Recommended Tools, Spare Parts, Books?

[baltobernie]

Good call on the 1/4" socket set, Amsiegel. Use mine all the time. On a similar miniature note, these ignition wrenches are sometimes the only thing that will fit in tight places.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_ ... wrench+set. They make a combination version, as well.

A bronze toothbrush to go with Foster48X grease.

An oil filter wrench, or a giant pair of Chan-L-Locks. Need something with a 4 ½" jaw. Look away, Mike:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=66568 Too flimsy to be used anywhere else, but perfect for the Spider filter.

And a "slab of tinnies" (love those Aussies) Installation Fluid. DAB and Beck's only comes in bottles, but I don't mind!

[wachuko]

Good call on the 1/4" socket set, Amsiegel. Use mine all the time. On a similar miniature note, these ignition wrenches are sometimes the only thing that will fit in tight places.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_ ... wrench+set. They make a combination version, as well.

A bronze toothbrush to go with Foster48X grease.

An oil filter wrench, or a giant pair of Chan-L-Locks. Need something with a 4 ½" jaw. Look away, Mike:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=66568 Too flimsy to be used anywhere else, but perfect for the Spider filter.

And a "slab of tinnies" (love those Aussies) Installation Fluid. DAB and Beck's only comes in bottles, but I don't mind!

I just changed the oil to find out that none of my oil wrenches worked... I will put that on the list. Thank you.

[Foster48x]

Jaime,
Here’s a few more for you.

Tools:
5/16” 8 point socket for the steering box filler plug
Quality set of spring compressors
Good Set of Files
Auto Trim and Molding Tool Set
Thread Locker

Extras that you can never have enough of:
Zip Ties
Heat Shrink
Razor Blades
Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Here are some useful sites to add to the list

Auto Ricambi: http://www.autoricambi.us/
Classic Ricambi: http://classicricambi.com/ (Used to be PerformanceFiat.com)
Shade Tree Enginetrics: http://home.earthlink.net/~fiatdr/shadetree.html
Spiderweb.nl: http://www.globallistics.com/spiderswebgb/main_gb.html

Spiderroadster.com: http://www.spiderroadster.com/index.htm
This is an online copy of the original Fiat Spider Parts List.

Guy Moerenhout Abarth Works Museum:
http://www.abarth-gmr.be/new/parts.php?dzial=FIAT 124 SPIDER ABARTH
If you feel the need to turn your spider into a Abarth replica.

Corujoxx.com: http://www.corujoxx.com/MIWEB3/clubfiat/tecnica.htm
Here you’ll find an outstanding collection of service manuals, owner manuals, troubleshooting guides and tips and tricks. The site is not in English but all of the manuals are.

I thought you might enjoy this also. Send me an email to foster48x@hotmail.com and I’ll send you the 132 page Fiat 124 Parts Catalog as a .pdf.



Rick

[wachuko]

Rick, email sent. I will update the list, good stuff!! Thank you

[Foster48x]

Email sent. Let me know if you don't get the attachments. nibbes123 I sent yours to.
Rick

[Foster48x]

Here's another good download. The FIAT Ricambi Originali Part Manuals. Kind of like the one above but in higher resolution.

Thanks to the original poster "swede" for hosting these.

Main Page for download of both the CS and BS:
http://fiatcenter.com/bbv2/bbBoard.cgi? ... fiat%2Ehtm

Direct Link to the CS:
http://www.detach.se/fiat/fiat-filer/FIAT_CC_CS.pdf

Rick

[wachuko]

Safely stored in my FIAT folder. That doc is priceless! Thank you.

Here's another good download. The FIAT Ricambi Originali Part Manuals. Kind of like the one above but in higher resolution.

Thanks to the original poster "swede" for hosting these.

Main Page for download of both the CS and BS:
http://fiatcenter.com/bbv2/bbBoard.cgi? ... fiat%2Ehtm

Direct Link to the CS:
http://www.detach.se/fiat/fiat-filer/FIAT_CC_CS.pdf

Rick

[wachuko]

A few links added. Thank you everyone for your suggestions!

[wachuko]

Added:

Abarth Squadra Storica forum (lots of cool photos! ) : http://forum.abarth-gmr.be/

[wachuko]

No more scratching the paint when removing something... inexpensive enough, but great when needed... got them from Harbor Freight. Nylon Pry bars.

[DoctorPDR]

Folks,

I want to make sure I have all the necessary tools for working these cars. Anything else you would recommend that is not listed here? Looking for those specialty tools for the Fiat Spider. I have a good selection of sockets (deep, thin, 6/12 point, swivel, etc.), extensions, extension magnets, mirror, shop lights, even those safety glasses with LEDs (these are great!), a Motive Bleeder (best 60.00 I have spent), hex head wrenches, long nose pliers of all kind, multimeter, battery charger and battery tender, normal calipers and a brake/rotor caliper, impact stuff (drill, drivers, etc.), pullers, flare nut wrenches (can't work the brakes without a good set of these...), etc.

