NorCal Spider 80

[WedgeWoodSpider]

Thanks for the add to the forum. I have a barn find it’s pretty hammered that more I look at it. I have dreamed of a classic convertible since I was a teen. I look forward to the help, inspiration, and insight I will get from everyone on here. From what I have been told about the car it was in a front end accident that they had to replace the motor hood and fenders at 60kish the car was last road worthy in 94’... The guy I bought it from lost interest after doing a new fuel tank, pump and lines, newer radiator and hoses, cleaned ground post, a used working carb and some other things. I just started working on it this morning draining the oil and getting the car at a good working level on jack stands.
Stuff I will need to assess before starting is finish the coolent line, fuel lines, vaccum lines, oil change, spark plugs, remove the smog crap... California garbage, and new timing belt. I think that should get me started before getting to the rear end leak, brakes and bushings.

Any advice is welcome. I'm located in sonora California

[scrapironchef]

Be a bit careful about removing the smog stuff until you get it registered. Unfortunately your 80 is still covered by the smog rules and needs to be certified before you can register it. Once it's registered in your name you are in a region that won't require a retest unless you sell it or re-title it in someone else's name.

Being an 80 it should be FI, somewhat easier to bring back to life and meet smog requirements. You must have a some what scarce early 80 carbed version or the replacement engine backdated it to 79.

A few pics of the engine bay would help determine exactly what you have. I would also suggest going to the Fiat registry and inputting your VIN, you might learn something of its' history.

Check out the forums and libraries over at mirafiori.com for huge amounts of info.

[maxm50]

Once it's registered in your name you are in a region that won't require a retest unless you sell it or re-title it in someone else's name.

Are you sure? I've been in CA my whole life and every car I've had requires a smog check every 2 years. I wasn't aware of any regional differences within the state.

Wedgewood, welcome! I got an 81 earlier this year. My most helpful rule of thumb is - if it's original and made of rubber, replace it now. (Bushings, fuel lines, vacuum lines, etc).

[scrapironchef]

Are you sure? I've been in CA my whole life and every car I've had requires a smog check every 2 years. I wasn't aware of any regional differences within the state.

Sure enough that my 79 hasn't been smogged in years.

[geospider]

Scrapiron,
how do you get past smog? Do you register it in one of the CA "special" counties?
Richmond would have you smog it. I'm in Concord; every 2 years I put on the legal stuff for a couple hours, then take it all off again. a few hours of work and 2 years of fun.

Wedgewood,
Sonora should be clear. but, I believe you do need to have smogged to initially get it in your name.

Geo

[WedgeWoodSpider]

Are you sure? I've been in CA my whole life and every car I've had requires a smog check every 2 years. I wasn't aware of any regional differences within the state.

Sure enough that my 79 hasn't been smogged in years.

Well its yet to be seen if what my buddy did will work he has a friend at the D. M. V. I should be getting the title very soon. In the mountain regions they only require smog on transfering. I used to live in the central valley and they would require year 2 years garabage.. Fingers crossed that I will not have to do some extra work to get this smogged.