Hi everyone! I'm back in the market for a Spider, saw a '74. Car looks clean, but I'm a little nervous about the '74 as I have heard some stories about the timing belt slipping and causing engine damage. At the same time, I like the older bumber style and the 1800 engine. I am mechanically inclined and have performed most mechanical work before (had a '78 Spider). Changing the belt is no big deal; however, I am worried about the engine damage.
SO, I wanted to hear some feedback from you guys on the pros and cons of the '74 model year Spider. Thanks,
Nick
p.s. I don't remember; is the '74 timing belt drive (smog pump) any different than the '78?
1974 spider
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So Cal Mark
the original 74 motor is an interference motor, Fiat suggested changing the timing belt about every 25,000 miles in those days. Only 75-76 models should have the smog pump driven from the exhaust cam. All others should be driven by a v-belt from the crank pulley.
Later 1800s had larger valve reliefs starting in mid 76, and wouldn't bend valves when the belt failed
Later 1800s had larger valve reliefs starting in mid 76, and wouldn't bend valves when the belt failed
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E Prod Racer
When I got my '74 Spider, it had the smog pump driven by the exhaust cam, but it is (was) a Cali/Maryland car with the wierd transition bumpers (blades with big rubber inserts, but not on shock mounts - solid cast mounts...), so maybe the smog wasn't like other '74s.
And that is my point - '74 Spiders are good cars - they are just transition cars. The potential troubles are parts availability of the bumper parts, depending on which style you have, and the electrics. The '74s had the seat belt interlock crap, and about 4-5 extra relays for the belts, control of the fuel pump, and other smog issues. I have never found a reliable schematic for the '74 cars, so I have had to spend hours with a multimeter, and the '76-'79 factory schematic to get the wiring right. I have removed yards and yards of wires, and about 3-4 relays. Most things work, but the fuel guage and horn still elude me. I will get it all right - but first I need to get it on the road.
A LOT of '74 Spiders survive - not sure why. It was the last year for the blade bumpers (kind-of), so you have some styling options. It was fairly easy to use the Abarth bumperettes, and you have no issues with the front parking lights, as they are still body mounted. Also the last of the light chassis, although my Cali/Maryland chassis had some bumper area chassis reinforcements that are significant, and added some weight - also strength, I suppose.
Anybody know where to get a reliable schematic?
And that is my point - '74 Spiders are good cars - they are just transition cars. The potential troubles are parts availability of the bumper parts, depending on which style you have, and the electrics. The '74s had the seat belt interlock crap, and about 4-5 extra relays for the belts, control of the fuel pump, and other smog issues. I have never found a reliable schematic for the '74 cars, so I have had to spend hours with a multimeter, and the '76-'79 factory schematic to get the wiring right. I have removed yards and yards of wires, and about 3-4 relays. Most things work, but the fuel guage and horn still elude me. I will get it all right - but first I need to get it on the road.
A LOT of '74 Spiders survive - not sure why. It was the last year for the blade bumpers (kind-of), so you have some styling options. It was fairly easy to use the Abarth bumperettes, and you have no issues with the front parking lights, as they are still body mounted. Also the last of the light chassis, although my Cali/Maryland chassis had some bumper area chassis reinforcements that are significant, and added some weight - also strength, I suppose.
Anybody know where to get a reliable schematic?
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nickc
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So Cal Mark
sorry, but I don't have any paint info.
As for 74s having cam driven air pumps, it's well documented that most Euro cars of that era didn't have model year changes but running changes. Model year changes were really a North American market thing. To get the correct application for most Fiats requires the vin number, so I would expect that the 74s with cam driven pumps were late 74s. BTW, that cam driven pump is a really bad idea. If the pump locks up, you'll lose the timing belt and that is a disaster on those engines since they are interference engines
As for 74s having cam driven air pumps, it's well documented that most Euro cars of that era didn't have model year changes but running changes. Model year changes were really a North American market thing. To get the correct application for most Fiats requires the vin number, so I would expect that the 74s with cam driven pumps were late 74s. BTW, that cam driven pump is a really bad idea. If the pump locks up, you'll lose the timing belt and that is a disaster on those engines since they are interference engines