🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

124 Spider

Year:

1980

Model Code:

AS

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (BC/BS/AS)

Generation Years:

1978-1985

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Subcompact Sports Car / Roadster

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.

Competitors 1980:

Mazda RX-7, Datsun 280ZX, Triumph TR7, MG Midget

Vehicle Selling Points:

Affordable Italian styling, rear-wheel drive, spirited performance, open-top motoring.

Benefit To Owner:

Enables owners to perform complex repairs and routine maintenance themselves, saving money and maintaining vehicle originality.

Quality Assurance:

Represents the same information used by official Fiat dealers, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full workshop service and repair for the 1980 Fiat 124 Spider

Secondary Coverage:

Includes maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and component-specific repair procedures

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 500+ pages for factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (implied by product description)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete coverage including engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for manual transmission removal, installation, and internal repair.

Drive Shaft:

Service and repair of the drive shaft and universal joints.

Rear Axle:

Coverage of differential, axle shafts, and bearing services.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, including disc/drum component repair, hydraulic system bleeding, and parking brake.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.

Steering:

Steering gear, linkage, and column service and adjustments.

Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical system coverage, including wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, lighting, and instrumentation.

Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, and convertible top operation.

Accessories:

Service for various vehicle accessories.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance tasks, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement, and tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues across all systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components.

Installation:

Procedures for installing and replacing major components.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Specific helper guide for timing belt replacement, a critical maintenance item.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostics:

Includes diagnostic flowcharts and testing procedures for electrical and mechanical systems.

Rebuilds:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent unarchiver)

Accessibility Features:

Zoom in/out functionality

Operating System Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Printability:

Printable (implied by PDF format)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

132 AC

Engine Type:

Inline-4, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement Cc:

1995 cc

Displacement Ci:

121.7 cu in

Horsepower Bhp:

100-105 bhp (approximate, depending on market and specific tune)

Torque Lb Ft:

110-115 lb-ft (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (e.g., Marelli or Bosch)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual

Type:

3-Speed Automatic (less common, often sourced from Chrysler/GM for later models, but typically manual for Italian-built cars of this era)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

3980 mm

Width Mm:

1630 mm

Height Mm:

1250 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

2240 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

970 - 1050 kg (approximate)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era:

N/A (Crash testing standards were less rigorous in the early 1980s)

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, rear drums

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering

Seatbelts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts

Body Structure:

Body-on-frame construction with unitary body shell

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional AM/FM radio with cassette player (typically aftermarket for this era)

Features:

None (Basic mechanical systems).

Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months

Air Filter:

Replace every 12,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 12,000 miles, replace as needed (typically Bosch W8AC or equivalent)

Timing Belt:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years (critical, failure causes catastrophic engine damage)

Engine Oil:

API SG/SF, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate)

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Rear Axle Fluid:

API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 gear oil

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, convertible top frame, rear valance, chassis rails.

Engine Wear:

Timing belt tensioner, valve stem seals, oil leaks from front and rear main seals.

Electrical Quirks:

Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, intermittent gauge function.

Suspension Handling:

Upgraded sway bars, stiffer springs, modern shock absorbers for improved handling.

Brakes:

Larger front brake kits for enhanced stopping power.

📚 Vehicle History

Fiat Heritage:

Fiat, an Italian manufacturer with a long history of producing practical and stylish vehicles, entered the sports car market with the original 124 Sport Spider in the late 1960s.

Evolution Summary:

The 1980 model represents the second generation, which saw styling updates and mechanical refinements, continuing the legacy of the Pininfarina-designed classic. It was produced in Italy until 1982 and then continued under Pininfarina SpA as the 'Pininfarina Spider Azzurra' and later 'Spider Europa' in the US market until 1985.

Manufacturing Location:

Italy (Turin area)

Production Period For This Model Variant:

1978-1982 (as Fiat 124 Spider); continued as Pininfarina Spider until 1985

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Legacy:

The Fiat 124 Spider is considered a classic sports car, praised for its timeless design by Pininfarina and engaging driving experience.

Historical Reception:

Generally well-received for its style and performance for its price point, though early models faced some reliability concerns that were addressed in later iterations.