1978 Fiat X 1/9

X 1/9 Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

128AS0090567

Gasoline

This one owner 1978 Fiat X 1/9 is in need of someone who has the time to give it the tender loving care that it needs and deserves. I took delivery of this car on July 5, 1978 when it had less than 40 miles on it. It served faithfully, first as an only car, then a daily commuter and for the past few years a good weather fun car, for over 32 years until it broke an axle shaft. After replacing the shaft my mechanic determined that there is some problem with the transmission (it has some odd problems in reverse) that likely led to the broken shaft. He recommends that the transmission be replaced or rebuilt. One of the CV boots needs replacement also. For the past several years I have been collecting bits and pieces with the aim of doing a refurbishment and update of the car, but I just don't have the time or the garage space to do that and so I have decided to part with it. Hopefully there is someone out there who will make the effort to put this wonderful car back into tip-top shape. Or at least use it as parts to repair and update another survivor. About the time she hit 100,000 miles in 2002 I had the following work done: A little bit of suspension preventative maintenance was done. Replaced tie-rods and some control arms. New clutch and timing belt. It's due for a timing belt now. Since Washington no longer required it to be emissions tested we removed the emissions controls. All the removed parts have been saved. Installed an electronic iginition from a later model X 1/9. Replaced the air cleaner with a Bayless air cleaner. The removal of the emissions controls and addition of the electronic ignition gave it a bit of a power boost. It used to "ping" sometimes going up hills but not anymore. And that's using 87 octane unleaded when the car originally ran on 91 octane leaded fuel.And the new air cleaner gives it a bit of a "throaty" voice. The body is in good shape with the exception of:: A rust spot at the base of the windshield. About 15-20 years ago I cleaned up and filled a hole about the sixe of a nickel that had formed here. You can see from the photo thar it needs some attention. This is the only body rust I am aware of. A small dent about the size of a quarter that I filled and primed. A nice dent in the rear left quarter courtesy of a jerk in a Jaguar who wasn't watching while backing up in a parking lot. Paint. Well, it's a 32 year old car with the original point. It's faded and lots of little bits where it's beenn chipped away near the door locks and door edges. Check out the photos. The driver's seat has a lot of stitching coming undone. The passenger seat is ok. There are pictures. Rather than remove the passenger seat cover I just lifted it up so you can see that it's much better than the driver seat. Door panels, especially the driver side are a bit tatty and dirty. I've also collected the following bits and pieces for the planned refurbishment: Brand new front and rear anti-sway bars. Brand new interior carpets Used carpet for the front luggage compartment. A used headliner for the removable hardtop. A second radiator fan. All X 1/9s have the bracket for mounting a second fan but only air conditioned cars had the fan installed. Adding a second fan and installing a low temp fan thermostat will eliminate the tendency to run hot in hot weather. I bought a low temp thermostat but I'm not sure if it's with the other parts and so might not be included with the sale. New replacement muffler. It doesn't need one but spares are getting harder to find. A used radiator. The radiator was replaced (with a used one) about 15 years ago so this is "just in case". A 10 disc CD changer that goes with the CD/Cassette player I got a few years ago. A new radio antennae to mount in the rear like the later models had. A new set of replacement seat belts. Miscellaneous parts:Set of latches for the top, weather stripping for around the doors, wiper blades, new side mirrors, Abarth logo vales stem caps, etc... Although the car does run (the engine is just fine) and will move under its own power it should be towed or trailered. All of the collected parts should fit inside the car for shipment. If anything doesn't I'll take care of shipping it separately if you're not local.