General Newbie questions

[73spider850]

Hi,I am new to the forum and have a few questions.I am looking into buying a 1973 Fiat 850 Spider that is in need of restoration.The car looks to be complete except the bumpers are missing.What I need to know is where can I get the bumpers and are parts readily available for this car.Also is there anything I need to look for on the car prior to buying it?I really dont want to buy it if parts are not available or if they are outrageous.

 

[markee]

I don't think you will find much for this car in the UK, sometimes I have seen bits available on ebay. I have a 124 spider and get most parts from Germany or the US as there is precious little available here. Was the 850 spider officially sold in the uk, am not sure?

 

[73spider850]

I am located in the U.S. but I cant find parts anywhere.

 

[markee]

Ah I see, have you tried IAP or Chris Obert?

 

[73spider850]

I have tried both if them and they have very little for the 850.They dont have bumpers or any weather stripping.I think I might have to let this one go since parts are so scarce.

 

[markee]

Where is the weather strip for, maybe it's a a generic seal that you could buy and cut to size?
As for the bumpers it's something you could possibly import from Europe, I suppose it depends how much money you want to throw at it.

 

[73spider850]

This car needs a full restoration so I would be replacing all of the weather stripping.

 

[sumplug]

Try these;-
http://www.biondilamierati.com/modu...me=postkart&file=index&req=categoryview&CID=3
http://www.fiat500.cc/
Above company stocks bumpers

Andy.

 

[ja3jo1]

Hi, I'm located in the U.S. as well. There are several sites online that you can get everything from bumpers to windshield wipers. Try Bruce's Parts Bin, International Auto Parts, and you definitely should check out Fiat-Lancia Unlimited- it's a club dedicated to Fiat owners. I'm a new Fiat owner myself so I understand how hard it is finding what you need. I just google what I am looking for and go from there.

Hope that helps!

 

[jacob25119]

ww.international-auto.com

You can buy almost any part you need to for a Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia. I suggest you sign up for the free auto parts catalog here:

www.international-auto.com/_catalog_request/index.cfm

This is a great website for parts for these cars.

 

[mbouse]

First post here, so excuse if i break any etiquitte rules. Also, from the USA.

Dunno about Europe, but in the US, the '73 850 was about as rare as hens teeth when brand new. Good luck finding enough parts for a full restoration without acquiring at least one, if not two donor parts cars. Additionally, I have not seen very many (if any) 850 parts at International Auto. Chris Obert may be able to help depending on what you are after, but not for a sole source. Ditto for Bruces Parts.

As ja3jo suggested, one of your most valuable resources would be a Fiat Club here in the States, like FIAT LANCIA UNLIMITED (FLU). i'd bet lunch that the majority of successful 850 owners in the States are also FLU members, and part of their success is the interconnectivity to each other via the club. Drop me an email if you'd like more info about FLU, or just go to our website at www dot flu dot org

 

[jconfar]

I have a 1970 850 spider that I'm parting out for my other 1970 850 so if you let me know what kind of bumpers ur looking for (the spares I have the the 3/4 bumpers, if u haven't seen 'em lemme know and I'll send a pic) and other parts we might be able to do some horsetradin'! If ur interested, let me know. Oh, and the moldings are generic that u can get from just about anywhere and cut to fit. I just replaced the drivers side and have to go back and get more b/c I screwed them up a few times first and now don't have enough for the passenger side... sighs... oh well!
Jason