Hello: Newb with an 80

[pdx124]

Thanks for letting me join. This is a great site. Really appreciate all the knowledge in the forum. Already been putting some of it to good use.

I have a 1980, fuel injected, manual, former Cali spider with most likely150k miles. Bought it about 4 months ago. Paid 3 grand and gambled driving it home 160 miles (dysfunctional wipers in the PNW). Been putting many miles on it around town and even a work trip to the coast. Hope it starts when I get back ashore after a month underway. It drives wonderfully. The shifting is smooth, very peppy throttle response. Narrowly passed DEQ test despite having who knows how old oil in it, which has since been changed. I did have to get some brake & suspension work done. Bushings, tie-rods, original shocks, calipers, and a few other components. I had a euro auto shop take care of it all in one go. Unfortunately I don't have my own garage or nice place to work on it for those bigger projects. I will be selling the 15" wheels in the picture and putting on slotted alloys for a slightly more period look. If anyone is interested give me a holler. It must have had cd-16s originally because that's what the spare tire is.

The station wagon in the background is my other car. It's an 81 Malibu with 305 and auto 200 4r trans. Bro's love that car But I'm hoping chicks will dig the Fiat

[narfire]

Good day. Car looks great from here. Glad it has worked out so far. The functioning wipers are very important in the PNW. I had a 70 spider when I lived in Van. BC, heater is a good thing as well.
Any rust issues?
You'll find these "old-school" cars easy to work on and parts are very easy to come by if required.
I believe there is a Fiat get together in July? in Oregon. Snoop into it and put on the calendar.
Chris

[pdx124]

Hey Chris

Yeah, read somewhere about the Oregon group doing a camp trip or cookout of sorts. Sounds fun. Also, I heard there was a recent rally run up to nearby Mt Hood or somewhere. I'd like to attend any happenings. Time and availability are my biggest constraints right now though.

It is a work in progress. No serious rust issues as far as I can tell.

My heater stopped blowing hot air so I'm going to have to check that out.

Other things on my to do list: adding second brown wire, check the engine ground strap, headlight relays, clean up all electrical connections, basic maintenance, some FI servicing perhaps, and maybe a rear sway bar.

These older cars definitely keep you from being too idle.

Scott

Under the hood..

[RRoller123]

Welcome! Great forum with lots of good people and plenty of help.

Should probably replace that TPH hose asap. It appears scored, which is common as it typically rubs up on the underside of the hood when closed, and carries hot coolant at pressure. Bursting will create quite a mess!

Pete

[pdx124]

Thanks Pete

I hadn't noticed that.

[courtenay]

Installing the headlight relay will take a big load off your ignition switch and make a huge difference to your headlight performance, so I'm curious what your thinking is on adding a second brown wire?
A hearty welcome to the Forum, BTW - you're going to find all kinds of help here - even when you don't ask for it, sometimes.