2nd Italian, First Alfa!

Just got this '89 Alfa Spider "graduate" last Friday. We bought a house a couple months ago and just about every dollar we've got is now spoken for fixing it up but when this showed up at our cars and coffee last week for sale, I couldn't resist.

Fortunately it's not perfect and priced accordingly and even more fortunately, my wife was understanding and supportive and came up with some creative money shuffling to make it happen.

I've regretted selling my 308 pretty much right from the day after - this may not be a Ferrari but it's nice to have a red italian sports car once again. First project is to go through the suspension as it's feeling a little loose then I'll see what else needs attention. Once it's mechanically sorted reasonably well, I'm going to look at panasport wheels and chrome mirrors for a more classic look. It'll never be a show car so I'm going to fight my usual "keep it original' urge and just go with whatever looks best to me.
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Nice car.

I believe they all feel a bit loose with a standard suspension setup, especially on the rear.

Concerning the Panasports, prefer a more sporty but still classic look myself, the Alfaholics Superleggera's for instance are very nice.

https://www.alfaholics.com/our-cars/completed-builds/alfaholics-spider-r-v6-013/completed-ready-to-ship/

 

so much yes regarding the wheels you posted! give the car that timeless, period correct look.

 

I like those wheels as well, will need to check them out.

I have to assume the suspension is beyond normal looseness - I can feel shifting slightly sideways as I go from acceleration to braking.


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Normally the sideways shifting is caused by rear trailing arm bushings being worn.
Also, look at the rubber trunnion bushings that locate the differential.
Best to replace them all.

I can post diagrams if you want.

Bob Z.

 

Yep -- very common problem. And it's not expensive or difficult to fix.

When the bushings are fixed the handling difference is enormous.

 

Steering & Suspension : Vick Autosports, The Premier Fiat and Alfa Parts Source

Replace the trailing arm bushings and trunnion bushings.

The guys at Vick are very helpful.

Bob Z.

 

Congrats and enjoy!

 

Thanks Bob!

 

Any opinions on poly v rubber bushings? I read that poly is firmer but easier to install, rubber gives a more compliant ride but harder to install.


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Nice purchase! Went with rubber in mine, so far so good.

 

Hi Bob - if you have a diagrams of the suspension, I'd love to see them, would help me visualize what I'm getting into....

Thanks!