1974 Alfa Spider Resto

I had one just like it but with Spica injection that I restored in about 1984. Terrific little car.

I like the tach and speedo that look like boobs.

Actually, they are pretty simple cars. The gearboxes are really strong in comparison to most Italian cars (2nd gear synchro a little crunchy), the bottom end of the engine is strong (the valve train somewhat weak but easy to do a valve job), the suspension straight forward (the rear trailer arm bushings go bad), the brake simple, and the they are not clutch eaters. They are also not oil leakers but the gearbox will leak if it was overfilled. Once overfilled, the only way to fix it is remove the box, do the clutch, and replace the seal.

They do like to blow head gaskets. Almost always it's water in the oil which is better than the other way around.

Some people put on guards to protect the pan. I personally think they do more damage than good. You hit more things that you wouldn't. The pan is cast aluminium. Instead of a steel pan that will just dent, an aluminium pan just cracks. You'll find a lot of them rewelded.

Rust is the biggest problem. The front bumpers are easy to damage and the parts hard to find and getting more expensive. Also, a lot of them were hit in the rear so look for damage under the rear wheel wells -- it's the weak point of the body and bows out when hit.

I ran mine in Phoenix and it never overheated. They are not that fast but they are fun. The Spica is a pain so having carbs will make it easier to tune. When they put in those carbs, it was really common to put in a hotter cam. So, that might be why you are getting a bit more power. Normally, it's like 115 HP.

The dashes will crack and some parts in the interior are impossible to find. The seats are standard vinyl and easy to replace. Don't worry about the glove box as none of them fit even when new.

If you get it all fixed up NEVER parallel park it. People cannot see the front of the nose and will back into it every time. That's why the front bumpers are so screwed up.

Good luck with the resto. It's a great car to have some fun with.

 

Jeff, these cars are such a treat...they are the little secret jewels people are slowly discovering. I get ALL my sportscar needs met with a spin in my spider, enjoy fixin yours up. Research the 'euro' look before you paint. Pininfarina intended a look sans side marker lights (with the exception of a small circular Carello lights up front), minimal chrome headlight rings, and again Carello, headlight covers...Ferrari-esque. This one was done up before the paint was shot....much cleaner look.
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cool rims!

 

I had one for a very long time. Truly a great and fun car. I finally got rid of my car after I was stopped in traffic and was rear ended by a minivan going about 40. Too bad, it was in excellent condition. Still tempted to get another one now and then.

 

Ya, I've got 3 of 'em series 2 Alfa spiders, always for sale I guess (at the right offer)...

This one was a converted to euro, inside and out (spica to webers), and those rare rims are Melber Major's...I just happen to have a PERFECT condition 2nd set for sale (don't I always?). They are extremely rare and beautiful. See me for other rare and cool alfa wheel sets when you are ready...I have been collecting period Alfa wheelsets for a decade.

 

Jeff, the Melbers are kinda spendy, but I have dropped the a$k on them from $2k to $1,400. Advertised on the Alfa bulletin board at present.

These are another Italian boutique period Italian wheel called Ruspa, they are available for $900. For the set and are lightweight and stylish!...and incredibly rare like the melbers.
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"Spendy" in Alfa world is dirt cheap in any other marque...part of the fun

 

I'd go broke buying upgrades from Classic Alfa Romeo spare parts and accessories.

 

Great thread, and neat looking cars guys.

My son (18) wants to trade his audi for an Alfa, pre 74.

 

Looks like a great project: I LOVE those Spiders - but haven't ever managed to own one.

I'd hope, since you're running carbs, that you'd delete the "iniezione" badge?