New to Fiats

[dmpj56]

Hi everyone, I ran across a 1970 124 Sport that was in dry storage for approx. 30 years. I couldn't pass it up since the body and floors are rust free w/ 53k miles. I'm wondering whether I should keep or sell .. currently have more projects then sense

The question I have is what's the value?

[TX82FIAT]

Post some pics, does it run? More than rust free, years and miles is needed to determine a value. Also, the values are highly subjective. A 70 is a great year in theory. If you are an enthusiast, then I would say keep and enjoy brining the car to the condition you want it to be in. If you purchased it to buy and sell making a quick couple bucks this might not be the place. With that said, post some pics and provide some more detail.

[dmpj56]

I know what you mean .. it's a very interesting car. It really doesn't take up too much room.. I 'll put it up for awhile. Maybe a good winter project. the motor does not run, but turns over by hand. has original weber, air cleaner is missing everything else is intact.

If I get it running I would want to change the timing belt before I even put a battery in the car .. are there any procedures for that action on this board?

can you recommend any parts sites?

Thanks, Dave

1957 Chev. Nomad (original MN)
1972 Chev. Corvette (original MN)
1988 Jeep YJ
2001 Jaguar 4.0 S-Type
2000 VW Jetta TDI
2006 Outback
2006 Toyota Sienna AWD
+ several bikes .. MotoGuzi (74 & 78), BMW (80 & 06), 77 Bonneville, 71 Norton 750

[vandor]

If you do a search you will find a lot of info on changing the timing belt. I assume this is a convertible (officially a 124 Sport Spider) and not a Coupe (124 Sport). The Coupes are a lot rarer, as few have survived.

[Exit98]

Fiat Spiders aren't particularly valuable and even less so unrestored.

But a rust free 1970 Spider is a desirable year for those of us interested in these cars.

It is all about the rust first of all, then condition.

If the body is clean and sound and the interior will clean up and you do the timing belt, get it running, change the fluids and put in a battery you might get $3 - 4K. Problem is if it needs a top there's that. And 4 new tires are a given. Then there's the brakes after 30 years. Gas tank will need to be replaced almost definitely if it was parked with gas in it.

Well, you get the idea.

You won't make any money trying to flip Fiat Spiders.

[dmpj56]

I'll do the belt .. if good compression (not sure what that number should be) .. I' ll go thru the fuel system get it running then decide to keep it or Ebay. If bad I may look for a 1600 to drop in.

I am amazed how inexpensive parts are .. Rock Auto looks to be a good source for typical consumables.

[narfire]

If bad I may look for a 1600 to drop in.

I have a 72 that has a 1600 in it. I was eventually going to pull it and strip the car before the rusty thing goes to the crusher. I don't have time to muck with it now but perhaps this winter.

Anywhere near Penticton BC?

[dmpj56]

Wish I was.. I'm ~45 min out of nyc. We're about 3k miles apart.

I may be on the wrong section to ask tech spec questions... but. does anyone know the correct cylinder compression range? 1970 1430cc

[Exit98]

Wish I was.. I'm ~45 min out of nyc. We're about 3k miles apart.

Where abouts?

Bunch of us in NJ

[baltobernie]

does anyone know the correct cylinder compression range? 1970 1430cc

130 or thereabouts would be a good number for a stock motor tested under proper conditions.

[dmpj56]

Thanks for the spec.

I'm in Easton, Connecticut (Fairfield county)

I'm going to make a few calls to see if I can obtain a cam belt locally. Then dive in this weekend.
It's going to be a joy working on this 1.4. I just did the chains and tensioners on my 4.0 Jag V8. not fun!

Do I need to make a tool to lock the cams in place while swapping the belt?

[baltobernie]

... Then dive in this weekend. ...

Search this forum or get a manual before "diving in". Compared to a 4-cam V8, the Spider motor is much easier to work on; but equally unforgiving to improper technique.

ps Did you know that the modern Ferrari V8 is essentially two Fiat Spider motors a la Cosworth, like your Jag?

[vandor]

> but. does anyone know the correct cylinder compression range? 1970 1430cc

A new engine would be 150 psi or more. A good used engine will have 120 psi. A worn but still running engine will have ~100 psi.

If you are in Connecticut you may want to contact Danny at Fun Imported Auto, as he is also in CT and carries a lot of parts:
860-871-1990.

Rockauto does have some parts for Spider, but I would encourage you to also look at the Fiat parts vendors. Not only because I am one, but because often we will have better quality parts sometimes even at a better prices. It is also more likely you will get the correct parts from a Fiat specialist, as they have specific knowledge of Spiders.