I am going to look at a '78 Spider with 75K miles on it. The car has been sitting for 2 years and needs the rebuilt starter installed. According to the owner it will not run because to get to the starter you have to take off the fuel pump and neither have been reinstalled. It does look good from the pictures and his description over the phone (I know that what one person thinks is great another thinks is junk). So, what should I look for on this car? What would be a good price for a '78 in good condition - other than needing the starter replaced and not being able to start it?
2007 Max Lite 23RS
2008 Silverado Crew Cab 4wd
Equil-I-zer hitch, Prodigy BC, McKesh Mirrors
Owned a '68 Spider and a '71 Spider, also owned a Fiat 500 back in the late 60's and we won't even go there.
Both of the Spiders gave great service and reliable. A Fiat that is as old as what your looking at is going to be very hard to evaluate a reasonable price. What is it going to cost to get it running? I'd see about the availability of parts and their cost before committing. Parts for the Spiders might be a real deal breaker.
hershey - albuquerque, nm Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
Superman was an illegal alien.
Expedition - Suzuki Grand Viagra
Fixed hundreds of them way back when I owned a foreign car body shop. Actually thought they were pretty well built but never did mechanical work, always sent it to Tony the expert. I believe just about every part needed to rebuild them is available. What they are worth is all over the board, I have been looking and watching them on Craig's list out here in AZ. Needing full restoration start at 1,500 and there are 2 1972 listed now for 5 grand needing motor work. Good luck
Stacey Frank
'04 Mobile Suites 36 TK3 #1341
'99 Int'l 4700 Lo Pro MDT
'08 Lexus 400H
I really liked the 74 I had in Italy. The top had to be replaced in about 3 years, exhaust in four and it was starting to show some body rot when I sold it but it was really a great driver.
Bob/Beavercreek OH
2011 Silverado 1500 LTZ/Trail Lite 8230
I spent several years in Italy and did considerable work on them. The timing belt probably needs replaced, a couple hour job if you know how, check head gasket, a common problem, valves likely need adjustment, make sure you have someone available and knowledgeable to do that and be able to get the spacers needed. Rear brake calipers and rear torsion bar rubber bushings may need attention. Rust was the Fiat's biggest bugaboo. Having said all this, I love them and may get another in the future.
P.S. as far as price go to Hemmings Motor News for an idea, but as stated before, can be all over the place. In the end, it is worth whatever you are willing to pay.
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