'81 SPIDER TIMING BELT- To Be or Not To Be

[chastrialer41]

Hi All
Have a question. I have recently purchased my first Spider--1981 FI. It sat covered up inside a mans shop for 14 long years. The owner was a 65 yr old retired Fiat Mechanic. He stated that 14 yrs ago he received the car in his shop with broken timing belt. He then at that time replaced the belt and corrected whatever needed to be corrected, drove it for a week or so then covered it up in the corner of his shop. The sticker on the liscence plate is dated "95". NOW-- I have the car. After 3 months of chasing our tails on electrical issues we finally have her running smoothly.
SO--That being said would you or would you not replace the timing belt. Keep in mind that after replacing the belt 14 yrs ago the car sat idle until now. I have lots other things that the money can be spent on for this car. Ill will do whatever is advisable though. You may post reply or email at calliscrew@hotmail.com.
Thanks.

[manoa matt]

Rubber ages faster than people. Replace it. Its less than $20, good insurance and piece of mind.

[So Cal Mark]

I'd replace it, no question

[ventura ace]

You should crawl under the car and look at the rubber donut in the driveline. Any signs of cracking, and I'd replace it, also. Any other rubber that old should be considered for replacement, like fuel lines, brake lines, radiator hoses, etc. If it feels hard or has signs of cracking, replace it.

A