Saved a Sprint Veloce from the crusher today - Page 5

**La Voce** · #61 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 04:28 PM

Dragline I am happy to sell you the side 'rub strips' as you call them them- they are in very good shape. I am going for a clean Euro look as much as possible and this car will never be parked in a lot where rub strips would come in handy.

**Dragline** · #62 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

. . . .the side 'rub strips' as you call them . . .

**La Voce** · #63 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 04:26 PM

Ready for paint! Drove her around the neighborhood just for fun.

**sfalfa** · #64 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 04:47 PM

Bravo Jim! I'm really impressed at the amount of work you've done so far. I can't believe only two months have passed since your first post regarding this project. Wish we all could work as quickly as you; If we did, there'd be hope for the Alfetta species yet!

**fetta78** · #65 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 06:56 PM

Wait.........I don't understand?

Where's all the rust??

Why does your 'fetta look soooo good? Damn.....I better get a move on!!!

.

**La Voce** · #66 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 10:58 PM

Thanks for the encouraging words- could not have made this progress without my wife helping out..she has made this fun and eased my burden. She's turned into a pretty decent body shop finish work gal. The rear panel was the most work, it had significant rust around the tail light areas and the extrusions and compound curves made it tedious- JB Stick and sanding sponges really came in handy here.

My shipment came today from APE with a Marelliplex distributor and electronic ignition module. Once she returns from paint, I'll tune the carbs, address an aging exhaust, and swap out the ignition.

**La Voce** · #67 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 07:17 PM

Been a while so thought I'd provide an update. We have been busy. Last post I said "ready for paint" but we bit the bullet and removed all the glass and all the chrome trim to ensure any lurking rust was identified and dealt with. Sure enough, found several spots along the lower windshield frame, and all along the lower seam where the rear window trim press fits against the car. Addressed all of this and she's in the paint booth now. I drove her about two miles to the shop on rural back roads with my wife trailing behind transporting the hood and rear hatch and acting as my chase car and turn signals. No glass, no lights, no interior save the seat I was sitting in (and a seat belt, of course). No dash or gauges, it was a blast! Other drivers mut have thought I was waving at them as I used hand and arm signals. One young driver waiting at an intersection even waved back with a puzzled look on his face as I right turn signaled him with my arm. First time at open road speeds and she drove great- no drifting, no pulling, no bumps, clunks, or thumps. Definitely must double clutch into second, that synchro's gone, but hey, it's an Alfa. When we arrived my wife plucked a bug from my forehead and several from my teeth

Dash is out and under repair, am trying the resto tip found in the restoration thread. I intended to only address the obvious cracks but upon closer inspection there were bubbles everywhere, when I pressed lightly on them they shattered like the cold chocolate topping on a Dairy Queen sundae. So, I used the press test. All the bubbles were removed, and then I went on to the entire dash. If the plastic stayed intact upon moderate thumb pressure, I called it good and left it alone. If it cracked, I kept pushing outward in a circle and removing the broken plastic until it stopped cracking. Here's what she looks like now:
Will provide an after picture as well, incl. the fresh paint.

GTVnut · #68 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 07:42 PM

nice work!
Keep it up

AlfaFetHead · #69 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 06:15 AM

Alfettas are so much fun, I really like my '79. Drives like a dream now...I bought it running very rough and replaced the FI system with a pair of SK jap weber carbs that buddy had. They turned out to be junk and eventually I put a pair of Solex carbs on it and it runs perfectly.

I bought the car on Ebay for $300 and have about $1000 in it at this point. I know a lot of folks frown on the Alfettas like they are bastard Alfa step children but I like the car and love driving it. I have a soft spot for unpopular cars...I also have a Maserati Biturbo with 27K on it...very sweet ride but not a "real" Maserati by most people...but I don't have $200K for a "real" one and if I had the money, I doubt I'd ever spend that much on a car. My Alfetta doesn't have a perfect paint job on it...my Maserati does. I don't like driving the Maserati as much as I do the Alfa because I don't have to worry when I park it. I'm going to paint it next year though...

I really like your car....you got a great buy and I'm sure the car will grow on you. Mine did....now I'd never consider selling it. You can't imagine all the heads snapping around when you drive it...there's not many left....none around where I live...

Have fun with it...MarkG

**La Voce** · #70 (**permalink**) 11-07-2007, 03:33 PM

Thanks guys. Will show 'er off with photos when she comes back from paint. Mark I got the same lights for the front turn signals!

AlfaFetHead · #71 (**permalink**) 11-08-2007, 05:42 AM

I used the tit lights to get turn signals...the car didn't have a front bumper when I bought it. I may try and fabricate a bumper down the road but I know that's easier said than done. You car looks great. I hope to paint mine next year...

These cars drive really well. Not sure why they have a such a bad rep...maybe the rust issue but they are still Alfa's. I got lucky, mines not rusted...well not much anyway. It has some but not bad at all. Very clean for a '79. Yours looks to be very solid..

Great work you've done, I know what it takes, it's a lot of work but a labor of love that's worth it in the end when you get to drive it...MarkG

**sfalfa** · #72 (**permalink**) 11-08-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaFetHead

These cars drive really well. Not sure why they have a such a bad rep...maybe the rust issue but they are still Alfa's. I got lucky, mines not rusted...well not much anyway. It has some but not bad at all. Very clean for a '79. Yours looks to be very solid..

**La Voce** · #73 (**permalink**) 11-30-2007, 04:56 PM

and it's reassembly time! I'm in need of the plastic interior sunroof handle trim surround piece, and the clear plastic fusebox cover if anyone has these available. I just painted the headliner with SEM Color coat and it looks good. I'm almost there with the dashboard, the windshield is back in and so is the rear hatch and glass. Amazingly, we did not kink any chrome trim inserts! We will start installing the remaining glass and new felt weatherstripping, incl. around the doors, etc. this weekend.

**fetta78** · #74 (**permalink**) 12-08-2007, 08:33 AM

Waiting for an update...............

Come on man, pictures. We want to see this car!

PM me your email address, Maker's Mark wants it! Seriously....

.

rosso · #75 (**permalink**) 12-08-2007, 10:53 AM

Good work. I don't get why these cars aren't more highly prized! They are a blast to drive and beautifully designed. While they have their issues, what alfa doesn't? You made a wise decision.