my x1/9

Looks tough! I like the fangs in the "mouth." Did you ever decide what color you're going to paint it?

It is going to stay red, hopefully I can get started on cleaning up the rust & filling holes next week.

So far I've done:

Clutch master & slave (NOT a fun job) $65

Brake master $35

brake hoses $53

pads $40

alternator (replaced with a GM Delco unit - used a universal chrome bracket and hacked stock mount) $45+14

starter (took it out and cleaned all the contacts and regreased the shaft) FREEBIE

front dampers $65each

brake reservoir (made one from a Mitsu Eclipse work) $10

replaced stock Bosch L-Jet with Megasquirt (already has the MS box, spent about $80 on ancillary stuff)

tires $250 mount/life time balance

All this on top of a $800 purchase price.

I did a brake master cylinder on a X1/9 I bought for $75. I swore it was the last time I'd do that job, and since Fiat brake hydraulics need replacement about as often as the timing belt, that meant no more X1/9s for me. A pity, as aside from that horrific FAIL in design, it's a stellar car. Maybe someday I'll get over my fear of that job (or engineer a front trunk mounted replacement) and have another. The only job worse than that is pretty much anything under the hood of a Lancia Beta.

I didn't think the master cylinder replacement was that bad, until I cross threaded a line going into the junction block and had to remove it all again to retap the threads in the block and remove the entire front passenger side brake line to clean the threads on it.

But then again I'm skinny and rather flexible.

In reply to null:

Wow. I don't know if I need to chalk this up to luck, but I replaced the original factory master cylinder at 76581 miles (hey, I'm anal with records). It didn't need another until 214450 miles, which was back in 2003. Now starters, bad luck with those. I'm on #7, no joke.

My car has about 81k on it (I'm not anal w/records ) the starter was a reman until that I pulled the other night. I cleaned the internal switch contacts and it is OK now. We'll see how long.

The believe the brake and clutch masters were both original.

I agree, the master cylinder in an X is about the worst job humanly possible for something with so few pieces. If you're not proficient with the occasional misuse of the English language, not to worry, you'll soon be streaming every four letter word you know with a wonderful flowing grace.

But I do disagree that they fail often. Once replaced with a quality unit, they do last a very long time. The problem is, it seems everyone I buy is need of one, but once replaced, you're done. Seat removal helps, but threading in the lines is still a PITA.

Out of the dozen or so X1/9's I've owned over the years there are two I really miss, my much modified '74 and my old '81 injected car with only 20k miles. Fabulous car.

Funny thing, I found my '74 recently on the web, and much of the information listed for it was not correct. It's funny how info gets distorted as time and owners go by.

It looks like a fun project and does not need to be perfect to be a fun and reliable ride. You are going about it correctly by sorting the driveablity before expensive body work if you intend to keep the car.

Enjoy Ron

Ah, yes, the starter - an annual event in my old '79. IIRC, that was the only year they used Marelli. Never had to fiddle with the MC - but then, I had it only 60000 mi. Adjusting the handbrake, now - that was really fun.

Well, this would be true if you could even still get good quality replacements. I went through 4 clutch masters in 7 years! That is unacceptable in my book. This is the biggest weakness on these cars and most likely, most common reason that people junk one.

Brett Melancon wrote: Well, this would be true if you could even still get good quality replacements. I went through 4 clutch masters in 7 years! That is unacceptable in my book. This is the biggest weakness on these cars and most likely, most common reason that people junk one.

Funny you say this there is a 79 X for sale here in town with, get this:

"79 Fiat Bertone X1/9. " 5 speed, $550.oo as is Excellent project all parts and components are complete, original paint and interior, is been park for a long time I don't know if it runs, needs a clutch cable and battery. if you like to make it look like new, is a good classic ,clear texas title.or Trade

I'm working on a trade for it.

I replaced my heater core, heat is good!

I also replaced the drivers side headlamp motor (mine made crunchy noises and blew fuses) but it would go up and down opposite of the passenger side motor. I had to replace a pair of diodes on the motor itself.

My parts for the idle controller board came in today, so I need to get it built and get a Bosch 3 wire ISV installed.

The crank wheel & sensor stuff should be here this week or next, so I can control ignition.