New in Napa

[NickDedier]

I just bought my friends 79 Fiat 2000 Spider Automatic
The frame has a kink in it on the left side (small and very minor as it was "salvaged") but other than that it needs some love and attention and it will be a great specimin.

I am not a mechanic and I am ashamed that I do not even know how to check the oil in most cars... however with a book and some tools I could rebuild an aircraft carrier.

Does anyone have any good trouble shooting or specs books that I should look up?

You'll see me on here a lot... Looking how to get rid of a gas smell, looking how to tighten up the gear lever, looking how to change the lightbulbs, looking how to tighten up the door a bit... all things fiat... It's like having a baby that you didn't plan on.

[So Cal Mark]

welcome, and congrats on the new car. As for books, you'll find that gathering as many sources of info is important. Haynes, Clymer, Chilton and Brooklands all published repair guides as well as the factory manual. The factory book is available as a reprint from the vendors and I think Haynes is the only one still available new. The others you can find on Amazon or ebay. Of course, you can always use the search function on this forum to research problems and fixes.
Since you got the car from a friend, can he give you background on maintenance history? Knowing how old the timing belt, fluids, hoses, belts and driveshaft coupler are will give you a starting point for service

[rlux4]

Welcome Nick.
These cars are considered sexy, I guess yours is also kinky, huh?
Besides the repair manuals you'll also need a wiring diagram which you'll find available for free download at Brad Artigue's site: http://www.artigue.com/fiat/index.html
His site is down for updates until sometime in January, but the diagrams for your car are here:
http://www.artigue.com/fiat/pubs/Wiring_1979_1980.pdf
Good luck,
Ron

[kristoj]

Welcome to the site. I would definitely attack the gas smell first as it could indicate cracked or rotted fuel hoses. Many a Spider have gone up in flames when a fuel hose lets go.

[mbouse]

welcome to the site. not many automatics in this group. it will be interesting to converse with you.

post some pictures as soon as you can

[AquinoFR]

Welcome Nick,

There is a really nice guy named Kelley that has a shop in Napa that is called Wine Country Motors. He can give you some pointers and if you ever need work done then hes the man to go to. He also has a Fiat Spider. I live in Santa Rosa so if your ever in this neck of the woods let me know....

John

[NickDedier]

Thanks Everyone.

I am getting to the hoses this week some time. I'll keep everyone up to date