Just Joined!

[UpLateAgain]

Hi. My name is Devon Stavrowsky, from Ignacio, Colorado. I use the handle 'UpLateAgain', as that is my handle on any number of other blogs and it's easy for me to remember to log in.

I'm 65, retired law enforcement, and live on a small ranch about 6500 feet up in the Western Slope Rocky Mountains. I'm a shade-tree mechanic with a reasonably well-equipped shop.

I just acquired my first 124. It's an '80 2000 Spyder, carbureted (Weber), with a completely shot rag top (but otherwise not too bad interior) and desperately in need of paint. It has clearly been repainted once. It's got 86,000 miles on it. The engine runs smoothly and stays right at 190 (F), the clutch feels good, and it syncs smoothly into all 5 gears. The body is straight, with almost no rust anywhere. I can hear the throw-out bearing at idle in neutral, and there's something of a high-pitched whine that comes from the transmission in overdrive. I suspect an input shaft bearing...... but we'll see. Brakes are a little spongy, but I'm told that's the nature of 124 brakes, and I'd do well to put Fiat 500 brakes on it. I'll probably do just that. The clock works (though it needs a new crystal - got one on order), and the hazard switch has gone bad. I discovered it when I came out to drive it the other day and the battery was dead. It won't shut off. I unplugged the switch and jumpered across the appropriate terminals so I have turn signals while I work it out. The cost of replacement hazard switches is ridiculous.

Otherwise the car just runs.

My manual doesn't have a wiring diagram.... which would be very helpful in figuring out what to jumper and throw in a toggle switch so I can get hazard lights back while I work out replacing the hazard switch. Anybody know where there's one on line????

In addition to this car, I bought a '78 2000 with 50,000 miles on it for $500.00 to use as a parts car. The body is completely gone (it was left sitting in a field for 8 years), but the tires are brand new (3 months old with no miles on them), and the drive train appears to be in excellent condition. I'll put new timing belt on it before I try to turn it over, but the oil is clean and the previous owner said it ran like a top when parked. With any luck, the hazard switch will turn out to be okay! I haven't brought the car home yet. I'll likely go down to Santa Fe this weekend and get it.

Anyway.... that's my introduction, and I'm glad to be here!

[UpLateAgain]

And joining has paid off already! In my intro I mentioned that I needed a wiring diagram, and after a quick search on the forum, found one! Excellent!

[azruss]

The round hazard switch has a small pin inside that follow a cam track. this pin bends so it wont catch the stop on the track. simple enough to disassemble and straighten. This a temp fix. I took a toothpick and whittled it down so it would jam the pop-up bottom. cut it off flush and painted the end black with a magic marker.

[narfire]

I took a toothpick and whittled it down so it would jam the pop-up bottom. cut it off flush and painted the end black with a magic marker.

Ha, mine has a toothpick lodged in it as well.
Welcome uplateagain.
Wondering if the elevation you are living at will entail different carb settings?
Chris

[Ptoneill]

Welcome to the site! I an still working...hoping to acquire the title of retired LE in several more years....our retirement system leaves a lot to be desired. Good luck with your car this is a great place for info!

[bluespider262]

Welcome to the madness.

You can find your wiring diagram here:

http://www.artigue.com/fiat/

[4uall]

Hello & welcome to the greatest place on earth

Whoo hoo another 1980

[UpLateAgain]

Wondering if the elevation you are living at will entail different carb settings?

Not so far. Car starts right up and seems to have plenty of power. I pulled it off line to go through the wheel bearings and suspension, as I'm getting a bit of rubbing or grinding sound coming from the right front. Could be the brakes too. The hubs aren't getting hot, but the noise is disconcerting. After I get it back on the road and drive it for a while, I'll check the plugs and see if I need to lean 'er out a bit.