NEW 124 COUPE FROM SOUTHBAY LOS ANGELES

[italisti]

Hey everybody! I realize now that I should have joined this a long time ago and my project would have been way less of a headache. See originally I am an ALFA guy. I grew up with Alfas all my life but had a few FIATS in the extended family that was not as well informed about. I am originally from Northern Ohio (AKRON) where most Italian cars rust faster than milk would spoil and disappeared faster than mom's lasagna. As some of you may know, the winter out there can be brutal and that is why I had to migrate south west to So Cal where these cars are still intact and available. So far in the last 5 years I have had my fun with 3 ALFAs and now a 75 FIAT CC Coupe. However this Coupe has been mostly games, and not fun...
I was at the point where I was mostly focused on work out here. Trying to make it in the film industry as many midwesterners do out here. I had no car, barley any money, and took public transportation or ride my bike all over Los Angeles County to the Production set. I made a good Italian pisano in the Alfa community who worked at a West-Side ALFA shop who's Father is an old-school ALFA collector and parts hoarder. His father was the one who originally was on his way to buy this FIAT when I convinced him that he already had too many cars and to leave this one up to me... $600 later, I was driving this Coupe back to my friend's house to start the project. I drove it about 15 miles in horrible LA traffic with 3 brakes locked up and only one working caliper... Smoke pouring out of the wheels which were all connected by only 3 lugs du to improper wheel fitment. Oh and I forgot to mention that the driver's seat was broken so it was fully reclined the entire time I drove. Along the way, I discovered that I didn't have the keys to unlock the doors so when I stopped at the nearest AUTOZONE to buy a battery (after pushing the car into the nearest 76 gas station) I had to figure out how to get back in the car to drive it again... not that it was a problem because the trunk had no key core in it so I could open it with a screwdriver to get the battery out. Needless to say the journey home was a nightmare and ever since, the project has been about 80% struggle and 20% fun.

4 years, 3 jobs, 2 girlfriends, 2garages, 4 roomates, and 6 rental agreements later, here I am, unemployed with my 75 FIAT COUPE sitting under a cover in my driveway. Still tuffin it out through the project!!!
So far I accidentally cracked the front windshield, lost a few of the interior pieces. replaced EVERY BIT of the braking system, got the carb rebuilt, replaced every hose in the car, got a new fuel pump, and did all the other necessary things to the engine to get it running strong. Then after stripping the interior and exterior, sanding it all down, doing some body work, I got it painted... Needless to say I am in love with FIATS now due to all my dedication to the project! Parts are still a challenge, especially when you have a coupe, but I am really hoping to throw some money into the engine very soon! I am really looking into some parts on allisonsautomotive.com. Really interested in a radiator upgrade since my coolant system seems to be leaking from everywhere. Also interested in a thermostat... Not sure if the one that came on my 1800cc was good or not. Drove the car a few nights ago and it seems to run pretty hot... Also confused with some of the relays and electrical.. hopefully you guys on the forum can show me the way to getting another FIAT back on the road, where it belongs!

[Redline]

Looks good. Keep up the good work!

I just put a new stock radiator into my BC Coupe (1608 twin-carb) and it runs rock-steady for temperature, even when running over alpine passes. Perhaps a more exotic solution is only required if you have a big thermal load from a modified motor.

[ital]

Ciao Italisti,

After all the work you have done don’t give up on her. You cracked the windshield, oh boy that is a heart breaker (and for your wallet)

Would be nice to add this to the worldwide owners registry

[Zippy]

Now that's dedication. Keep up the good work. You will soon have a very rare, very fun car to drive.

[italisti]

Thanks for the encouragement!
I can't wait till I can at least have windows in it!

[kmead]

You are definitely dedicated. Keep at it. Bummer about the windshield.

Unless you are doing heavy mods, the factory radiator is up to the job. At the very least you can get it recored, the one Mark sells should be a huge improvement if you decide to go that way.

I would do a search on the thermostat to be sure you have it installed the correct way. It is easy to not point it in the right direction so to speak and not have it work properly.

I miss living out there, its been 18 years since I left LA.Don't miss the traffic.

[italisti]

<P>JUST WANTED TO POST SOME UPDATED PICTURES.<P>
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Great car now. Very happy with everything. Just want to thank everyone on here for their help and encouragement.
EEEEVERYTHING works now! I MEAN EVERYTHING! Its better than it was when it was new. Except with 88k on the clock.
Getting some SERIOUS stairs and turning heads like it was Lamborghini or some other supercar. The sound of it alone demands a lot of attention but surprisingly all the positive kind.. (NO POLICE ENCOUNTERS YET...knock on wood..EVEN WITH CALIFORNIA PLATES IN VIRGINIA)
Already got some serious offers on it that I am entertaining but my friends say I am nuts for thinking about getting rid of it. They say I am nuts and I will never replace it... obviously they underestimate how patzo I am when it comes to the macchina italiano.

[RCSquadraCorse]

A part from the leds on the front part, it looks absolutely amazing! Great job and great coupè!

Riccardo