New guy from the midwest

[johnsje6]

Just bought a 1974 124 Spider project car, only 55k miles but collision damage on the right rear and has been sitting a few years. Have it up on jackstands in the garage for a winter project. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips about changing the timing belt, at first glance, I didn't see marks on the timing pulleys and was wondering if you could carefully change it without having to go through the long process of timing? I saw there is a Fiat tool that apparently immobilizes the camshafts so you can change the belt without moving them?
Also, what manual do you recommend and where can I find one? I have a Haynes manual but it leaves a lot to be desired. Looks like a lot of good people on this forum and I am looking forward to exchanging info with you!

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

And here is another picture-posting thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084


Pete

[Exit98]

First of all welcome, you'll probably be spending a lot of time here. 74's still have the nice bumpers. We like pics.

On this forum "SEARCH" is your friend. I put in "timing belt" and 106 pages came up. Someone did a step by step guide but I haven't found it yet. It's here somewhere.

Here is a funny string about the "timing tool" you mentioned:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... lt#p170959

Here's the Haynes manual I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Fiat-Sport-1968-t ... iat+spider

And this one is popular too:

http://www.amazon.com/Fiat-124-Coupe-Sp ... iat+spider

Good Luck. Keep posting.

[vandor]

The campullies should have holes in them to line them up either to the pointer that is in front of them, or marks cast into the cam towers right behind them.
The auxiliary shaft should point to approx 1 o'clock position. I hope you have the timing belt cover, because it has the marks for the crankshaft.

[johnsje6]

Here is the photo of the forlorn Spider waiting for a new home, asking price was $800, got it for $500. Was the project car for a body shop owner, but sat outside for years. Has collision damage on the right rear, trunk and right door, as well as a little on the right front. I can handle the mechanical work and clean up rust on the underside but am going to let the body shop do the cosmetic stuff.




Getting ready to replace the master cylinder and a lot of fuel and vacuum lines - what is the button on the right side of the phot o for?

[vandor]

The button is to activate the fast idle for emissions purposes.
You can cap and get rid of ALL the vacuum lines and switches. You only need the one going to the booster and the air cleaner.