3500GT Barnfind

I'm sorry about my serious lack of photograpy skills. I made that hubcap look like it had been beat with an ugly stick. Here is a picture that better depicts it's actual condition. It only has three small dents, each about the size of a penny or smaller.

Ray, I sold a 66 GTV to finance the restoration of the Maserati. The wheels on it were also very similar. I don't care for the look of the weights on the outside of the wheel. I wonder if the weights can be put on the inside, like they are on modern wheels. The tool for removing the hubcaps is good advice. I'm having pretty good luck finding all the parts for the brakes and suspension. I should have a better idea on the transmission parts in a couple days. I found that I have several spare parts with the car including: a new brake master cylinder, fuel pumps, a new stater in the generator, and misc ignition parts. I'm sure that I will have to rebuild the carbs, but I will try starting it first. I have not replaced the tires yet. I just cleaned one. It appeares in amazing condition for a 30+ year old tire. It's fortunate that I know how old they really are.

Don, those tools are perfect for the hubcaps. Thanks for the link. The ebay stickers did not look correct. I will contact Bill on the Alfa forum for the correct stickers.

Thanks again for the help guys.
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Ray, when I have my paintless dent guy massage the body, I will see if he can do anything for the hubcaps. I believe they are brass. The engine has Webers. I would be thrilled if they didn't need rebuilt, but I expect they do. I plan on trying to start it this weekend. I will post more engine pictures, after a little cleaning (page one has a before engine picture). I'm not sure what the wheels cylinders will need yet, but I have located new pistons and rebuild parts (Maseratisource). I promise lots more pictures. I am really lucky to have the opportunity to work on such a fun car.

Vecchio, thanks for the advice on the wheels. I'm sure that will improve the look.

Dino and 308, thanks guys. I'm really enjoying this project and it's fun getting to share it with other car guys.

 

Here are a couple pictures of the engine, after a quick wipe down with instant detailer. The engine is bone dry. The condition appears to be consistent with an engine that was just rebuilt prior to the car being stored. The previous owner upgraded the radiator and fan (I have both original parts). He also told us that he upgraded the oil system. I'm guessing that is why I have the extra oil cooler.

Pete, thanks for the advice. I plan on removing the air filter to inspect the carbs, prior to starting. After rebuilding a couple 99 Porsche 911s (one had an engine fire, the other a dash fire), it is a real treat to have so much room in the engine compartment. I hope I can avoid pulling the engine...we'll see.
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Ian, thanks for the great advice. I would hate to have another carbecue. Here are a couple pictures of my past carbecue victims (would you believe that I was stupid enough to buy them like this?). I don't want another crispy critter.
Pete, the previous owner parked it over 30 years ago, due to a damaged second gear.

Both of you guys have sound advice. I will dive into the fuel system and replace or flush all necessary components. When I am done, every piece of rubber that is part of the brakes, fuel, cooling, or suspension system will be new. Thanks again for taking the time to post and possibly saving me a lot of grief.
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Thanks again for posting the Weber pictures and information. They look great.

I put some Marvel Mystey oil in the cylinders last night. The cylinders looked like new and the pistons had very little carbon build up on them. I turned the engine over today. It built up about 20lbs of oil pressure. I tried to start the car. It was not getting fuel to the carbs. I guess that is to be expected after sitting for 30 years. I put a couple gallons of gas in the tank and it did not register. I'm sure that I need to remove the tank and have it cleaned out. I guess this is a good time to remove the fuel system (including the Webers) and rebuild everything. Since the brake master cylinder is below the carbs, it is time to start on the brake system rebuild also.
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Marcel, if you have the chance, I would love to see some pictures of your car as the restoration progresses. #442 and #530 were pretty close relatives. Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to post. Good Luck with yours.

Rob, I will check that...it's too much to hope for. Thanks.

Pete, the aircleaner is on a box next to the car. I wanted it off, so I could inspect the inside of the throats and spray carb cleaner down them. It also works great as starter fluid. The Alfa that was sitting next to the Maserati for 30 years belched out the carbs a few times. I did not want the air cleaner catching fire. After rebuilding two burnt cars, I'm paranoid. The fire extinguisher was also handy. The engine was rebuilt over 30 years ago by the previous owner. I do not know how many miles are on the rebuild. The brown varnish appears to be deteriorated gasoline residue.
Thanks xraygun.

 

BlackJag, thanks.

I have finally gotten around to diagnosing my fuel problem. Here are pictures of what I assume are the original fuel pumps. In their place, I found a Stewart-Warner fuel pump (I will check to see if it is getting power...my guess is that it's the problem). There is a cannister next to the pump that is bypassed. Probably a fuel filter. I would apreciate any advice on how to proceed. Is there an aftermarket pump that is superior to the originals?
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Here is one more picture of the original fuel pumps. I would really like to rebuild and use the originals. They are kind of cool looking. An american fuel pump just doesn't seem right and it looks terrible.
Does anybody know where I can purchase the diaphrams to rebuild them?
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