From looking here at a few post I have on the list (for example: Tool recommendation ):
A 12mm allen wrench I thought I had one... turns out I had up to 10mm and then jumped to 17mm - Update: Got it!
Ball joint separator tool Update: Got it!
FIAT Valve Adjustment Tool Update: Got it!
Depending on what I get, if carbureted, a Synchrometer
Clutch Alignment Tool (inexpensive enough that it should be in the tool box) Update: Got it!
What Dial Gauge setup are you guys using when doing the valves? Or feeler gauges are fine?
Micrometer (c-clamp type) to measure valve shims
Ignition wrenches are sometimes the only thing that will fit in tight places. They make a combination version, as well.
Bronze toothbrushes.
An oil filter wrench, or a giant pair of Chan-L-Locks. Need something with a 4 ½" jaw. Look away, Mike:
Locking Oil Filter Wrench Too flimsy to be used anywhere else, but perfect for the Spider filter.
5/16” 8 point socket for the steering box filler plug
Quality set of spring compressors
Good Set of Files
Auto Trim and Molding Tool Set
Thread Locker
Set of nylon pry bars for when needing to remove something without leaving a scratch or a mark...



Also, as far as spare parts or common wear items? Anything else I should add?
As a norm, when I buy a car, I just change all the hoses, belts and do a tune up (oil, filter, plugs, etc.). Just so that I know it was done and when.
What else should I add to the list?:
Cooling system hoses
Timing belt, tensioner
Alternator belt
Tune up kit (distributor cap, rotor, sparkplugs, filters (air, oil, and fuel) )
Brake pads, rotors, lines
Valve cover gaskets
Universal joints for the drive shaft? How often do those go?
Clutch cable
Box of assorted valve shims Update: Ordered
Dielectric Grease is a must for all of your electrical needs

What about must have books recommendations?
Workshop manual - Update: Ordered from IAP, but temporarily out of stock. I downloaded a pdf version of it but I always like to have the paper version next to me when working the cars. Easier than looking at a laptop...

Also keeping a list of useful sites:
This site, of course: http://www.fiatspider.com
Allisons Automotive (Mark's) site: http://allisonsautomotive.com/
IAP: http://www.international-auto.com/index.cfm/sc/29021
Vick Auto: http://www.vickauto.com/cgi-bin/store/index.html
Auto Ricambi: http://www.autoricambi.us/
Classic Ricambi: http://www.classicricambi.com/
Shade Tree Enginetrics: http://home.earthlink.net/~fiatdr/shadetree.html
Spidersweb.nl: http://www.globallistics.com/spiderswebgb/main_gb.html
Spider Roadster: http://www.spiderroadster.com/index.htm
Arbarth Works Museum: http://www.abarth-gmr.be/new/index.php
Mirafiori: http://mirafiori.com/ Their frequently asked questions has a lot of good articles: http://mirafiori.com/faq/faqtable.html
Fiat-Lancia Unlimited site: http://fiatlanciaunlimited.org/
Spider Center: http://www.spidercenter.com/
Registro Nazionale FIAT: http://www.fiat124spider.it/index.asp
Guy Croft: http://www.guy-croft.com/index.php
Abarth Squadra Storica forum (lots of cool photos! ) : http://forum.abarth-gmr.be/
Owner's manual available for download from here:http://www.my-spider.de/Owner_s_Manual.pdf
Corujoxx (se habla español ): http://www.corujoxx.com/MIWEB3/clubfiat/tecnica.htm
Bosch L-Jetronic Injection Manual: http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/BOSCH ... Manual.pdf
Bosch guide to relays: http://www.dlcparts.com/images/BoschGuide.pdf

Man, and I thought I was anal. I need to go and take a nap now.

[wachuko]

From another thread on removing the transmission...

I'd suggest anyone tackling this job should invest in a set of locking extensions. These hold the socket on and make hard-to-reach bolts much easier to deal with

Learn something new every day... I was not aware those existed!

[wachuko]

This write up is for an Alfa but is 99% applicable to our cars and goes well beyond Bradley's excellent write up. http://www.hiperformancestore.com/Ljetronic.htm I recommend any FI car owner read it!

Also, I created an excel file for all of the inputs to and from the combination relay listing wire colors, relay contact, and function of each wire. If anyone wants a copy just email me at jlklein@energysolutions.com

[wachuko]

If you guys have not seen it, check it out:

Bradley Artigue Site - http://artigue.com/?page_id=3

Thank you Frank for letting me know about that site. Good information.

Jaime

[wachuko]

I have to say... best 19.00 I have spent...