New to forum: Kevin and his '71 Spider

[Homegrown]

Hello all:
In 1971, my father purchased a new 1600 Spider Convertible from the dealer in Chicago shortly after I was born. It was the car that I got to occasionally drive my senior year of high school. However, I went off to college and my parents left the country for a period of time so the car languished in an old barn in Iowa. Fast forward from 1980s to 2017 and we've pulled out the Fiat from a barn and dropped off at my house in Minnesota for the winter.

I look forward to making the car road worthy again. The only real damage that I cannot repair is from a rodent chewing a space on the drivers seat and some less-than-perfect paint (pale yellow...ewww). Otherwise things should be solved with some readily available parts. My intention is to get the engine running (clean carb, etc) and then work on the suspension and brakes. I have no idea if the gas tank is good inside or the booster holds pressure. Time will tell.

It will be fun to have a support group as the winter wears on and the project gets underway...
Sincerely,
Kevin

[TX82FIAT]

Good luck. Get a new gas tank. Sounds like it was stored well and rust is not an issue. The biggest issue is rust if there is any. If not....your gonna love it. Welcome aboard.

[Nanonevol]

Welcome! So your Dad bought it as a used car in the 80's, now it's a classic!
Here's how to post photos if needed:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... 12&t=35925

[riverdadd]

change timing belt asap... do not crank a old rotted belt! ask me how I know

[Homegrown]

Hi all:
I should clarify, he bought the car new in 1971. It is a true one-owner car.

Thanks for tip on timing belt. I just did my Audi 2.7 belt, but there are lots of tools (cam lock bar, crank holding pin) for the dual overhead cams on that car. Any special tools needed? I am in search of good DIY resources (pics helpful) to replace the Fiat belt. If you know of any, please share.

Rubber bushings and other parts will also have to be replaced. I can put that 20 ton HB press into service soon.

/K

[RRoller123]

The good news is that you don't need any special tools for the timing belt change, in fact there are almost none needed anywhere in the car.

Just remember that the belt is changed with cylinder #4 TDC on the compression stroke, not #1. Number 4 is the one at the firewall.