Hello folks,

My name is Pete, I'm new to the forum. I have a great deal to learn, but I'd like to start down the right road. I have wanted to restore an older Spider for years. I am a mechanic, I own my business, and I've decided now is the time. I am looking at several Spiders 850 / 1000 from years 1970 to 1980. All ragtops. All in various states of disrepair. I am not afraid of tearing into it like a kid on Christmas morning, but I wanted to ask the group: is there any years / models to stay away from? Any particularly bad / difficult cars, or particularly hard to find parts? I know I'm about to set myself up with quite a long term project, but I thought I'd ask you first. Thank you for your thoughts!

The auction is today. Here's to hoping I don't do anything (terribly) stupid

Hi, Welcome to the FF.

You getting it from here? https://www.autoblog.com/2019/07/30/fiat-parts-cars-for-sale-aspen-colorado/
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Yes I did, and I got a 1980 124 for $250. I can't pick it up for a few weeks because it's buried in their yard, but the body is ok (has a little rust around wheel wells), and seems complete. Top is shot and of course, the interior is boogered. I couldn't determine if the engine was seized, but I was planning on pulling the engine and trans anyway, so it really didn't matter. This is something I've wanted to do since high school. I'm excited to get moving on it. I have to get the title first though. I think I may have to do a title bond, we'll see what my options are.