"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
07/16/2014 at 07:32 • Filed to: None
1
6|
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
07/16/2014 at 07:32 • Filed to: None | 1
| 6 |
I'm getting geared up to buy a 1972 Fiat 850 Spider but a talk with my mechanically knowledgeable friend got me spooked. He says these are horrifically unreliable and he drives 80's-90's Audis every day. I know it won't be like a new car but are these really that much more unreliable than any other 45 year old car? Anyone have experience with these?
I have a fair bit of know how but I'd prefer to spend my time in it than under it. I also have a super cool Italian mechanic named Tony (yes he can fix it again) at my disposal.
505Turbeaux
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
07/16/2014 at 07:36 |
|
It all depends on how much preventative care you are looking to do. If the electrical system is sorted, or for some reason the car has a new harness, you should be good. If you are bringing it to a mechanic for work it will put you in the poorhouse. If you do the work yourself it is feasible. So sayeth the man with 2 Italian and 2 French cars
Crocket Bernet
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
07/16/2014 at 07:39 |
|
They're definitely not known for their reliability, if you want to own one you better be able to wrench on it.
Jobjoris
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
07/16/2014 at 09:02 |
|
They're not that bad, pretty reliable as a matter of fact. Electronic issues? It barely has electronics other than lights/starter. Battery in front of the car so it'll last a long time. Corrosion could be or probably is an issue, that's the main failure. Don't use it in the rain a lot as the top won't fit properly, checkup/change oil frequently, maintain it as a car of the 60's/70's and you'll be fine. Really.
Skyrider
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
07/16/2014 at 10:06 |
|
I've owned 2 850's. I had my '72 for 13 years before I had to sell it to pay off my divorce and the rust was starting to get to her in CT. The other one was a '73 that I found in a field uncovered in Colorado.
The '72 was awesome. I ordered a new exhaust from Bayless out of Georgia, then a carburetor. The original carb was known for being finicky. Once I put the new one on, I never had to adjust it ever. The only time it broke down on me was when the accelerator cable broke. (Since the engine was in the back, the cable had some awkward angles. Yes the top is better for keeping stray cats out than rain, but the heater could keep you driving it year round if you wanted to. I drove it from Ct to Buffalo with a goal of not driving on the highway. I found this two lane road in NY that lead me to Cooperstown for the night and stopped in Wyoming, NY for lunch at Brock Yates' (Yes that Brock Yates) restaurant. Never skipped a beat.
The '73 was a good car too. But I didnt keep it long as the car was underpowered for my liking in Colorado. The car is better for twisty roads at sea level than trying to carve up a mountain pass. Windshields and turn signal lens are a challenge to find parts wise.
Buy it and embrace it. Ciao
BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
07/16/2014 at 10:12 |
|
If they haven't tried to run one themselves, treat it as nothing but rumour, entertainment or fear-mongering.
Best advice would be to see if there's a forum for these cars and try and get in contact with some people who have driven them.
If it's a car of this age that's still running, chances are the major bits to fix have been fixed/have known fixes.
Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
07/16/2014 at 11:28 |
|
Good reliability. The 124 spiders had a lot more of electronics which made them un- reliable. This you can fix with a wrench because it was built with a wrench.