Historical Significance:
The Fiat 500 'Nuova' is an icon of Italian automotive design and mobility, representing post-war economic recovery and personal freedom. This manual caters to enthusiasts and restorers of this beloved classic.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides a cost-effective and readily accessible alternative to expensive physical manuals, offering the same depth of information for DIY and professional use.
Manual Layout:
Features numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, detailed illustrations, enlarged insets, and clear tables of contents for ease of navigation and understanding.
Diagnostic Support:
Combines troubleshooting with detailed wiring diagrams for efficient electrical system diagnostics.
Engine:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for the Fiat 500's air-cooled twin-cylinder engine.
Transmission:
Coverage of manual gearbox maintenance, repair, and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair procedures with detailed wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering:
Maintenance and repair of front and rear suspension, steering linkage, and components.
Braking System:
Procedures for hydraulic brake system maintenance, adjustment, and component replacement (drum brakes).
Bodywork And Chassis:
Likely includes procedures for body repair, panel replacement, and chassis maintenance.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and inspection of engine cooling fins for debris.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, lubrication, and component checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.
Rebuild And Overhaul:
In-depth instructions for complete engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds.
Adjustment:
Detailed procedures for adjusting carburetor, ignition timing, brakes, clutch, etc.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed steps for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), reassembly, and breaking-in.
Ignition System Repair:
Includes procedures for distributor removal/installation, point gap adjustment, condenser replacement, and ignition timing setting.
Fuel System Repair:
Carburetor cleaning, adjustment, float level setting, and fuel pump maintenance.
Clutch And Transmission Service:
Clutch adjustment, replacement of clutch disc and pressure plate, transmission fluid change, and potential gearbox disassembly/reassembly.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Ball joint, tie rod end, kingpin (if applicable), and bushing replacement procedures.
Wheel Bearing Service:
Front wheel bearing inspection, repacking, and replacement.
Bodywork Care:
Procedures for rust prevention, panel alignment, and minor body repairs.
Interior Trim Service:
Likely includes guidance on removing and refitting interior panels, seats, and dashboard components.
Depth:
Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics, covering advanced diagnostics and rebuilds.
Engine Rebuild Details:
Covers cylinder head removal, valve lapping, piston ring replacement, and crankshaft bearing checks.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting for starting system, charging system (generator), lighting, and instrumentation.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, OHV, 4-stroke, twin-cylinder
Engine Displacement:
499.5 cc (for Nuova 500 and 500 D), 499.5 cc (for 500 F - potentially minor variations)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled via naturally aspirated airflow and cooling fins.
Horsepower:
Approximately 13-17 hp (depending on specific model and tuning).
Torque:
Low, designed for city driving and economy.
Carburetion:
Single Solex (e.g., Solex 24/26/1) or equivalent downdraft carburetor.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage and oil quality.
Tune Up Interval:
Regular checks for ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, and valve clearance recommended every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 API SC/SD classification recommended for air-cooled engines. Consult manual for exact Fiat specifications.
Gearbox Oil Type:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 80W or 85W. Capacity approx. 1.2-1.5 liters.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating suitable for the era, typically 91-93 RON or equivalent).
Common Problems:
Rust in body panels and sills, carburetor tuning issues, ignition system maintenance (points, condenser), cooling fins clogging, oil leaks from crank seals and gaskets.
Electrical Gremlins:
Typical for vehicles of this age; wiring degradation, poor grounds, and switch failures can cause intermittent issues.
Starting Problems:
Can be related to carburetor settings, weak spark, or battery condition.
Fiat Legacy:
Fiat has a long history of producing small, economical, and innovative vehicles, pioneered by Dante Giacosa's designs like the Topolino and the iconic 500.
Fiat 500 Timeline:
The 1964 model falls within the 'Nuova 500' generation, which began in 1957. Key updates leading to 1964 include the introduction of the 500 D (1960) with a slightly larger engine and improved features, and the 500 F (1965), which featured suicide doors. The 1964 model is likely an iteration of the 500 D or an early version of the F with standard doors.
Key Variants 1964:
The 1964 model is likely a 'Nuova 500', possibly transitioning towards or closely resembling the '500 F' which was introduced shortly after, often characterized by the standard-opening doors.
Manufacturing Location:
Primary production in Turin, Italy, with potential licensed production in other countries.
