Positioning:
Essential resource for owners and enthusiasts of the iconic Fiat 500 (Nuova 500) for self-maintenance and repair.
Advantage:
Provides detailed, often hard-to-find technical information specifically for the 1964 model year, empowering independent repair.
Empowerment:
Enables users to perform a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks independently, saving costs and ensuring quality.
Knowledge Transfer:
Shares expert knowledge and insider tips for understanding and servicing the vehicle's intricacies.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, troubleshooting, disassembly, assembly, tuning
Transmission:
Gearbox removal, repair, clutch, synchromesh, differential
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, drums, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, adjustments
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, generator, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, geometry
Steering:
Steering box, linkage, adjustment, troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Solex 26/30 CB-SA), fuel pump, tank, lines
Cooling System:
Air-cooled engine, fan, shrouding
Chassis Body:
Body shell, doors, windows, seats, exterior trim
Emission Control:
Early emission controls, if applicable for the era/region
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoration and renovation tasks
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Configuration:
Inline 2-cylinder, Air-cooled, OHV
Displacement:
479 cc (29.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
67.0 mm x 70.0 mm (2.64 in x 2.76 in)
Compression Ratio:
7.0:1 (approx.)
Horsepower Net:
17 hp (13 kW) at 4,000 rpm
Torque Net:
28 Nm (21 lb-ft) at 3,200 rpm (approx.)
Carburetor Type:
Solex 26/30 CB-SA (single barrel)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (recommendation for modern use: 90-92 octane)
Type:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs
Oil Capacity:
2.5 Liters (2.6 US Quarts)
Cooling Method:
Forced air cooling via fan and shrouding
Gears:
4-speed forward, 1-reverse (often non-synchromesh on 1st gear)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Differential Type:
Open differential, integrated with transaxle
Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 SAE 80W (or equivalent)
Crash Test Era:
Pre-dates modern crash testing standards. Designed for a different era of road safety.
Braking System:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Body Structure:
Monocoque chassis construction. Limited passive safety features by modern standards.
Seat Belts:
Not standard equipment in 1964; aftermarket installation is common.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (2,000-3,000 miles) or annually.
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of chassis points (suspension, steering) as per manual recommendations, often every oil change.
Spark Plugs:
Check and gap every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), replace as needed.
Ignition Timing:
Check and adjust as needed, typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature and manufacturer recommendation for the era). Modern equivalents like 15W-40 can be suitable.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Coolant:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine).
Grease:
Lithium-based chassis grease.
Engine Reliability:
Small displacement engine requires diligent maintenance. Overheating can be an issue if cooling fins are dirty or fan belt is loose.
Transmission Wear:
Synchromesh wear, especially on earlier models, can lead to difficult shifting. Clutch wear is also common.
Body Corrosion:
Prone to rust in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans due to age and materials used.
Electrical Problems:
Wiring can degrade over time; poor grounding and corroded connections are common.
Fiat Heritage:
Fiat, an Italian manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1899, is renowned for producing affordable and popular small cars.
500 Evolution:
The 'Nuova 500' (New 500) launched in 1957 was a reimagining of the earlier 'Topolino'. The 1964 model represents an evolution of this iconic design, with various minor updates and improvements.
Production Period:
1957-1975 (Nuova 500 generation)
Key Milestones:
The 1960s saw the introduction of more powerful engines and variations like the D, F, and L models, with the 1964 model being part of this period.
