Hello From Alexandria VA

[DRUMMOND]

Hi All

I am now a proud owner of a 1980 Fiat Spyder. It has been so long since I first experienced my first rust bucket! Fiat 124 Coupe
Fond memories of cutting and welding and Dropped ball joints? But boy ,what a lovely sounding engine. By the way I cannot find the cruise control? Can anyone help?
This one only needs new floor pans, repairing the rusted seats??, new top, New windscreen gasket, new console, new dash? So Far! First time I have come across a Fiat that is rusting from the inside out?. Better get to work Summer is just around the Long Corner

[dmwhiteoak]

Welcome to the forum, Lots of good people with a lot of knowledge here . Enjoy

[baltobernie]

Hello Dennis, and Welcome!

Your coupe may have had a "hand throttle" near the ignition key, but Fiat discontinued this long before 1980. Probably a good thing, as it did not return to idle when depressing the clutch or applying brakes
"Universal" aftermarket cruise controls are available. I used an Audiovox one in my '73 Spider (that's an "i", not a "y", BTW)

It's very common to see rusted floors in these parts. The convertible tops aren't perfect, and any moisture or rain settles there. Once you get started, you'll see several drains in the floor pans; longitudinal slots punched near the center. These often get clogged with debris, and the rust really spreads.

Hope you get everything sorted over the winter, and can participate in some http://www.dcfiats.org drives next year. We were in Old Town just the other day.

[DRUMMOND]

Yes, I did have a throttle control cable by the ignition, a small lever that had to be returned by hand. (no Computer) It was a joking reminder for anyone who remembered it,
Hope to have the car on the road for the summer. The top is in bad condition as well as the windshield seal on the body. None of the drain holes or plugs were ever opened, so both front floor panels have to be replaced.

Happy to have a fiat back. I used to have four of them at one time, 124, 131.

[ez2wire]

I am in the same boat down here in Richmond.

Well not exactly as I have been working on Rust Buckets for years.. but they were Opels.

This is my project : http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=16135

I also highly recommend you get with John Erskine (erskinej) he is in MD off 301 south of Baltimore. Lots of parts, and advice He has been a godsend.

[gwb]

Welcome to the forum, we like pics

[DRUMMOND]

Here are some pics

[DRUMMOND]

I am in the same boat down here in Richmond.

Well not exactly as I have been working on Rust Buckets for years.. but they were Opels.

This is my project : http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=16135

I also highly recommend you get with John Erskine (erskinej) he is in MD off 301 south of Baltimore. Lots of parts, and advice He has been a godsend.

That's a lot of work!! Mine's not as bad by far! I hope your deeds are truly appreciated
I am in touch with John. I hope to get to some events with his dcFiats group