🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

124 Spider

Year:

1979

Chassis Code:

FA1

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and do-it-yourself mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information in a convenient digital format for immediate access and effective vehicle maintenance.

Information Source:

Prepares information similar to factory service manuals and owner's manuals.

Learning Methodology:

Step-by-step guidance to teach users what factory-trained technicians know.

Digital Advantage:

Instant download for immediate problem-solving, no waiting for physical delivery.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and Service

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Reassembly

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific factory publication, typically 500+ pages for comprehensive coverage

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder engine, including tuning, disassembly, assembly, and diagnostics.

Fuel System:

Carburetor system (likely Weber DCNF or Solex variants), fuel pump, lines, and tank.

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, spark plugs, wiring, and timing adjustments.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (likely 5-speed), clutch, driveshaft, and differential.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear live axle with coil springs, shock absorbers, and alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, and parking brake.

Steering:

Steering rack and pinion, steering column, and linkages.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, gauges, and accessory circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, frame inspection, door mechanisms, convertible top operation.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, hoses, and water pump.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter (if applicable for the market).

Maintenance:

Regular service checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based problem resolution for various systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation.

Disassembly:

Detailed guides for taking apart major components and sub-assemblies.

Assembly:

Reassembly procedures with torque specifications and correct component placement.

Cleaning:

Instructions for cleaning engine parts, fuel system components, and other mechanical elements.

Reinstalling:

Guidance on refitting serviced or repaired components back into the vehicle.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Capability:

YES

Binding:

Digital Download (PDF), not a physical binding

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1756 cc (1.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

80 mm x 86 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 (typical for US models)

Horsepower:

90-95 HP (SAE Net) @ 5500 RPM (typical for 1.8L US spec)

Torque:

100-105 lb-ft (SAE Net) @ 3500 RPM (typical for 1.8L US spec)

Carburetor:

Typically dual Weber DCNF 40 or similar European carburetors, or Rochester Quadrajet for later US models (manual will cover specific carb type).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, likely 91 RON / 87 AKI or higher).

Ignition Timing:

Details for setting base timing and dynamic timing with vacuum advance.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Type:

3-speed automatic transmission (less common, but available on some models).

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (manual will confirm specific API service classification and viscosity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

approx. 3970 mm (156.3 in)

Width:

approx. 1600 mm (63 in)

Height:

approx. 1230 mm (48.4 in)

Curb Weight:

approx. 970 kg (2138 lbs)

Wheelbase:

approx. 2240 mm (88.2 in)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4 x 98 mm

Tire Size:

Typically 185/70R13 or 195/60R14, depending on trim and market (manual will specify).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Vehicle manufactured before modern rigorous crash testing standards; manual will not contain NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings.

Brakes:

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Manual covers maintenance and adjustment.

Seatbelts:

Lap and shoulder belts (manual will detail adjustment and care).

Rollover Protection:

No integrated rollover protection. Convertible top may offer minimal protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a basic AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette deck optional. Manual covers electrical for these components.

Features:

None by modern standards. Vehicle is designed for driver engagement.

Features:

N/A. No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (manual will provide exact recommendation based on oil type).

Tune Up:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and timing adjustment usually recommended every 10,000-15,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid:

Check level regularly, change every 20,000-30,000 miles (manual will confirm).

Engine Oil:

API SG/SF or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (manual will specify recommended viscosity based on ambient temperature and API classification).

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, P-759 or equivalent.

Rust:

Common rust areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and the convertible top frame.

Carburetor Issues:

Can be sensitive to adjustment, requiring periodic cleaning and tuning, especially with older fuel formulations.

Electrical Gremlins:

Wiring insulation can degrade over time, leading to intermittent electrical faults. Manual is critical for diagnostics.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Fiat is an historic Italian automotive manufacturer, known for its sporting and compact vehicles.

Development:

The 124 Spider was designed by Pininfarina and introduced in 1966 as a successor to the Fiat 850 Spider. The 1979 model represents the later years of the original generation, with updates in styling and engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Italy, and later assembled in the United States by Fiat-USA.

Production Span:

1966-1985 (including the Pininfarina Spider Azzurra and Sport Spider variants).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive press for its styling, handling, and driving dynamics, often compared favorably to contemporaries like the MGB and Triumph TR6.