Just Starting Off

[Fab124]

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since i’ve been on here. The last time i still hadn’t found a Fiat to buy. I finally found one a 1969 Fiat Spider 124. Comes from the US and there’s a lot of work to do.
The good thing is, it actually runs! However, i would like to restore the engine as well. So I’m looking to do a full restoration. I’m gonna try to do some of the work myself.

There is rust and holes caused by rust, but it’s not in that bad of a shape. At least i don’t think so lol. For that i will probably take somewhere. Anyone know a good place to take it to in Montreal or Laval?
Any pointers or advice from the experts on this site? What to do first or what not to do?
Let me know

Thanks guys
Fab


Does anyone know how to attach a pic?

[124JOE]

DO a search on "how to post pictures

[KevAndAndi]

Do you know when the timing belt was last changed? If not, that's a good place to start.

[AriK]

Welcome back Fab! Would like to check out your car, i'm in the neighborhood.

[Fab124]

Hey Ari,

You live in Laval? You can swing by anytime - let me know when you're free and il'l message you my address

Regarding the timing belt...i'm not sure when that was changed however, i was actually thinking of removing the engine and tranny, then completely stripping the interior. i want to get the car completely restored. clean up the rust patch the holes, apply POR 15 to the floor etc etc. lots of work, i'm gonna attempt to do on my own lol not sure how i'll patch the holes as i never welded sheet metal before but am willing to give it a try.

i'll post the pics soon

Fab

[wizard124]

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20987

Fab,
I, too, bought a runner. That was just over 2 years ago and over $10k ago. Mine had nearly no rust issues, a motor I have not touched internally, and I have done almost all the work except paint/body and initial smog compliance.

Go through my thread to see what you are in store for. I've had a blast doing this and can see the end. You're time, cost and commitment will be greater. Be prepared:$

[baltobernie]

Hello, Fab. It's exciting to hear of another "ground-up" restoration. Before you get started, I'd suggest you do a Search on this forum for "shock tower rust" and similar phrases. Make sure you have this important part of your car structurally sound before embarking on your project. Rust in these areas is not necessarily fatal, but quite expensive to fix. It often hides behind undercoating, so inspect carefully. Also lift the car a few inches off the ground with a floor jack placed on the pinch weld near the middle of the car, and look for sagging along the rocker. Perform similar inspections at the four jacking points.

[RRoller123]

And check the cross member, that passes under the engine laterally, very carefully too, for cracks, etc.

[AriK]

Hey Fab,
 I was pretty impressed with seeing your car the other night.  Although you have your work cut out for you i was surprised at how complete it was, right down to the minor details like intact bumper lights and hood light switch. Car starts, the doors open & close with ease,(no door or door post cracks) and your floorboards unrusted nor perforated anywhere, no evidence of previous patchwork, but you'll need new rocker trim ( inner & outer rocker panels look solid from what i could feel), and rear fender arch restoration.  Lower front fender perforation can be repaired with available sections.  Rubber donut (flex disk or guibo) looked okay considering the tight space i had to squeeze under to see it, (these early cars are definetely lower profile) but get a better look at it when it's up in the air. Also new roof is on hand ready for installation!  Timing belt replace is a must as we saw a nic exposed. Do tensioner, water pump, fan belt, rad hoses, cams & crank seals, thermostat while you're in there, this way that area is accounted for (for the next 7 years).
We  need to get this winter over with and you need to get this car to a shop and get it up on a lift in order to check out shock towers, cross-member etc.  I'm not worried.  It seems like this car was taken care of other in than the aesthetics department.  It has evidence of only one paint job in its life.  The only area that concerns me is the perforation on the inner fender next to the master cylinder.  You'll have to post a pic and ask our helpful members as to what's the best way to go about that.  Fender r/r is tedious on these cars and requires perfect aligning and welding.
It was a wise move on your part.  There's still much work.   All's good considering your motivation does not deplete.  Projects are as stressfull or as fun as you make them to be.

 Here are some links that would be interesting in your case. 

A very helpful buyer's guide:

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html

Wolf Steel located east of Montreal, take a drive, no need to pay for shipping:

http://alfaparts.net/fiatspider.html

Advice on front fender repair:

http://archive.mirafiori.com/show.php?fid=2&msg=13046

Good thread on timing belt and guibo info:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18796

Restoration vs refurbishment and what level resto are you ready for:

http://odanielresto.com/restoration-inf ... estoration

Good info to have on hand:

good Fiat mecanics:
 
In Montreal,  Garage Vince, 8554 10e av H1Z 3B6, (514) 593-4951
In St. Eustache, Garage Rado (Daniel) -francophone only- 
                           588 Ch de la Riviere Nord J7R 7E3
Daniel also claims he does resto work over winter, in another area of his shop, i'm not familiar with his resto quality, i only know he's a good mecanic.

Parts if you're in a hurry (if you need a part the same day)
Remo, 8960 Metropolitan E. Anjou, H1K 5A4
He used to restore these cars, has lots of parts

Plaza Auto Parts 690 Cure Labelle Chomedey, Laval H7W 2E9, he's not a Fiat Parts store but his computer can cross-reference replaceable maintenance items.

Then there's autoricambi.us Csaba who is also on this forum knows his stuff on these cars and is very helpful

...as are the members of this forum. Keep reading, you learn something new everyday.

Ari

[Fab124]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your help. I'm sure i'll have a lot more questions in the near future.

Ari, It was really nice of you to swing by and take a look at my car. Thanks again for all the info this really helps. Right now just waiting for winter to pass - come spring the resto begins.

I got in contact with a company here that can soda blast the car for $1000 apparentely sandblasting can promote rust as it contains salt when it shatters... or something like that. I will still look around for better prices.

thanks
Fab