1978 FIAT 124 CONVERTIBLE

1978 Fiat 124 Spider Description

This 1978 FIAT 124 convertible is a magnificent example of a fun, affordable Italian sports car. It has been my car for thirty-four years and was cared for with respect. In 2016 this CXXIV (Roman numerals for 124) was made an honorary member of the national Fiat 124 Sport Spider club of Italy. The California personalized plate goes with the car.

The original 1978 owner of this car was William Redmond Bowman, a test pilot/flight instructor stationed at Norton Air Force who lived nearby in Redlands, which is just outside of San Bernardino, California. Mr. Bowman bought the car at Fiat of San Bernardino and kept the car for five years. I purchased the Fiat in 1983 in Southern California. This Fiat has always been a California-owned car.

The car is in very good condition. Over the years, it has received proper service when it was required. For many years my mechanic was a brilliant and trustworthy Italian mechanic named Dario (who is dearly missed). He loved and appreciated fine Italian cars and was working on a Ferrari when we first met.

The car had been an everyday ride and was used for driving to work. The car has never been in a moving accident with another car. Extensive restoration work began in 2005 and it has only been driven very few miles since that date. The car is now being sold because I have a physical disability to my hand that has made driving a stick-shift difficult. I have had thirty-four wonderfully exhilarating years of enjoyment with this car that I will always remember.

Repair and Service History (Since purchase in 1983)

In 1983 the clutch and throw-out bearing were replaced when the transmission was rebuilt. Shortly after this, the differential was rebuilt. A Fiat/Pininfarnia/Alfa dealer did the service.

In 1984 membership in FIAT America car club began and a relationship was formed with club-approved mechanics.

In 1984 there was replacement of upper and lower ball joints/wheel bearings and bushings.

In 1985 the interior heater valve was replaced.

In 1988 the dash was replaced.

In 1990 front and rear bumpers were replaced with perfect looking bumpers bought at a salvage yard. These bumpers, although still looking very nice are no longer concours in appearance.

In 1998 a partial rebuild (and in 2012 a complete rebuild) of the carburetor was performed by Pacific Carburetor. The EGR valve was replaced and a new diverter valve was installed.

In 2001 the radiator was rebuilt by a shop in Santa Monica that works on Ferrari radiators.

In 2002 a small parking impact dent just to the left of the right taillight was professionally repaired.

The valves were adjusted in 2003. At this time an oil seal of the distributer was replaced.

A new Robbins top was installed in 2004.

On July 10, 2009, FIAT S.p.A. Torino, Italy (company headquarters), conveyed their thanks and congratulations on this 1978 Fiat 124 Spider.

In 2009 the car was repainted in a shade of white (1998 Mazda Glacier White) that equaled the look of the now age-darkened original stark white Fiat Bianco.

The original taillights were replaced in early 2013. There is a small amount of tiny pitting on the top chrome

The original (red) seat upholstery was replaced with new white and gray upholstery in 2013.

In 2013 the original clock was replaced with a new VDO unit, installed using the original Fiat clock bezel; also in 2013, a new ignition switch, interior light and cigarette lighter were installed.

In 2015 Iridium sparkplugs were installed.

In 2015 a Bosch Platinum AGM battery was installed.

In October of 2015 a new brake line at the junction of the rear differential was installed. A complete set of new copper/alloy brake lines was purchased from Vick Autosports. The remaining new brake lines are in a strong padded case in the trunk.

In late 2015 the air cleaner was replaced with a new high-flow K&N air cleaner.

April 28, 2017 The Fiat passed the 2017 California smog check without any adjustments needed. It has passed every California smog check since I bought it in 1983.

In early May 2017 new tires and brake pads were installed on all four wheels. Later, new front flex brake lines were installed as well as a new clutch cable and new rubber driveshaft doughnut.

May 25, 2017 the old catalytic converter was replaced with a new high flow C.A.R.B. certified MagnaFlow catalytic converter. The old converter did still function (and the car did pass the recent smog check), but since it was old I thought it was prudent to have it replaced.

On June 9, 2017 the Fiat received and passed an ASC/BAR Certified Mechanic Statement inspection.

On June 22, 2017 a new Facet Gold Flow electronic silent fuel pump was installed. A Mobil 1 oil change with a Mobil 1 filter was also completed.

On June 23 the Fiat received an inspection by the primary mechanic of the car. See: Areas that could use attention:

The Fiat is now in the best shape it has ever been in. It starts and runs wonderfully.

Areas that could use attention:

My very good and trustworthy mechanic for the last 22 years (name and contact available) did an inspection of the Fiat on June 23rd 2017 and, when the car was on a lift, explained to me (and wrote down) areas that need attention. These are:

1) The rubber of the driveshaft pillow block/carrier bearing needs to be replaced. A new driveshaft center support (pillow block/ bearing) have been ordered and will be installed.

2) The flexible brake line from the body to the differential should be replaced. This part has also been ordered.

3) The junction of the metal brake line (at the center of the differential) appears to have a very small leak. This should be done by a mechanic that has the tools and knowledge to work on Fiat metric, double-flare fittings.

4) The A-arm bushings should be replaced. (I have not replaced them because some Fiat owners prefer the soft original rubber bushings and some insist on modern hard polymer bushings. Rubber bushings for both sides are available from Midwest-Bayless and costs $80 for both sets. The front alignment may need to be adjusted after new bushings are installed.

5) The rear end U-joint and pinion bearing appear worn. (This needs to be examined by a mechanic who knows Fiat 124 spiders)

This is the extent of my mechanic’s written list.

Not on his written list is his comment that gaskets to both the oil pan and the transmission bottom plate could be replaced because there is a very small leak in each area. I myself have noticed a drop or two about once a week.

6) The windshield wiper blades are three years old. I have not replaced them because a new owner may prefer the present old style or may want modern hi-tech wipers.

7) The 10-year old cam/timing belt has less than 6,000 miles on it..