Hi from Upstate South Carolina

[bkent]

I have owned a Black 1979 Fiat Spider for two years. I was wandering if there was a mechanic in the area that could change the timing belt for me? I am having a hard time finding a shop that works on Fiats. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[ventura ace]

Where do you live in upstate, SC? I am planning a trip to Clemson in the last week of June -- possibly could walk you through it if you haven't changed it before then.

Alvon

[kilrwail]

Welcome to the forum! There are several members within 100 miles of you who could answer your question. Most of us would change our own, but if you're not enthused about taking it on there must be a competent mechanic nearby who could. Good luck and have fun

[NJFIAT1981]

Welcome to the sight. Lot's of friendly helpful people here. Very good advice. Post photo's if possible. We would love to see your car. George

[rlux4]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. One thing you're going to need to do is get at least a couple of repair manuals for your car. You'll need to find them on the internet, they're not available in stores anymore, but plentiful at places like Ebay, Books4Cars, Amazon and such. I say at least a couple because each one will be good in some areas and not so good in others. Also you should go to http://www.artigue.com/cars.html to download a good wiring diagram for your car. The ones in the manuals are impossible to read.
Good luck.
Ron

[mbouse]

Up State, South Carolina.... sounds like a huge oxymoron to me.... but, sometimes i get easily confused.

The timing belt swap is not a great project for a first time project. I agree that that of all tasks to farm out, this is one of the better choices. Wish i could recommend a mechanic for you; but i am a little to far "UP" to be able to do that.

Take Alvon up on his offer! might be one of the best solutions this time. He's a fair hand at the mechanicals (or so i've heard).

While you are waiting for someone to specifically answer your question, perhaps you could jot down a few facts-n-figgers about your self and your second year experiences as a Fiat Spider owner. and, maybe you could share a picture or two of the car???

welcome to the site.

[mdrburchette]

Welcome to the forum. Which town are you in? You should take Alvon up on his offer. If you're near Charlotte, try Sports Car Authority in Matthews: http://www.prosportscar.com/ContactUs.aspx

When you get that timing belt on, then come up to Winston-Salem the end of June for the Dixie Fiatfest! http://www.flu.org/carolinaflu