Throttle linkage to cable conversion

[richardsonta]

Has anyone done a throttle linkage to cable conversion and kept some pics they're willing to share? I'm ordering some parts and I've talked to a couple of people about how it's laid out and what I'll have to fabricate but it sure would be helpful to have a couple of pics.

Thanks,

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Richard, I have done the cable conversion (on both my '69 and '71 spiders), but I don't have any pictures. However, here is basically the main component that you'll need:
https://www.midwest-bayless.com/p-16621 ... renew.aspx

This linkage assembly bolts to 2 studs on the top cover of the intake cam, so if your cam cover doesn't have the studs, then you would need to find that as well. From the one ball joint on this linkage assembly, you run a solid rod to the throttle lever on the carburetor. Then what you need is a throttle cable that has the right connections on each end. The end to the throttle linkage (on top of the cam) should have the right connector for that ball joint, and the other end of the cable needs the connector for the lever on the gas pedal. On my two spiders, I believe I also used the gas pedal and shaft housing from a later model Fiat, possibly even a 131 sedan. It's been so long, I've forgotten.

I know this may be hard to picture and somewhat confusing, but if you want, I can try to walk you through the confusing areas.

-Bryan
PS: Just thought of this: I believe there is a kit to do this conversion, so that may be the easiest route. A little bit of googling on this forum or the Web in general might find you what you need.

[seabeelt]

Depends on the year. To use the Midwest bayless part ( cam mounted hardware. You need a cam cover from a car that used that setup. Or you have to drill and stud some supports for it. Some folks have said they swapped gas pedals from those same year cars to earlier cars to be able to use all of the above. I believe this not to be the case as the wiring harness is in the exact spot where you want the cable to come through the firewall ( on a 71 anyway) . If folks have photos oh how this works I’d love to see them. I modified my 71 gas pedal ( cut one or two pieces off and re-weld one back on at an angle that would work with my waffle manifold. You then need to make a bracket bolted to the waffle to accept the other end is the cable. And last bu not least make a threaded rod of the correct length and bend to hold the adjustable ball sockets on the cam linkage and carbs.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I agree that my "solution" can be difficult, and it might not work on the taller 2L engines as the lever assembly on top of the cam could be hit by the hood when closed.

However, with some ingenuity and the right cam cover, lever assembly (such as in Midwest-Bayless), a linkage rod with ball sockets on either end, a cable & housing, a new gas pedal properly positioned and fixed to the inside firewall in the driver's footwell, it can work. Worked just fine on my '71, although I had to come up with a different solution for my '69 since it has been upgraded to the taller 2L engine. Coincidentally, I was just tweaking this yesterday as the cable would occasionally bind and prevent the throttle shaft on the carb from fully returning to idle. But that's another story.

-Bryan

[seabeelt]

Oh. I’m not saying it’s not worth the work. Just takes some tinkering. Much more fun to drive wit dual carbs lol