eyup everyone i got a tipo recently with the intention of selling on but i've had no luck.. So its here for keeps at the moment... Firstly i would like to upgrade parts engine wise.. e.g - new dizzy cap, leads and spark plugs but ive looked on ebay and dont seem to get any luck and it all seems like dodgy stuff so where should i be looking? Im also after some alloys if anyone can point me in the right direction? I know its only minor bits at the moment but i think the car is worth it and it gets me to work everyday etc so i may aswell put a little cash in and make it more than useable. If you know anyone with parts please let me know.. Thanks and will keep you all updated and try to get some pics up of anything i need help with.

Halfords, they do everything you just mentioned at a reasonble price.

I'd raid the Fiat parts bin. There's nothing better than a stealth unassuming car the hits like a lump hammer.

http://youtu.be/Lym1HFfHthg

Fiat Coupe' 16V Turbo's have basically the same engine and can be picked up for next to nothing by the time you've sold the parts you don't use.

Glad to hear you're keeping the car and giving it some attention. They are very enjoyable and have a nice character, and are quite straightforward to look after. Get a Haynes manual!

You can look on this forum for lots of older advice about what to look out for and what generally goes wrong.

Most service items are available from ordinary motor factors but if you must try halfords then give it a go. You can use eBay for more unusual things or good deals on old-stock shockers etc. Overhauling the front suspension (shocks, arms, droplinks..) can really improve the car and is worth checking carefully especially if there are clonks or tyre wear.

Be careful not to get brake or suspension stuff for the Mk 1 Tipos (up to about 1993) since these things were upgraded when they brought out the Mk2. Also during 1994 (M reg) there was a change to the engine and a lot of the ECU, coils, leads etc became "modernised", before that there was a conventional dizzy cap etc. See which engine you've got - the older ones has a traditional dipstick and the newer ones had the flexi-tape kind.

Also... the oil filter changed and the later ones have a metric (M20?) thread instead of the older UNF.

You should check that the cambelt has been changed faiorly recently - shame to wreck a car with an avoidable failure. You could also take off the cylinder head for a decoke and check at the same time as the cambelt - I may do this on mine quite soon.

Good luck..