1982 Spider 2000 sat in garage 20+ Years

[wabailey]

I have a 1982 Fiat Spider that has been sitting for 20+ years. As far as I know nothing special was done to preserve at the time it was parked. Looking for any information, advice, and opinions on whether its worth getting it going again. I have time and money but not a lot of experience on major rebuilds. Thanks for any ideas the forum may have.

[tima01864]

Welcome, You will find good info here. One question where or what state do you live?

[wabailey]

I’m in southwest Ohio

[spidernut]

It really depends.

At a minimum:
- Drain, flush and clean fuel tank
- Replace all rubber fuel lines
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace fuel injector fuel lines
- Replace timing belt and tensioner bearing
- Replace brake hoses
- Flush brake system
- Replace radiator hoses
- Replace belts
- Flush coolant system
- Change oil
- Inspect brake calipers and pads (replace as necessary)
- Inspect ball joints, suspension bushings, tie rods

That would be enough in most cases to start and drive the car to see what other issues it may have. If the car is generally free of rust and in reasonable condition, it is worth repairing and getting back on the road.

[DieselSpider]

Add grease everything and be sure to top off the idler arm bushings. If there are no grease fitting on the ball joints or tie rod ends get a grease needle so you can get some grease back in them. After all this time the oil and pressure additive/carrier in the grease have separated. Be sure to clean and repack the front wheel bearings too so you do not score the spindles on the first test drive making it so you'll need new spindles. Be sure to put a good quality silicone brake grease on the calipers sliding parts, wedges and such too.