NPoCP my next car edition

"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
03/26/2015 at 19:42 • Filed to: None

So here's the deal: I'm looking to buy an old drop-top spots car on the cheap. I asked around and it turns out that my favorite mechanic is selling this little Fiat. Full Info below:

1980 Fiat 124 Spider

2L engine was fuel injected but has been converted to a single downdraft weber carb

NO RUST AT ALL

been sitting (hanging on the hoist actually) for 6 years

Mechanic says it runs (ran?) like a champ

He wants $4,500 firm.

What do you guys think? To me, $4,500 seems steep for a malaise era sports car that will need obvious paint work (an engine fell into the door) and a timing belt. But on the other hand it IS a rust free Fiat which is a miracle. What do you think?

DISCUSSION (12)

CaptDale - is secretly British > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:46

I don't know. I picked up my rust free AH Sprite for $500 5 years ago (has it really been that long?) and went into the restore too far and its still in pieces... Hell the thing even cranked freely, just needed paint, new seats and it didn't have compression, but I tore it all out. I wish i hadn't now, but I'll finish it someday.

So I guess I am probably not the right person to ask, but I wouldn't pay that much for it myself.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > CaptDale - is secretly British
03/26/2015 at 19:48

Good advice haha wanna sell it?

Steve in Manhattan > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:49

Six years? It's going to need a lot of rotten hoses and similar replaced. Half that price would be paying a lot. If not under 2 grand, walk away.

bob and john > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:50

if he can get it to start, run, and do the timing belt, then yes.

CaptDale - is secretly British > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:50

NOOO!!!! I would be so heart broken if I sold her before finishing her (my first project)... I just can't. My BF and I plan to finish her this year, though the engine work will hopefully be done with the help from my boss.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > CaptDale - is secretly British
03/26/2015 at 19:52

I can understand that. Post some pics when it's done!

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > bob and john
03/26/2015 at 19:53

It starts and runs, but will need a belt and some other bits.

CaptDale - is secretly British > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:55

Well yeah! I'll probably be posting major updates for her... To see around where I am in the restore... her FB page

bob and john > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:56

get him to do the belt and consider it sold.

remember, a lot of oppo are thinking prices down there for them. this is EASILY the best one you will find here. no rust? gold mine.

. . > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:57

Definitely pricey. After 6 years you can assume that every rubber bit has gone to shit.

Jonee > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 19:59

That seems to me to be a $2,000 car. It's most likely going to need more than you mention. If it's been hanging there, I imagine the suspension won't be up to snuff. Any car that's been sitting needs brake work at some level, flushing the fuel, tuning up, etc. I can see rust free having a premium if you're someplace east of California, but those cars aren't uncommon or all that sought after. They are loads of fun, though, so you should most certainly buy one.

Kanaric > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
03/26/2015 at 20:14

These cars are inexpensive and the paint looks in poor condition in that picture that with timing belt not done I wouldn't buy unless he at least does the timing belt.