1974 Fiat Spider 98k Miles - Massachusetts

[kurtisrich]

Hello everyone. I recently bought a 1974 Fiat Spider, white, red interior with 98k miles.
I'm not a mechanic but I know the basics of maintenance.

A few things I noticed were:

-Gasoline Vapor Filter leaks fuel after I shut the car off (May need new one or could be the tubing)
-Coolant reservoir was filthy (black color). Coolant is fine. Will have to clean out reservoir tank.
-Gas tank leaks when full according to the previous owner. Does not leak when it is half full. Will need further inspection on why it leaks. I haven't filled it up to test it yet.
-The car did not startup. I had it towed home after I bought it. I replaced the battery when I got home and it started up like a beauty.
-Will need to adjust the clutch. The car gets jerky when I release the clutch too early and not giving it enough gas on 1st & 2nd gear. I'm not sure if this is how these spiders run. (Maybe someone can shed some info)-
-Instrument panel does not light up. (May need to replace bulb. Please provide any info)
-Cigarette lighter does not work. (Does anyone know where the fuse is located?)
-Minimal to no RUST. Except minor ones on chrome trims and bumpers.

My purchase for this car was $3k.

Please provide any tips and infos. Looking forward to share my adventures with everyone here. Might even start a video on Youtube to document my process.

Photo:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tZZM6r ... sp=sharing

[tima01864]

Welcome, There are a few of us in Mass., What part of the State are you in?

[kurtisrich]

tima, thats awesome. I noticed on your info you're in Wilmington. That's where I work! I live in Quincy but I keep the car at my other house in Lowell. I had it for about a month now and it's currently in the shop getting checked out. Hoping to take it out on the road soon before winter comes.

[tima01864]

Still some days left. A friend told me about Tutto lite at the Lars Anderson Museum in Brookline. October 14th? You would meet some 124's there and a good selection of Italian Automobiles. https://larzanderson.org/lawnevents/tuttolite18/
I got my car home in May, 1983 FI with 113,000 Worked all summer on it. You will find good info here.

[aj81spider]

Welcome aboard. I'm in Chelmsford, right next door to Lowell (and I also have a 1974! - that I'm trying to get running again in time for Tutto Lite.

You should definitely bring it down - there are a few of us in Massachusetts.

[kurtisrich]

Thanks guys! Great to know there are fellow Massachusetts spider owners on here. I will definitely keep that in mind (if the wife doesn't plan anything that weekend). I just hope it will be ready enough to drive all the way down there lol.

[Nanonevol]

Excellent score for $3K! Welcome.

[JohnMc]

Here is a site showing electrical diagram https://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/6 ... MPLETE.pdf
There is a rheostat that has a picture of light in the center of the dashboard. It controls the illumination of the lights for the instrument panels. Note that the lights are very dim - they may actually be working.
Gas tank leaking is not good, as you know. Usual suspects would be one of the many hoses from the top of gas tank leaking or even the large filler hose. Could be tank itself. Not too expensive from suppliers.
On clutch being jerky could be some things like the rubber piece that supports transmission might need replacing, not certain if the rubber donut between the engine and transmission might need looking at, could always be some oil on the flywheel and it needing resurfacting etc. Others probably have better ideas.
Other things to check would be age of tires and spare, age of flexible brake lines (mine had date showing they were over 20 years old and one original), torquing front suspension components, looking at all front end components for age/wear.
Speaking of torque specs - they really seem to vary by year. Be careful what you see online as gospel and also what you see in one of the Chilton's etc.
Also of course, know if the timing belt and timing belt idler have been changed recently. If not really should think of changing or you will trash your engine (at least my 1438 cc is an interference engine).
Enjoyable cars just note they are not fast. Ensure that the suspension is good, brakes are good and tires good.

[kurtisrich]

Thanks JohnMC!