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[timbo57]

Hello to all! Just purchased a 1976 Fiat 124 Spider as a father/son project. My son is 15 years old and he likes the style of the Spider, it is the first time he has shown a major interest in a car. So far we have cleaned the car of its 25 years of dust (yes, it sat that long). After removing the seats and interior, we discovered that it has collected some rust (okay a lot). Much help will be needed with this project. The floor pans and rear seat area will definitely need replacing, everything else looks OK. The 124's are new to me, so we were excited to find a great FIAT web site. Thanks to all who have contributed to this wonderful source of information. It is a benefit to all Fait owners.

Well, we just purchased a 1978 124 Spider for parts (a running engine and alloy wheels) as the engine in the "76" was seized from 25 years of sitting. I removed the head on the "76" and found a handful of crud in each cylinder (complete rebuild required). The "78" engine is free but has not run in 2 years. It also has air conditioning! It looks like a stock installation, but must have been an add-on. Did 1978 Fiats have stock or dealer installed A/C? Any advise to keep it or leave it off? (it will be transplanted from the "78" to the "76") Have not been able to determine if it works (previous owner says it does). Any advise on trying to start an engine that has not been run in 2 years? I usually drain the crank case oil & remove filter and replace with new oil & filter. Drain the antifreeze, flush radiator, and refill. Remove the spark plugs and place marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and let it sit for 3 days to a week, then turn the engine over with out the plugs installed. if all seems to move freely then I will clean the carb & fuel system and try to fire it up. Any other ideas?

[rlux4]

Welcome to the forum Timbo.
The Spider is a great father and son hobby. My son was 16 when I got my 82, and we spent some good times working on it together.
There are replacement floor pans available, or you could go the route Pope is, and make your own metal work.
Be sure to give us some "before" pictures.
Ron

[mbouse]

yeah, Ron is right... lots of pictures, especially if it is a father/son project. that way you can always look back and reflect on the challenges and fun times together.

we like to look at those times too. Misery loves company, ya know?