James,
Well, since a used 1972 124 Spider was my first car, I figured I better give
my 2 cents too...
Most everyone else seems to have mentioned the main problem: RUST. I never
looked under the rocker covers, but the Spider has a unit body construction
similar to the MGB and sill rust was a known problem. My car happened to rust
through the front right fender at the back of the wheel well...a vertical brown
line in the pretty light blue paint. Parts were cheap at the time (1980?) but
there was a Fiat dealer about 15 mins from my house. Seems like everything
was cheaper and smaller for the '72 Spider. (The parts guy would always prepare
me for the shock and then be surprised when he looked up the actual price!) I
remember buying all new disc rotors for about $100. The internals (cast
zinc?) of the block mounted fuel pump disintegrated once, but it was an easy
fix.
Oh, and the fuel inlet fitting flew out of the Weber carb once too, spewing
gas all over the engine compartment at a local mall...That was fun. Seems like
I put 2 or 3 exhaust systems on it too, in the short time I owned it. Maybe
a clutch too. It was always easy to work on though, and I never minded fixing
it. Eventually it started to burn oil and I remember having the valve guides
and seals replaced by a shop while I pulled the pistons out through the
bottom of the engine and replaced the rings. Not my best work, and although it
ran
OK after that, it still burned oil. It was, however, great fun to drive.
The top was easy to put up and down and the rear seat could hold one adult
sideways if necessary, or 2 (leg-less) friends in a pinch. I drove lots of
band
equipment to and from gigs in it too and it had quite a large (compared to the
MGB) trunk.
Anyway, it was cute and fun...and if your friend can find one in good
condition...I say go for it! Did I mention the RUST?
Good Luck!
donny v
1978 MGB
In a message dated 11/29/2004 9:36:50 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jhn3@uakron.edu writes:
One of my friends is looking for a Fiat 124. Does anyone have any
experience with them? He is looking for answers to the basic questions
people ask when buying their first vintage car. What are the trouble points
to look for? Rust, mechanicals, etc. How hard are parts to come by? Who
sells them?
His mom had one when she was younger and she is quite a car nut. My friend
is looking for a car to restore to give her. He is a knowledgeable car
person, but this will be his first vintage auto.
Thanks in advance,
James Nazarian
71 MGBGT V8
71 MGB Tourer
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