alfetta front end height

[block]

Saw this car for sale about on the www the other day ($2500). Was hoping to go check it out soon. But what's with all that gap between the front wheel arch and the wheel. Then checking around, I noticed I could not find what springs you use on these. Surely Milano/GTV6 would be incorrect? Spider then? What do you guys with the sexy alfetta's use?

[scootergeek]

Torsion bars, not coil springs. And the stock US market ride height is pretty ugly, but it can be adjusted.

cheers,
scott

[block]

Ha of coarse, I'm a dummy. Next I'll remember my brief ownership of a Milano with the same chassis...

[Dragline]

Block, if you would, please keep us posted on what you find. This car has been listed at least since August and if I remember correctly, started at $3,500 or $3,950. It seems to be unmolested and low mileage. The only potential red flag might be the frame rail (circled in pix). Can't tell if that oil, grease, or rust. I know the market for these cars is poor, but it's amazing no one has snatched this one up. Hope it's a winner and it finds it's way into your garage.

Gerry

[scootergeek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragline The only potential red flag might be the frame rail (circled in pix). Can't tell if that oil, grease, or rust.

[Dragline]

Agreed. It's probably nothing but certainly bears a much closer look than these low res pix can afford. Block should be able to give it a good physical inspection being that it is in his backyard. Just very curious on what he'll find.

Gerry

[block]

Thanks for the pointer Dragline. I have made a couple calls and sent an email but have yet to get any solid info but the car is still there and am expecting a call back. Will keep you posted!

[86spider]

The torsion bar front suspension can be adjusted for ride height by rotating the torsion bars in their mounts. The stock Alfetta torsion bars are fairly light duty. If you want to lower the nose and firm up the ride get a set of early (pre 85 and a half) GTV6 torsion bars. The later bars match the Milano and are too short. The rates for the stock GTV6 bars are just about equal to the old Alfa Ricambi Alfetta sport bars.

Wayne

[block]

Thanks for the tip Wayne. I'm sure I will apply this knowledge if/when an Alfetta is parked next to my spider. I finally got a hold of someone at the dealership. They believe the fuel pump has taken a recent dive and were going to replace it with an electric one (aren't they electric already?). I made a weird groaning sound. Hopefully I will have a moment in the next few days to take a trip over...

[block]

Was able to make the trek out to Rockford yesterday. On the good side, the car is complete, other then the front seats (being redone). On the bad side, it's not running at all, and rust is starting to form on the bottom side of the body. They are insisting that it just needs a fuel pump . I am no expert but, though the air can was off, the spica appears unmolested and complete, just desperate for new intake hoses. No obvious oil leeks. Lots of snow prevented me from getting underneath. Overall, it doesn't look so bad but it's not all I had hoped it would be. Probably a bit high price wise. I have attached some pics of the rustier bits (behind front wheels) though paint is bubbling lightly in the back. They like they really want to get rid of it if any one wants to make them an offer...
Here's a link.

Fuel pump or not, I can't see anything over $1250 being reasonable, and that rust pictured is signifigant. I can certainly relate to the sense of disappointment you felt, but the right deal will show itself in time.

Thanks for the peek.

David

[block]

Indeed. I've moved on and have my sights on something better...

[sidewaysalfa]

Block,
Good move. This is a parts car at best.

Too bad I live on the left coast. I'd give a couple of hundred for a good dash and door panels.