

And here is another picture-posting thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084


Pete

[Arod2051]

Welcome aboard! I am, both, a new Spider owner and live in the South Bay. I am having a blast putting this thing back together. Good luck with your new Fiat, she looks beautiful!

[jetboy]

yes- a couple of us newbies in the bay suddenly. I just picked up a 69 and am up in oakland- got it last week in slightly* worse shape than yours.

welcome and looks nice!

[V12StealthHunter]

Thanks for the tip about Auto Ricambi. I wish I knew that before I bought the hoses from midwest. AutoRicambi has a 4 hose kit for my car. I had to piece together a kit from midwest, it was more expensive and I'm not even sure if I got all the right hoses. They tell me a 71 with a 1600cc (1608cc?) engine is not common. Any how, I'll know soon enough.

EDIT: Just noticed autoricambi has a gear reduction starter;
http://www.autoricambi.us/product/EL8-4 ... n-Starter/

Anyone have any experience with that starter? I think I'll just replace the starter. I really don't want to get stranded somewhere because of a starter.

Its nice to see there are a few 124 owners around town. Once I have the car registered and on the road, I'll definitely meet up with you guys.

[RoyBatty]

Search the forums with the specific questions you have and you'll find almost any question will be answered.
I have used this new style starter and plan to install it on any other Fiats I purchase that it will fit on.
Next Saturday on the 22'nd there is a get together for forming a new Fiat club in the Central California and Bay Area.
If you'd like to attend contact a member on the forum here whose handle is "spidernut".
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