Finally, I can call myself a true petrolhead. (Just bought my first Alfa!) | FerrariChat

Finally, I can call myself a true petrolhead. (Just bought my first Alfa!)

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by nathandarby67, Jan 24, 2016.

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  1. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    We all know how the old saying goes. I couldn't continue to live with myself not being a true petrolhead, so I found this little beauty. Completely restored 4-5 years ago, a few thousand miles since. Hope to have it shipped in the next week or so. Will post some driving impressions as soon as I can...have driven plenty of it's contemporary 70's British roadsters, but never an Alfa Spider. Looking forward to the contrast in experience.
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    nathandarby67, Jan 24, 2016
    #1
  2. Skidkid

    Skidkid F1 Veteran Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    Congratulations! That is a great car. I had one for 12 years and finally did away with it when I was rear ended by a minivan, I was going 0 and they were going over 50.

    The shifter is a little odd and 2nd gear is very heavy so it tends to eat sycros unless you have the gears lightened (there are a few shops that do that work). I would tell people: There are a lot of cars that are faster, handle better, and ride better BUT this car always puts a smile on your face. It is SUPER fun to drive.
     
    Skidkid, Jan 24, 2016
    #2
  3. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran Owner

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    Congratulations! It's beautiful!
     
    Dom, Jan 24, 2016
    #3
  4. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

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    my kinda car!!!! enjoy her.
     
    ferraripete, Jan 24, 2016
    #4
  5. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Veteran Silver Subscribed

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    Enjoy your spider - she looks great!
     
    zygomatic, Jan 24, 2016
    #5
  6. damian in nj

    damian in nj Formula 3 Silver Subscribed

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    With all the Alfa's I owned I just shifted 1-3 until the gearbox warmed up to avoid messing with the 2nd gear synchro.
     
    damian in nj, Jan 24, 2016
    #6
  7. Pantdino4

    Pantdino4 Karting

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    You could also use a lower viscosity oil, like Redline MTL, so you can use 2nd sooner
     
    Pantdino4, Jan 24, 2016
    #7
  8. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Outstanding - congrats! I have a Giulia on my list, even more so as that is my daughter's name (she's been pushing me to do it). Not the new one, but a 60's/70's variant...one of these days.

    Best of luck!
     
    rdefabri, Jan 27, 2016
    #8
  9. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ Silver Subscribed

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    awesome! such cool cars. fun to drive and look great :)
     
    GuyIncognito, Jan 27, 2016
    #9
  10. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    Thanks for the comments guys. Shipper should pick it up by next week. Can't wait for it to arrive!
     
    nathandarby67, Jan 27, 2016
    #10
  11. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    nathandarby67, Jan 27, 2016
    #11
  12. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ Silver Subscribed

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    :)

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3YSCw6IEQM[/ame]
     
    GuyIncognito, Jan 27, 2016
    #12
  13. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin Honorary Owner

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    Damn, I'm envious! Hope it drives as nice as it looks!
     
    ylshih, Jan 27, 2016
    #13
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ Rossa Subscribed

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    I liked the '73 2000 spider so much I had 2 of them.
     
    TheMayor, Jan 28, 2016
    #14
  15. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    This is the kind of feedback I was hoping for! :D Can't wait for it to get it here, shipper supposed to be picking up tomorrow (I think). Hopefully have it before the weekend is out. Will try to share some driving impressions and maybe a little video when I get a chance.
     
    nathandarby67, Jan 28, 2016
    #15
  16. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    ETA tomorrow afternoon. :D :D
     
    nathandarby67, Jan 28, 2016
    #16
  17. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    Driver ran a little behind, so just now got her tucked in. Overall seems really solid, needs a few more minor cosmetics and odds and ends than I was hoping in order to make it close to perfect, but even from my short drive around my subdivision I can tell why people get Alfa fever. It's a very different experience from a comparable era MG or Triumph.

    Going to give her a much needed wash and quick detail tomorrow.

    Also, what are the best sources for Alfa parts? Moss Motors has everything under the sun for British cars, is there a similar operation for Alfas? I think I'm going to buy some new trim pieces such as marker lenses and some interior chrome bits. The car overall is so nice, some of the remaining solid but worn original bits really jump out at you.


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    nathandarby67, Jan 29, 2016
    #17
  18. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ Silver Subscribed

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    nice man, congrats! that thing will be a lot of fun.

    what's the story with the cage on that Miata? does Manute Bol rent garage space for his race car?
     
    GuyIncognito, Jan 29, 2016
    #18
  19. John M

    John M Formula Junior

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    Congrats and welcome to Alfa Ownership.

    A lways
    L ooking
    F or
    A nother

    :D

    I currently own two spiders and share ownership of a third. They are solid cars mechanically. Very fun to own and toss around. Parts readily available.

    There are several parts suppliers. Coming to mind:

    CenterlineAlfa.com
    vickauto.com
    alfaholics.com
    okp.de

    Lots of suppliers to choose from. I have used all the above with great success. Visit Alfabb.com to dive deeper. You will find many of the same people here as there with cross marque ownership. 2016 Alfa Romeo Owners Club national convention will be in Nashville this summer.

    Best Regards,
    John M
     
    John M, Jan 29, 2016
    #19
  20. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    Thanks!

    No idea why the original owner built that cage so tall. From pics I've seen of him in the car he's an average size dude. Maybe the runoff areas at his home track had exceptionally soft ground and he wanted a margin of error? :)

    Here's me in the car, I'm 6'1". I think it would probably be good for Shaq, not sure about Manute though.

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    nathandarby67, Jan 29, 2016
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  21. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    nathandarby67, Jan 30, 2016
    #21
  22. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran Owner

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    nathandarby67, Jan 30, 2016
    #22
  23. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ Silver Subscribed

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    GuyIncognito, Jan 30, 2016
    #23
  24. Mang

    Mang F1 Veteran

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    I love 'em, I have a '73...yours is beautiful. Predicting you will love it. Driving a stylish slow convertible car fast is always rewarding. These are pininfarina icons, enjoy!
     
    Mang, Jan 30, 2016
    #24
  25. 10/10ths

    10/10ths Rookie

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    It certainly looks the part! I had a '79 Spider- my first sports car, Alfa, and, Italian car and I've had chronic, recurring bouts since. Get the mechanicals right and you are in for a DRIVE, my friend.
     
    10/10ths, Jan 30, 2016
    #25
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