New to Alfas! Just bought a '75 spider, project

Started by datfreak, September 28, 2012, 07:27:12 PM

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datfreak

Hi, a little(car) history of myself. I've owned(prev restored or done by myself) 4-5 240z &
260z datsuns, fixed up alot of old motorbikes(about 30 to various degrees)  when not at my boring job.
I would appreciate any thoughts on my new car - I just paid a deposit for a '75 spider and will pick it up just over a week.
I've always liked the look of the spider, and wanted to play with a Alfa.


This new car is a project and needs work.

I havn't seen the car as yet- but details from the prev owner:
It's a USA model, left hand drive.
It has a 1750 injected engine.
the nose in a little damaged and may require replating
It has pressed steel wheels with Alfa in the centres.
Hasn't had it running but it does turn over.
The rear portion  of the softtop needs replacing


Missing(including but not limited to) :
Door handles
Front bumper
grill

Obviously I'd like to get her home and have a decent look over. Hopefully the engine won't take too much to get running(famous last words), and I'm excited about this. I'm not sure if I'll keep it long term, or just a quick fixup


Anyone have any spider spare parts in australia ?

Any advice would be great- esp on reviving the 1750 engine - ive never messed with mech injection before. ;D

cheers

Forgot to mention - I will update this post when I get the car with photos and info



Barry Edmunds

With exception of the fuel injection system - SPICA I guess - most of the parts you will need are normally readily available here. Check with your local Alfa Club and through them their advertisers/supporters. Failing local availability there are some very good and reputable suppliers in the UK, such Highwood Motor Co, Alfaholics, Classic Alfa who should be able to supply all that you will need.

The SPICA system is not well known by many in Australia so sourcing replacement parts and or information could be a problem. I'd suggest that you do a lot of research about the SPICA system or alternatively swap the SPICA system for a set of carbys.

datfreak

thanks edmunds - yes i'd prefer to see some webers under the bonnet then the mech injection but i'd like to see if i can get it to work first.
I'm in QLD,and I will suss out the local club soon
cheers

Beatle

#3
Hi Datfreak,

Consider getting yourself a copy of "The Alfa Romeo Owners Bible" and the "All Alloy Twin Cam Companion" both by the late Pat Braden.  The first one has good info on Alfa Romeo; the company, the lifestyle, and the cars in general as well as some pointers on the US-spec injected engine.  

Most Ex USA cars in Oz are converted to carbs.  Webers can be expensive but DellOrto's off Alfettas are relatively plentiful.
Paul B
QLD

Past:
'79 GTV - Loyal 1st love
'76 GT - Track entry
'89 75TS - Saved
'76 Alfetta - Sacrificed
'83 GTV6 - NT bullet
'67 Duetto - Fun
'66 Super - Endearing
'92 164 - Stunning
'85 90 - Odd
'04 GT 3.2 Rosso/Tan - Glorious
'02 156 V6 Auto Rosso/Tan - Useful daily

datfreak

Thanks Paul, I will look into these books.

I like the idea of Dellorto carbs, as I've done DCOE Webers and Mikuni before and I like doing different stuff.


I'm getting the car this Monday/Tuesday - it was a impulse buy so I'm not sure how much time/$ I want to put into it.
I've always wanted a Spider but to be honest I have a few other projects(old bikes mainly) on the go - so when I get her home i'll have to make some decisions.

BTW as my opening post - anyone in QLD have any parts?

Darryl

Since none of the Qld Spider owning club members seem to be replying (though if you turn up at a club meeting you will certainly find more than a few) - Hi from a Qld lifetime transaxle owner, and good luck with your project!

Having established that I am far from a Spider expert...

I'm sure lots of people have parts - you might need to be a bit specific re exactly what you are after though... Also there are plenty of overseas suppliers - in general shipping from Europe (be it UK or Italy or...) will be cheaper than US but if you are after something model specific it may be easier to source of from eg IAP (US).

The mechanical bits will be (other than the spica fuel injection) relatively easy to find. Your car is an alfa from near the end of a long-lived series. Fundamentally (barring, no doubt, an annoying collection of idiosyncrasies) the major mech parts from earlier series spiders will fit and there are plenty of suppliers of new replacement mechanical parts for these cars. The engine itself is ridiculously common at least so far as finding replacement parts for it goes. Which also brings up the question, if it is sad, of whether its better to rebuild or just find a better replacement candidate. The nord 4 cylinder engine in various bore and stroke combinations has survived with only very minor changes from the late 1950s through to the 90s! So there are a few around. Its not always as simple as a drop in (sum differences, end of crankshaft may need drilling if its from a transaxle car etc) but there are people around who can advise.

But really, I suspect most of the issues are going to be actual body / structure (what are the sills like????) and  missing trim - and do you want to restore it to US series 3 appearance or try to "adjust" its look a bit with earlier parts or a body kit or...

Note: the engine isn't officially called the Nord - it is just common usage outside of italy, especially US to simply call it that (as opposed to Sud and V6).


hammer

Datfreak,

Our AROCA Qld web master Keith Faulkner is a huge fan of spiders and has developed quite a bit of knowledge on the subject. His details are in the committee section of the AROCA Qld website. Committee members Peter Mathews and Tony Nelson are also spidermen and may be able to point you in the right direction for certain things - there contact details are also on the committee drop down menu.

Best of luck with it mate and please feel free to come along to a club night - again, details are on the website.

Cheers,

Brent Hampstead (AROCA Qld President)

datfreak

Thanks guys for the replys!

I found some info on the spica injection - comparing it to webers: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309465
It's not all bad news!
But the really helpfull info is here : http://www.wesingram.com/SPICA_Fuel_Supply_Diagnostic_Guide_Nov_2004.pdf


Darryl - your correct about body work- i come from old datsuns which are often more rust then steel but I've had a few alfa vets tell me that the alfa's are worse then datsuns  ;D scary

Brent - thanks for Keiths details- I'll see the cars state and contact him

datfreak

Hi guys - got it home and its rougher then expected.

Some parts are missing that the PO impled was there inc the injection pump...

Anyway - panic sell - please see ebay ad:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110962145163

I do want to get a alfa but not this one.. sorry for th estuff around guys