I just pulled my car out of the garage for the summer. It hasn't run freely in four years. I pull it out once a summer when I'm cleaning the garage, start it, dream of getting it on the road, and then never do. Finally, I have the time to play.

Today, I was jump starting the car and had turned it over a couple of times. No big deal. It seemed very familiar with the key buzzer sound and slow rotation of the engine. Then during the fourth try, a strange sound came from the hood and everything stopped. I thought I killed a cell in the battery and got a replacement.

I put the new battery on, and it cranks fine and the clock works, but no key buzzer and no starting but plenty of cranking. (I noticed that the fuel gage doesn't register either and I remember that coming to life with the key in.)

Any ideas of where to start would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Sorry this came out long.

If it has sat that long without running you can have several issues. Start by going through the wiring and cleaning all the grounds and connectors and using dielectric grease on the terminals before reattaching. Secondly, drain all the old gas from the tank and replace with fresh (drain the delivery lines and carb as well).

I actually was able to determine that there is no voltage at the coil, so I checked the voltage at the ignition switch and fuse box (A) and nothing. Voltage everywhere else, but not there, so I am thinking that the ignition switch shorted during the last jump/crank event. So I'm going to pull out the switch and see if I can verify this and then get a new ignition switch and start the process again.

Any ideas of a reliable parts supplier?

As for Parts for you car I use IAP (International Auto Parts) there website is www.international-auto.com or call them at 1-800-726-0555. Good luck, I have a 79 also and I love the car and it is a blast to drive. Parts for the car a good to come by, ebay has alot, but for me I like to get new straight from the source, I am stationed in Germany and deal with a company here in country that still supplies body panel and interior parts. Let me know if you want that website to they are strictley Fiat and Alfa's.