Ok since i am new to the fiat world I have tons of questions, but let me start by giving a few details. Just purchased a 1975 Fiat 124 Spider 1800. Purchased it from couple (it was wifes car and she past away 2 years ago and husband just wanted to get rid of it so he didnt have the keep paying storage for it.) He is in his eighties and a friend of the family. It has 27K original miles and has been sitting in storage since 1982 (last time car was inspected), the husband thought it had only been in storage about 15 years but after checking records it was close to 24. The people i purchased the car from only drove it on weekends, and then the electric fuel pump went out and they stuck it in storage and never got it fixed. The car was filthy covered in dust and dirt, but after a quick washing the paint is actually in really good condition almost no rust anywhere to be found with the exception of a few crackles in the paint around one of the front headlights. The convertible top will either need to be patched or replaced.
Of course i will need to change out all the belts, fuel pump, battery, hoses, pulleys, fluids, tires, wheels (where can I buy some fiat wheels for a reasonable amount? the original steel wheels are missing the hub caps and are rusted too much to fix. Also parts, where are the best places, best being most affordable and in stock or able to get realtively quickly to purchase them?
Anyone know exactly what parts I should look into changing out from experience? This is going to be my weekend restore project for a while so any help is greatly appreciated.
Just purchased 1975 124 Spider 1800 with ???'s
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mbouse
Re: Just purchased 1975 124 Spider 1800 with ???'s
well, congratulations. welcome to the site, etcetera.... please post some pictures of your new car.
of course, after all this time, you can imagine that anything and everything rubber is suspect of replacement. Timing belt and rubber donut (guibo) are critical to replace now.
pour about 2 ounces of transmission fluid into each cylinder. wait 24 hours and repeat...twice. now grab a 1 1/2" socket and see if the crank will turn over by hand. if so, you are good to proceed.
do you know how to drain the fuel system of any gasoline turned varnish? would be a great time to read up on that technique and put it into place.
then, it is time to change the brake pads, bleed the brakes and get some fresh brake fluid in the lines. carefully look for leaks and ascertain that there are none...and that the pedal holds pressure. safety first...please don't attempt to drive this beauty until you are certain you'll be able to stop it.
charge up the battery, get some fresh gasoline in the tank and turn the crank.
of course, after all this time, you can imagine that anything and everything rubber is suspect of replacement. Timing belt and rubber donut (guibo) are critical to replace now.
pour about 2 ounces of transmission fluid into each cylinder. wait 24 hours and repeat...twice. now grab a 1 1/2" socket and see if the crank will turn over by hand. if so, you are good to proceed.
do you know how to drain the fuel system of any gasoline turned varnish? would be a great time to read up on that technique and put it into place.
then, it is time to change the brake pads, bleed the brakes and get some fresh brake fluid in the lines. carefully look for leaks and ascertain that there are none...and that the pedal holds pressure. safety first...please don't attempt to drive this beauty until you are certain you'll be able to stop it.
charge up the battery, get some fresh gasoline in the tank and turn the crank.