General Hello from a newbie to Fiat

[WaterDawg]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about buying a 1970's Fiat 500L simply because they look FUN.
I use to own a 1978 VW Bus so I am familiar with air cooled engines and "the people's car" concept. In fact, I still have all my tools from the Bus.

So my questions are:
1) what should I be looking for in a used Fiat 500L in regards to issues, problems and hacks
2) How are they in snow?
3) How warm are they in a New England winter (my bus wasn't warm at all - again - air cooled problems)
4) anyone ever put a bicycle rack on it - how?
5) I'm in the New York area through April and then I'd be driving it to California. Any issues on registering them in California?

Here is me next to one I'm looking at. By the way, I do need to take my shoes off to drive it. Feet are size 14EE

 

[BambinoClassic]

Yes go for it! Head out the sunroof all the way I assume.

There was a thread not too long ago about bike racks, and it even attracted some serious answers

 

[the hobbler]

If Gordon Murray (the F1 and Mcleren F1 designer) who is 6ft 4in tall can commute in a 500, you should have few 'fitting' problems. When I was younger (sadly more than a few years ago) I lived in North-West Kent, which often has quite a bit of snow---I could (and often did) drive in snow deep enough that the under-tray of the car left it's pattern in the snow.

 

[the hobbler]

To continue! heater-wise you should also have few problems; the 'cooling' air is directed, via large diameter tube into the rear of the cabin (controlled by a small lever at the rear of the central trunking) take my word for it---with the heater turned 'on', you won't get cold in the 500. The ducted air comes out of the central trunking at the front and is directed into 2 small sections of trunking---1 for each side of the windscreen. But, just before the air goes up to the dash it will go through a sharp bend, the outer corner of which is a simple flap, so that you can have all the air on the screen or to the floor, or proportionally in-between. Simple, but very effective.
As to driving it from New York and California--the better part of 3,000 miles. Trips of this distance have been done before with 500s, but the car needs to be well checked over before hand and prepared for the trip.
With regard to a bike rack---my own suggestion was, due to size of the 500, to get a 'folding' bike--a bike rack, due to it's lack of aerodynamic shape will severely affect the 500's performance.

 

[looigi]

I am 6'4" tall and I fit into my 500F fine. Luckily they have a canvas roof! Also, I have the added bonus of only having to clean the top three inches of the windscreen.

I am not sure how I will go when I get one of my 500D's going though. The top of the windscreen on those is a bit lower.

Do it dude, you will not regret it. They are a real joy to drive, once you get the hang of double declutching.

Chris

 

[fiat500]

Glen Loth 3 by Peter Thompson, on Flickr

....and roasting hot in winter. To add to what Tom said; the whole centre tunnel, especially at the rear of the car, is a giant radiator. Fondle the handbrake when the heater is on full blast and at times you feel you might burn your hands.
Thoroughly check and seal all the various holes. grommeted and otherwise, which face the footwell and dashboard. There can be a heck of a draught comes through there.
If you want an easier life, just check everywhere underneath for rust...mechanically it's a doddle and in classic car even in modern car terms...cheap and easy to fix.
https://webshop.fiat500126.com/sites/51/bodycheck
As you're looking at a yellow one...decision made as they're always OK.....Oh, except for once.

DSC_8857 by Peter Thompson, on Flickr

Have fun.

 

[WaterDawg]

Thanks for the replies and link.
There seems to be a lot of "restored in Italy " modes for sale between $13k and $16k. Are these realistic prices for the car? This car looks solid.

 

[WaterDawg]

Here is the underside

 

[Luxe]

Car looks good to me. I was offered 23k for mine last year in San Diego.

 

[the hobbler]

$23,000? that's one heck of a price---more than double what one would expect to pay for a good car over here! (at current exchange rate, that is about £17-1/2K).

 

[Bleeding Knuckles]

Hi Dawg, I would urge you to check and check again for rust and dodgy repairs anywhere on the car - and use a small magnet to check for filler - if it don't stick there's a problem Enjoy your car

Ian.

 

[WaterDawg]

Thanks