1981 Fiat 124

[Vdorsa120685]

Hey everyone!

New to the site and it's so great!! Just picked up my 1981 fiat and have had it for a few weeks. I was able to add a new fuel pump,filter and rebuilt injectors. Finally started up with no issues after being unused for 17 years!! I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were to next steps. What list of things do you think I need to do next? I am new to restoring so now that I know she runs I want her working mechanically correct before hitting the road say next year. Please let me know!

Thanks

[Nut124]

Timing belt would be #1 on my list.

[Vdorsa120685]

Does it require special tools to lock the timing I have the service manual but figured I would ask the bunch

[DustyDave]

That is great that it started right up that’s a good sign that it was probably stored in a good location protected from the elements. Pushing three years into my restore and my spider was parked for about 30 years outside but under a roof. The temperature exposure still did a number on just about everything made a rubber, so seals etc., but my engine was seized as well and I had to rebuild it anyway. I would also change all fluids. If it runs and is safe (ie. Brakes work, etc.), I’d say is up to your taste in what you prefer to restore. Best of luck! David

[Vdorsa120685]

Yes she was in a barn in Indiana no rust and no mouse houses!! The brakes def need dealing so I'll need to address that before touching the road. The interior is super dirty but that's not in the scope right now!! Any pointers would be apperciated the fuel rail rebuild was nutty the injectors didn't want to come out!!

[DustyDave]

Nice on the barn find! I can’t help on fuel rails, my spider is 1978 carbureted . You can search the forum, lot’s of helpful history that has helped me time and again greatly! Again, wishing you the best!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

If you haven't done this already, I would add draining/flushing the gas tank to the list of high priority items. Maybe even take the tank out and get it really cleaned up inside.

-Bryan

[Vdorsa120685]

Yes!! Did that way before starting had flushed the whole fuel system including new pump filter and rebuilt injectors. Shockingly the gas wasn't as bad as I thought but no risking that headache! I am at the part where I know it runs and want to start perfecting the mechanics before working on esthetics

[DustyDave]

I missed the comment about being in Indiana... where in Indiana did you find it? I used to live in Columbus, an hour south of Indianapolis, in the late 1990’s.

[Vdorsa120685]

From a lovely person in south bend!

[Vdorsa120685]

Hello everyone!!
Just changed the oil today after its been sitting for 17 years and it was brown do I have a bad head casket? She's also running ok but noticed the top coolant hoses are not warm after running for a few mins my plan is to flush the coolant system but do we think I have a blockage or a stuck thermostat l? Also noticed the fan doesn't kick in right away.. any thoughts ?

[Vdorsa120685]

Also does anyone know if there is a company that rebuilds the AFM

[tima01864]

The only place I know is Fuel Injection Corp., You should call them and ask for a turn around time.
They lost a technician to COVID-19, Not sure how they are fairing at this time with the AFM servicing.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Hello everyone!!
Just changed the oil today after its been sitting for 17 years and it was brown do I have a bad head casket? She's also running ok but noticed the top coolant hoses are not warm after running for a few mins my plan is to flush the coolant system but do we think I have a blockage or a stuck thermostat l? Also noticed the fan doesn't kick in right away.. any thoughts ?

If it's been sitting for 17 years, there could be a number of things wrong. I'd start with changing the oil and filter, then draining and perhaps flushing the cooling system, and refilling, and then see where you are. My guess is that the cooling system is pretty plugged up with goop after this much time. As for the brown oil, it could be a bad head gasket but I wouldn't assume that yet.

Note that at some point, draining and refilling the transmission and differential is also recommended.

-Bryan

[Vdorsa120685]

Taillight help
Update 2 found a replacement drivers board and cable still no dice just tried installing the new boards I bought from AR and same issue the running light circuit including passenger side marker and plate lights are still not working even with the 2nd cable. Any thoughts I'm going crazy!!!