New Member - 1977 Spider Orange

[ebrown0104]

Hi all, my name's not Tony, but I decided to buy a Spider anyway. I don't technically own it yet, but within the next week I should have a 1977 Spider parked in my garage. Here's a few pictures from the craigslist ad (might get taken down):







It's originally a California car, and has what the seller assumes (and also me after seeing the car in person) is 23,000 original miles. There is no rust anywhere on the car, which to me is quite amazing after looking at a few other "really nice and not rusty" cars. The paint is original, and does have a few small paint chips and whatnot, but is definitely not a cheap respray. It's what I'd call a perfect driver's car - almost nice enough to be a show car but you don't feel guilty driving it.

My plans are to take off the bumpers, add a front spoiler, lower it and add some 14" or 15" Minilites, and eventually go with dual Webers, mild cams, header, and some other small stuff. But, I also want to be able to convert back to all original if for some reason I decide that's important.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and I'm sure I'll be talking to you all very soon - Ian.

[Nanonevol]

Good score! I've got the same year and color but not the same condition! You won't need all that smog stuff. I'd take those bumpers off your hands if you're taking them off.

[MMBRunner]

Congratulations! Looks like a very nice Spider, and I love the Orange color. I know what you mean in terms of condition - I have a 1982 Spider with 31,000 original miles [I'm the second owner], and I feel the same way. It is in excellent condition, but has just enough minor blemishes so I don't mind driving it. They're fun to look at, but even more fun to drive!

[narfire]

Nice looking car, good score.
This just my opinion but a little boost in power with upgraded carb is good but I found I received more fun per dollar spent with upgrading the suspension, wheels etc. Koni yellows, aftermarket springs, 1' front bar, perhaps a rear sway bar, 14 or 15" wheels with a decent tire. I have spent a ton on my engine but big smile after the suspension changes.
The car sticks in the corners and with a little more power(carb change?) is just a gas to drive.
Have fun whatever you do regardless.
Chris

[ebrown0104]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I started out looking for a $3-4000 car, but everything I found in that range needed a new paint job (either rust issues, a terrible re-spray, bad bodywork, or some combination of the above) and since I'm not a body guy the price was going to add up fast, not to mention the downtime. So, I decided to go with a more expensive car that's ready to drive and upgrade as I go along.

I do plan on upgrading the suspension first, probably at the same time as the exterior mods since things like wheels, springs, etc. will overlap. I figure that after I do the suspension and learn how to drive it fast with the stock horsepower, my funds will be replenished enough to go for engine performance.