Looking to Purchase 2000 Veloce 72 model

[alfa2000]

Hi all.
Im interested in buying a 1972  2000 GT  Veloce  from Victoria. This will be my first 2000 purchased however I have admired them for many years. As I'm new to this forum I'm not sure if you allow links to vehicles being sold and ask for feedback from members on cars being sold. As such I have the following queries and any feedback would be greatly appreciated:

1. What are the areas I need to look for when purchasing a 2000 Veloce
2. Any reputable alfa mechanics in the melbourne bayside area who would be able to do an inspection on the vehicle.
3. Are 200 GT Veloce parts easily accessible

Thanks

[Paul Byrne]

1. Body condition; get a good body and you will have no major problems. Rust and badly repaired accident damage are the issues, and expensive to fix. Obviously look at all the suspect areas, especially the floor -look under the carpet- and particularly the front footwells. Check sills, door bottoms, around screens, bootlid edge etc. Also check boot floor and particularly around fuel tank mounting, check the tank's mounting flange as well. Check steering box mounting by moving steering wheel while seeing if steering box moves at all. If it does then the body structure it is mounted to is cracking. This can be fixed but best to avoid. Doors should close reasonably well but mediocre fit is fairly normal.
Mechanically; nothing to fear. Low oil pressure (less than say 30 psi at 3000 rpm), oil smoke on acceleration etc probably indicates tired donk but it will go for years while you gather up the piston/ liner set ( (less that $1000) and bearings to make it new again. Oil in water or the other way round probably point to the head gasket, and replacement is straightforward. Water pumps appear to have a limited life but replacements are not expensive and it's a straightforward job. Gearbox is bulletproof except you may find poor synchro action on 1st to 2nd shift. Easily fixed but box has to be taken apart- just drive around it until you want to do the job. Diff/ axles no problem. Steering linkage ball joints (6 total- 3 LH thread and 3 RH)  eventually wear but replacement is simple and its worth doing straight away to get that crisp Alfa feel back into the handling. Worth checking that the big nut holding the steering arm to the steering box is 'bloody' tight and splitpinned. Electrics can be an issue but nearly always it is just poor earthing of bulbs etc, dirty connectors, or poor connections in the fuse box because the fuse holders have lost tension- pull all fuses out, close up the  holders a bit, spray liberally with WD, and refit fuses. 

2. AROCA advertisers are mostly active club members and very good.

3. Parts are no problem at all. Australian and O/S suppliers can have almost any bit to you in a few days. Prices are not too bad.

[alfa2000]

Many Thanks Paul for all the advice , much appreciated.

[RSR1750]

Hi,
Great to hear someone else getting into such a great car.  I have a 1750 which is the second one I've had and I still love it every day.
I stumbled onto a guy on Reserve Rd Sandringham Tony Di Nardis who used to be the State manager of Alfa Romeo Australia in the 1970's & 80's and now runs a samll garage.  He has done good work for me on my 1750 including the RWC which only cost $400 when I bought it down from NSW late 2011 and had it taken off club reg and also a mates 2000.  He is actually in the middle of a rebuild of a 1750 series 2 which he bought off my father last year as a project.  I'm sure he would be able to assist you.  Give him a call, he has lived and breathed these cars for years.
Bayside Auto Service 9583 4493