another dumb question from a different newbie

[genx75spider]

my 75 spider engine and tranny is out of the car. The engine is in peices, I got it this way. I traded a running 74 vw super bug for it. My wife is still yelling at me. However I think I made a good deal, since I hated the bug and traded straight across for the spider. I dont care since I finally got a spider back after 20 years. And they are hard to come by in Great Falls, Montana. Ok here is my question, I was a bodyman professionally for years and I will not have a problem with the body and paint but the engine is a different story. Can a non-experianced mechanic rebuild the engine by using a shop manual and reinstall the engine and tranny?

[So Cal Mark]

a Competent mechanic could, yes.

[seabeelt]

Did the PO tell you why he took the motor apart in the first place? Did he/she give you any indication if the motor burned oil, needed a valve job, or just planned on doing upgrades? I guess if you start by giving us a good description of what you have, some of us can help in guiding you to putting it back together with a better thatn even chance to minimize having to take it apart again. Good luck!!

[majicwrench]

Wish Great Falls was closer to Libby, I would trade you some body work for some engine work!!! I have been a proffesional mechanic my whole life, even worked in a Fiat dealership once, but am basicly clueless when it comes to bodywork. There is nothing very complicated about your Fiat engine/trans, but if you are not used to engine work you are in for a slow process.  The aftermarket manuals are pretty crummy, but will help you get the job done. I have never seen one, but I would bet a factory manual would be worth the $$$$. You can count on some missing pieces buying a basket case, this board can help you find all the odds and ends.   Being the cheapscape I am, I would be tempted to stick rings and bearing in it, make sure the valves seal, and make it run. A runnin, driving convertable will make your wife quit yellilng at you in a hurry.
I will be over your way this summer, I would love to see what you got!!
Keith Meyers
Libby MT

[ga.spyder]

Once your wife takes a ride in that Spider,memories of the bug will fade away!!Good luck.
Craig

[NJFIAT1981]

Took my wife out to dinner for her first ride in the Fiat last Sat. She didn't last 5 miles before she started talking about completing the restoration and a new paint job. Loves the car. Wanted to know if we could restore the parts car. Gotta love these cars.

[amsiegel]

Seebelt has a good point if you can find out why it was taken apart them you would have a good idea what to do to it. If it was me I would try to see if you can find a working motor. Alot of salvage yards have search services and can probably find an engine out of a car that was wrecked. It would easier to drop a working engine in a car than try to build a broken one back up and put it in the car. Figure out what parts you are going to need to get the engine back to working order and compare it to the price of an engine.

When I was in the army me and a buddy bought a used transmission for my Datsun and put it in the car our sleves and we had no clue on what we where doing. We had alittle assistance from the old guys that ran the tool room on the post DIY repair shop but we most of it ourselves.

[genx75spider]

thanks guys for the help. majic, you are welcome anytime.

[spiderrey]

going way way back. just out of high school, 1979. my spider needed a rebuild. didnt know squat about any cars. no dad around or autoshop. just good ol reliable mom. the only thing i could was take $100.00, buy a book and a spare motor to attempt a rebuild. no problem, followed directions in the book, and i still have fiats

[mdrburchette]

It may be easier to see if you can pick up an assembled engine somewhere to drop into your Spider. Do you have pics of what the PO did? How far did he tear the engine down?