Another update:

I called AutoRicambri and unfortunately they didn't have any insight into a spacer. However, I tried driving the car without shoes on, and it was significantly easier. I run cross country and track for my school, so I'm always wearing thick-soled running shoes, and taking them off made a huge difference. I'd call this issue mostly solved, I just need to take my shoes off every time I drive the car! I think it should be worth it.

However, there a couple small issues I'd like to look into. First of all, the exhaust cam box gasket leaks, and every 20 minutes or so a drop of oil will go onto the headers, and burn off. I can smell it, and it notice it happening more frequently when the engine is at higher RPM's, for example on the highway. I was thinking of installing new cam box and distributor gaskets, but this seems difficult. If it requires removal of the timing belt and distributor, is it just easier to live with the slight leak?

The next one is really strange. The original clock in my car has always worked, but a couple days ago I got in the car and noticed it was still working but spinning backwards. How does something like this happen? It still counts time at the correct pace, but just counter-clockwise. I have no idea how it could do that. Any ideas?

FiatRunner wrote:The next one is really strange. The original clock in my car has always worked, but a couple days ago I got in the car and noticed it was still working but spinning backwards. How does something like this happen? It still counts time at the correct pace, but just counter-clockwise. I have no idea how it could do that. Any ideas?

Well, it just stopped working entirely. I used to be able to hear the gears spinning if it was real quiet, now I can't.

Alright an update with some actual progress:

I finally found an open weekend to replace the steering linkage. In theory, this job really shouldn't be too difficult. Not the case for me. The total time to complete the job was just under 11 hours for me, including two trips to the store. The car fought me every step of the way.

I spent most of the time trying to un-seize the inside joint on the passenger side. I eventually broke down and removed the header and exhaust pipe, in order to get a gear puller on the rod. I had to use some heat too, which I wasn't super happy about, but I made sure that it wasn't an excessive amount. I actually didn't end up replacing the center link, as a through inspection proved that it was fine, but I might replace it soon because I know that all the new parts will easily be removed.

The steering feels much nicer, requires much less effort, but it needs an alignment very badly. I might try to do an at-home alignment before I bring it in to a shop. And tips?

In my efforts to make my car drive as if it was new, I have uncovered another issue.

The throttle linkage seems to have some play/slack in it. Specifically, the small rod with ball and socket joints that connects the pedal and rod that rotates. It is small in diameter and only a few inches long, with a slight bend in the middle, but each of the joints have a slight amount of slack, which multiplies and becomes almost two inches of movement in the accelerator pedal before there is movement at the carburetor.

I've considered purchasing two small rod ends to replace the ball and socket joints, and putting a section of threaded rod in the middle. I am fairly confident that I could get this to work, but if this is a common problem or an easy solution I'd love to know.

My apologies if this is an overly specific or obscure question, but I think fixing it would significantly improve the driving experience.