Valencia in Virginia

[Valencia]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum (and to FIAT), but I just picked up an orange, fairly rust-free '72 for the princely sum of $1000. I also own a '53 MG TD and am just finishing a 1967 Ford F-100 4WD. I'm going to make this a driver for right now, so I'm swapping in an electronic ignition, switching to a dual-weber intake and I'll upgrade the alternator once I'm satisfied the wiring harness is in good shape. Have some Monza-style wheels in the garage so I should be able to transform this one in a weekend or two! Looking forward to the wisdom of the forum!

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find lots of friendly and helpful people here. That is a fantastic find. A true bargain!

[Valencia]

Thanks! Should be a fun project.....

[baltobernie]

Hello and Welcome! If you're in Northern VA, check out DCFiats.org for drives and tech info.

That's a nice-looking car, and probably a good platform for your needs. Since you're already familiar with old vehicle restorations, you know that the safety items are first on the list. Maybe hold off on the dual carbs for now; they are expensive to own, install and maintain ... and although the sound is great, if you've got an otherwise-stock 1608 motor, there's not a lot of extra oomph to be had.

If the PO has not replaced the fuel lines with SAE J30R7 or better hose, now would be a good time for that. While you're back there, relocate the electric fuel pump next to the white two-way emissions valve. Those cube pumps like to push, not pull. Be very careful with the two-way valve; the nipples are very brittle, and the part is NLA.

[Valencia]

Thanks for the tips! Yes the electric pump was actually disconnected, I'm guessing the PO didn't understand how they work (and it was wired straight through the passenger compartment, not very comforting). I've got a dual-carb setup for this (bought an intake on Ebay and had some 40IDFs from another project) , but I need to re-jet the IDFs so it will get a single until I have time to tear the carbs apart in any event.

Thanks for the reference to DCFiats, their website says it is undergoing work and can't take new members, though they did offer a way to email. i've emailed a couple of times but no joy, I'm sure the volunteers are just busy and I''m assuming they will get to me at some point!.

Thanks,

Alan

[baltobernie]

PM me your e-mail address, and I'll make sure the membership guy receives it

[DuganNukem]

Welcome, Valencia!

Great find! That car is in great shape for $1000. I bought my 1972 last Friday for $1000, but it needs a little more work than yours! Not looking to do a full restoration but I think I might keep up with your progress, since we have the same year!

[Valencia]

Welcome, Valencia!

Great find! That car is in great shape for $1000. I bought my 1972 last Friday for $1000, but it needs a little more work than yours! Not looking to do a full restoration but I think I might keep up with your progress, since we have the same year!

Thanks, it's a runner but does need some work, I'll get started in the next couple of week and post up!