🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

124 Spider

Year:

1979

Chassis Code:

230A

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Fiat 124 Spider was a popular compact sports car that offered a blend of Italian styling, performance, and affordability, making it a significant player in its segment during the late 1970s.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Datsun 240Z/260Z, Triumph TR6, MG MGB, and Alfa Romeo Spider.

Design Philosophy:

Designed by Pininfarina, known for its elegant and timeless styling, featuring a classic convertible silhouette.

Driving Experience:

Offered a nimble and engaging driving experience, emphasizing handling and driver feedback.

Benefit:

Enables cost-effective maintenance and repair by providing detailed, factory-authorized procedures.

📋 Manual Details

General Sections:

General Info and Maintenance, Table of Contents

Mechanical Sections:

Engine (00-50, 51-100, 101-170), Clutch, Drive Shaft, Rear Axle, Transmission

Chassis Sections:

Brakes, Steering, Suspension

Body Sections:

Body, Accessories

Electrical Sections:

Electrical

Estimated Page Count:

High (Detailed technical manual, likely several hundred pages)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine overhaul, clutch assembly, transmission service, drive shaft components, rear axle repair.

Chassis:

Brake system diagnosis and repair (hydraulic, disc/drum), steering system components, suspension system (front and rear), wheel bearing service.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, ignition system, charging system, lighting, accessories.

Body And Trim:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, convertible top operation, accessory installation.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/wheel cylinder service, steering rack repair, suspension component replacement.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Common problems, symptom identification, diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures.

Specialized Procedures:

Timing belt replacement (highlighted as a helper), convertible top mechanism adjustment, electrical component troubleshooting.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and adjustment of all major vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if properly indexed from original source.

Printability:

Yes (Printable)

Digital Quality:

High-resolution PDF suitable for screen viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

WINDOWS and MAC

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1756 cc (1.75 Liters) - Likely the 1.8L variant for US models of this era.

Horsepower:

Approximately 85-90 hp (SAE Net) for the 1.8L engine in US specification for 1979.

Torque:

Approximately 96-100 lb-ft (SAE Net) for the 1.8L engine.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (likely twin Weber carburetors, e.g., 40 DCNF or equivalent, or possibly a single downdraft for base models).

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Engine Code Family:

Lampredi designed DOHC family (Type 124 AC)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

3-Speed Automatic (less common, but was an option in some markets).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, typically optimized for sporty driving.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3970 mm (156.3 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1620 mm (63.8 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1250 mm (49.2 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2240 mm (88.2 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 990 - 1050 kg (2180 - 2315 lbs) depending on equipment.

Front Track:

Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 inches)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1320 mm (52.0 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era and model in modern formats. Likely did not meet current safety standards.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were not standard or available.

Steering Type:

Recirculating ball steering, non-power assisted as standard.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts.

Rollover Protection:

Minimal structural roll-over protection; often equipped with aftermarket roll bars for enthusiasts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio typically AM/FM. Modern upgrades are common, but the manual covers original wiring.

Gauges:

Standard dashboard instrumentation including tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure, and temperature gauges.

Driver Aids:

None (no driver assistance systems like traction control, stability control, or advanced safety features).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (consult manual for specifics).

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points, and condenser typically checked/replaced every 10,000-15,000 miles.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial procedure; intervals vary, but often around 30,000-50,000 miles. Critical to follow manual recommendations to avoid engine damage.

Engine Oil:

Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact API service classification).

Coolant:

Standard ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. Capacity around 5-6 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid:

Manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4). Automatic transmission fluid (if applicable) would be Type A or Dexron II.

Rust And Corrosion:

Prone to rust, especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans. The manual would cover body repair procedures.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetors require regular adjustment and maintenance for optimal performance and emissions. The manual provides detailed tuning procedures.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older wiring harnesses can degrade; the manual's electrical section is vital for troubleshooting.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Can wear and require lubrication or adjustment; covered in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Fiat, an Italian automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing mass-market and performance vehicles.

Model Introduction:

First introduced in 1966, the 124 Sport Spider evolved through several series (AS, BS, CS, CS1) until its discontinuation in 1985. The 1979 model falls within the CS1 series.

Key Updates By 1979:

By 1979, the model had received updates to its engine (including fuel injection in some markets and displacement increases), suspension tuning, and minor cosmetic changes to meet safety and emissions regulations.

Production Period:

1966-1985

Manufacturing Location:

Turin, Italy, and later in association with Pininfarina.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 1979 model might be scarce in modern databases, the 124 Spider consistently received praise for its styling and driving dynamics from automotive publications of its era.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports and similar publications of the era would have provided reviews on reliability and performance, which can be found in archival sources. The manual itself is a testament to its factory engineering.