I've had a 75 Fiat 124 Spider since about 1987. For the last 6 years or so the car just sat, and then some rats ate all the wiring and hoses off the top of the motor. Realizing it would take more time and money than I have to give it to get it going again, I gave it to my Fiat mechanic (Joe of Joe's Fiats on 5th Ave in Redwood City, CA a guy so honest and good at what he does everyone should own a Fiat just so they can get to know him) for all the kind ways he'd taken care of me over the years when I was in a pinch for a part or some advice.

Anyway, the car is gone, after 22 years of ownership. Not very fast, but really nimble, and more fun per dollar than any other car I'd ever owned. (Not cause it was the funnest, but it didn't cost much to get or get working well).



Matt

Matt

 

My sincerest condolences. Same thing happened to me once with a 74 BMW 2002. Too much rust on that one. The only solution is to buy a new classic to take the place of the old!

 

I know exactly how you feel Dr O., for me it was the departure of my beloved 57' MGA that I had for 20 years. Thankfully, working on and driving the MINI can offer some therapy.

 

Perhaps if he gets it all working again, he won't mind you stopping by to take it for a spin once in a while.

Unless he plans on using it as a donor for parts? That would indeed be sad.

 

Bummer I had a 1978 124 Spyder. It was so cool. Needed work also, was going to try and put seatbelts for the back seat, which didn't come with seatbelts? Gave it to my neighbor for partial payment on his boat, which I still have.

 

I know how you feel DrO. Had a 124 in HS for all of 4 months...........LOL. But loved every minute of it.

I bought a 78 VW Scirocco new and finally got rid of it just recently. Just a bit more work to keep it going than I was willing to spend on it. But, dang I loved that car.

 

I had a 81 Scirocco, bought it brand new and loved it!! Modded it out, moved to a hot area and had to sell it needed A/C.

 

Had it for while I lived in Rochester, NY for a year... Let's just say that the rust that followed pushed it over the edge.... I drove it through winter (unless is was less than 12 F, wouldn't start when it was that cold). One thing is for sure, the heater worked great! The looks I'd get driving a drop top in January around the finger lakes was priceless! Top down, heater on full, hat, coat and gloves and it was a nice drive on those sunny winter days, even when really cold. Some lady almost crashed her station wagon when she saw me drive by.

Car wasn't worth anything other than parting out. Joe, the shop owner who has it, is going to take out the steering wheel and mount the dash clock in the center to make a wall clock for me. That will be a nice momento. Like I said, Joe is a really good guy.

Only thing really worth any money is the chromed roll bar and the wheels.

If he's still doing Fiats as my 4 year old gets older, I'll have him do one up for her. Really, it's a good car for young people. Fun and underpowered!

Matt

ps, I'd put rear seat belts in out of a 131 so that they looked the same.... I guess those might be worth saving....

 

I assumed you gave him the 2 others you must have had in the basment for parts! No true Fiat owner could get by with just the car! I had 3 Fiats (1500s OSCA, 850 Spyder, 131 Brava) and a 77 Lancia Beta. I still look for the 1500s on the internet when I get into a "look back mood".

 

that had lots of fiats, but it's gone now. But I only had the one car, the International Autoparts catalog, and Joe. If it was a new part, I get it from Joe or IA, if I needed a used part, I'd just call Joe! IF it was something cheap, he often wouldn't even charge for the used parts....

Matt