1978 Fiat Spider & Air Conditioning

[timbo57]

Just purchased a 1978 124 Spider for parts (a running engine and alloy wheels) as the engine in the "76" was seized from 25 years of sitting. I removed the head on the "76" and found a handful of crud in each cylinder (complete rebuild required). The "78" engine is free but has not run in 2 years. It also has air conditioning! It looks like a stock installation, but must have been an add-on. Did 1978 Fiats have stock or dealer installed A/C? Any advise to keep it or leave it off? (it will be transplanted from the "78" to the "76") Have not been able to determine if it works (previous owner says it does). Any advise on trying to start an engine that has not been run in 2 years? I usually drain the crank case oil & remove filter and replace with new oil & filter. Drain the antifreeze, flush radiator, and refill. Remove the spark plugs and place marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and let it sit for 3 days to a week, then turn the engine over with out the plugs installed. if all seems to move freely then I will clean the carb & fuel system and try to fire it up. Any other ideas?

[So Cal Mark]

those are good procedures, I also like to add either atf or marvel down the carb so that the valve stems get oiled. AC was dealer installed

[mbouse]

sounds like a fun project. also, sounds like you've got the start up procedure down pat... except have your battery fully charged. i promise several moments of anxious cranking before the engine takes the bait and catches. nothing more frustrating than to think you've put everything in order...just to have the battery die right before the engine catches.