Hi from Kansas

[offshore]

Hi,

I just bought my first fiat. It is a 1971 Fiat Spider 124. I am the second owner. The original owner pasted away a few years ago and the wife and daughter decided to sell the car. The car was kept in a garage and is in pretty good shape. The body has some minor surface rust and frame looks real good. It could use a paint job and seats re-done. Before the owner passed away he rebuilt the motor, new carb, ignition, and many more new parts to get the car back on the road. Unfortunately, before he had a chance to complete the car and fine turn it he passed away.

Any help or suggesting is welcome.

Kafer

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Kafer.
It would be a good idea to put the car in the air and check the undercarriage. These are unibody cars. The shocks have a structure called shock towers, check for rust. Also at the rear of the tranny where the drive line connects is a rubber "donut" called a flex disc, or Guibo, or... donut, check it for deterioration. If you're not sure when the timing belt was changed, it's recommended that you go ahead and do it. Your engine is what is called "interference", which means if the belt breaks while the engine is running you'll get valve damage. Other than these things, it's pretty much the same as would be found on any other car that had sat for several years.
Good luck,
Ron

[offshore]

Thanks for your reply.

The timing belt was changed when the engine was rebuilt. However, I am having trouble getting the car to start. I drained the old fuel from the tank and fuel lines and put a new fuel filter on. The carb and fuel pump (are new) were put on when the rebuilt took place. I have spark, but the engine will not fire. I am not getting any fuel to the fuel filter from the mech fuel pump. I dribbled a little fuel in the carb and it almost fired up. I am assuming it is the fuel pump.

After all the work on the car it has been sitting for about 3 years. Any thoughts?

Kafer

[htchevyii]

If you have compressed air you could blow backwards thru the fuel line incase it's pluged. If you do and hear bubbles, then you can prime the fuel system by sealing the fuel filler with a rag and blowing inside with a blow gun.

[rlux4]

Or the preferred method when you're out on the road: (taken while out on SoCal Turkey Trot run in 08)



Thanks to Carlos for the fuel system pressurizing demo.

Ron

[mbouse]

Welcome Kafer,

Pictures are appreciated. we need to see your car! we also, love to make fun of our friends... (sincere thanks to Carlos for making my day).