Fiat 124 Spider, a project car with an accent

[Rupert]

http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=28355.0

My Fiat!

It needs some stuff badly, and a lot of stuff slightly.

I need to install a working alternator, replace a gasket for the thermostat, clean it really good, and then I can start the long list of other stuff. Today I got some retarded wiring un-retarded, pulled the t-stat cover off to get at the gasket, acquainted myself with the engine, figured out which Weber carb I have (35/36 DFAV), got all the parts out of the trunk, and went and got a much better heater for the garage.

Other highlights for the future include a new center console, 3-point seat belts (yay for the roll bar!), gloss-black hood, fixing the wobbly seats, and possibly installing the head from the 1600 engine I have (higher compression because pre-emissions).

[Soup DeVille]

Sounds like a reasonably minor list, I look forward to actually hearing about progress being made.

[Rupert]

Yeah, once it's drivable, I'll rest a lot easier. I can probably make pretty steady progress, so long as I know WTF I'm doing.

Believe it or not, I found ChrisV's old page about his Fiat Spider. I hesitate to call it inspiring, but...

[Eye of the Tiger]

If you want a real Accent, I can get you one.

[Soup DeVille]

Yeah, once it's drivable, I'll rest a lot easier. I can probably make pretty steady progress, so long as I know WTF I'm doing.

Believe it or not, I found ChrisV's old page about his Fiat Spider. I hesitate to call it inspiring, but...

Actually, I should have a book about weber carbs around here somewhere... but where?

[Rupert]

If I have a book on 'em, then I'll feel compelled to do something dumb like rebuild and install the dual IDFs I got with the car.

Bad idea!

[Soup DeVille]

If I have a book on 'em, then I'll feel compelled to do something dumb like rebuild and install the dual IDFs I got with the car.

Bad idea!

My friend, this entire undertaking is an inflammation of the badidea oblongatus.

[Rupert]

No, this is a great idea!

Ha!

Well, I'd at least like to enjoy it some before I render the whole thing undrivable because I "modified" it.

[Payman]

Will a Ford 302 fit?

[ChrisV]

Will a Ford 302 fit?

Not really. The Fiat has a really short engine compartment and the stock 4 cyl barely fits. I saw one with one one time and the firewall was hacked to hell to get the engine to fit far enough back to clear the radiator.

The 2 liter is a great engine and should be perfect for being a fun car. And it has a great soundtrack with the right exhaust.

[cawimmer430]

Do you need spare parts from Europe? There are countless Fiat clubs and fan communities here that know where to get the goodies for this car. Shouldn't be to hard since this car shared many parts with other Fiats from the era.

[Rupert]

Not really. The Fiat has a really short engine compartment and the stock 4 cyl barely fits. I saw one with one one time and the firewall was hacked to hell to get the engine to fit far enough back to clear the radiator.

The 2 liter is a great engine and should be perfect for being a fun car. And it has a great soundtrack with the right exhaust.

No way I'm putting an American V8 into an Italian car, anyway (unless it DeTomaso on the back)!

[Rupert]

Do you need spare parts from Europe? There are countless Fiat clubs and fan communities here that know where to get the goodies for this car. Shouldn't be to hard since this car shared many parts with other Fiats from the era.

Well, I have half a car in my garage that came with the whole car... But I'll keep it in mind!

[Rupert]

What color seat belts should I get? http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/CH300.html

It's only got two-point belts in there. Black is the most likely to succeed looks-wise (black interior), but why not, right?

Also, the hood latch is marginal. Best way to keep a hood closed without trying to find a new latch?

[Rich]

What color seat belts should I get? http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/product/CH300.html

It's only got two-point belts in there. Black is the most likely to succeed looks-wise (black interior), but why not, right?

Also, the hood latch is marginal. Best way to keep a hood closed without trying to find a new latch?

If Powder matched the exterior color exactly, that would be cool. 

... and duct tape!

[cawimmer430]

Well, I have half a car in my garage that came with the whole car... But I'll keep it in mind!

Just contact these guys.

https://www.fiatspider.de/en/ (English language available)

http://www.fiat-spider.de/ (German only)

[Rupert]

If Powder matched the exterior color exactly, that would be cool. 

... and duct tape!

It's pretty close, but I went with black, anyway.

Since the hood latch is only $25, I did that, too. :P

[cawimmer430]

I have to ask. Any chance you're going to buy a classic 1974 Dodge Monaco a a project car sometime?   

[Secret Chimp]

I'm really wondering if this would even be funny in Germany or not. Mike?

[cawimmer430]

I'm really wondering if this would even be funny in Germany or not. Mike?

At a classic car show here, even '70s American landyachts create buzz with their size and style. At one of the last shows I went to there was an early '70s Ford Country Squire wagon - people were crowding around it like crazy checking it out. Put yourself into my position for once. I only saw these things on the movie screen - and they look cool!!! 

[shp4man]

Rupert, congratulations on your new project. Or wallet lightener. Whatever. 

No, seriously, if it's in relatively good condition, it should be a kick in the ass. That whole thing with the alternator "flashing" (WTF?) doesn't sound real good, though. Hope you have a wiring diagram somewhere. 

[Rupert]

Yeah, I have what looks like a good wiring diagram, and the factory workshop manual on the way. I kind of think the PO did something dumb, like didn't disconnect the battery. I'm gonna hook it up and see what happens, I guess.

[Rupert]

I have to ask. Any chance you're going to buy a classic 1974 Dodge Monaco a a project car sometime?   

Goddammit Wimmer, you know we don't think that's funny, so why are you bringing those ridiculous landyachts into my Fiat thread?

[cawimmer430]

Goddammit Wimmer, you know we don't think that's funny, so why are you bringing those ridiculous landyachts into my Fiat thread?

Sorry! 

You know how much I love those things! 

No more '74 Dodge Monaco talk in this thread, I promise!

[Madman]

Back in my old Fiat X-1/9 days, these guys were a lifesaver when it came to finding parts....

http://www.midwest-bayless.com/storefrontprofiles/default.aspx?sfid=208227

[Rupert]

Sorry! 

You know how much I love those things! 

No more '74 Dodge Monaco talk in this thread, I promise!

[Rupert]

Back in my old Fiat X-1/9 days, these guys were a lifesaver when it came to finding parts....

http://www.midwest-bayless.com/storefrontprofiles/default.aspx?sfid=208227

Cool. I also found Vick's, Auto Ricambi, International Auto, and a couple of weird sites designed 15 years ago but with good stuff.

[ChrisV]

I used Bruce's Parts Bin with great success (got parts shipped next day for no extra charge). http://www.fiatparts.com/

[Rupert]

FFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Balls to all this. I found that the floor pans are catastrophically rusted under the seat rails, and the seats are barely held down by a few spots of good metal.  

Not sure what to do at this point. Either replace the floor pans before it's safe to drive, or sell it. I would end up paying $$$ to have a shop do the welding, and I can't weld sheet metal.

[Cookie Monster]

Oh shit! Is that the cause of the wobbly seats?