advice

[tomiaccino]

let me bring you all up to date on my 78 Fiat Spider
Rescued from a garage after it sat for seven years
I have had the mechanic replace all fluids, new battery (of course)
Upgraded to electronic ignition
Replaced all fuel lines, removed gas tank and cleaned
Just finishing up all new suspension, (not the springs) turned the rotors and all new brake pads all around
New emergency brake cables
will be checking for any leaks trans and oil pan
ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD LOOK AT BEFORE INTERIOR???

ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS WELCOME!!!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Good work so far. I didn't see this on your list, but replacing the timing belt should be on the top of the list for a car with a relatively unknown history, or that has sat for a while.

Also, since you replaced the brake pads, I assume you or your mechanic bled the brake system to get all the old brake fluid out and replaced with new fluid. If not, that would also be high on the list.

-Bryan

[tomiaccino]

Hi Bryan....
as always thanks for responding
my mechanic did replace the brake fluid
He talked about the timing belt and I will check back with him!
one other thing the engine was rebuilt about 20k miles ago
do you think i should have a compression check done??

[davidbruce]

As Bryan mentioned. I would make the timing belt top priority. If the tensioner was done at the time of the rebuild it will probably pass inspection. But a failed $20 timing belt will really spoil your day and after sitting that long I would not trust it. A compression test will give you a rough idea of the engines state and a baseline for the future. I would look at any other rubber parts. Vacuum lines, engine and transmission mounts. And especially the guibo between transmission and drive shaft.

[Nut124]

+1 on the timing belt. I would consider replacing coolant hoses.

Does the engine run OK? If so, I would run it some before any compression testing.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Dave's and Nut124's suggestions above are good ones, and thanks for the update on the brake fluid. About the only other thought I have at this time is that a compression check is fairly easy to do yourself, so we can walk you through that process if you're interested.

-Bryan

[dinghyguy]

Agree re timing belt, new plugs, new fluids, assuming all rotates freely

I would think about tranny fluid as well but first I would clean the grounds for the electrical and see if all the lights and bulbs etc work properly.

Good luck

[redcars]

I agree with the advice you have been given and would add the rubber donut in the driveshaft. As it is rubber it dies with age and exposure to oils. When it fails it can be very bad for you and/or the car.