Intro - q on area Alfa shops

**jarrington** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 12:55 PM

Hi all-

I just moved into the area (Loudon County, VA) with my '74 Spider and could use some info. Just before I left I rebuilt the motor with 10.4:1 pistons, Autodelta cams and a ported and polished head. Also did a Spica-ectomy. It runs like a scalded dog but I do get a bit of bogging and backfiring on occasion. Is there a shop in the area that does good work, doesn't charge an arm and a leg and would be able to dial in the carb tuning? With the new job, move, etc. I just don't have the time to spend learning and tuning the carbs.

BTW - if anyone around needs a 4.56 rear end or a spare rebuildable early 2L give me a ring.

Thanks,
Jason

**nochicken** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 07:25 PM

Milano Motors in Kensington, MD (bit of a hike from Loudon) is extremely good. Milano is essentially Julio--I learned more from him in 2-3 hours than I have over the past few years. He just recently solved my Spica problems (fundamental problems with the butterflies/reference screws) and was able to overcome some deficiencies currently in my SPICA system.
He's a straight egg (about $80/hour).
There is a shop closer to you in Vienna (Precision Imports, I think). They did some work on my Spider (1978) when the previous owner had it back in 2001 He seemed satisfied with them, but I don't have any direct dealings with them.
Good luck and welcome to the area.
Frank

mpapa · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 02:29 PM

I second that opinion. They are both very good shops. I have used Milano for the past 10 years with no problems. Julio is a straight shooter. He has worked on my GTV-6 and my current 79 Spider. Also, his being pretty close to a Metro station is a plus.
Good luck.
Marco

**jarrington** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006, 10:20 PM

Thanks guys - looks like I'll be giving Julio a call.

-Jason

Mottic · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 07:44 PM

Welcome to Loudoun Jason - I'm out in the northern part near Lovettsville. There was a shop in Leesburg that would work on Alfas - owner used to drive a 164. I can't remember the name of the place off the top of my head but it's right across the street from Tuskee's. I'll see if I can't dig up the name for you. Any plans on joining the club?

emr5503 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 07:38 AM

Ran into Pete Van der Vate this summer at VIR. You might see if his dealership - International Motors is listed. From the bill of sale ('71) address was 2931 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22402. Phone # 534-0770.
Ed

vorraiunalfa · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 10:01 AM

Pete Vandervate is excellent, no doubt. My favorite, however, is London Auto. Nick from London Auto is excellent, has tons of experience working on Alfas, and is very honest.

The number and address are: (703) 560-6975
7718 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042

Here's another idea -- how about a tech session on tuning carbs? I'd offer up my garage for the session if we could find someone willing to give the demo (I'm sure we could).

pogcarr · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 07:33 AM

Count me in. I just spent a couple of hours tuning and tweaking and things are running MUCH better, but I am always willing to learn how to do it even BETTER!

**MALDI** · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 08:44 AM

I have had good luck with Crown Auto Repairs in Gaithersburg, MD. It is a one-man business and that man is Doug Mitchell 301-977-3990

Perhaps the best place in the Mid-Atlantic is DiFatta Brothers in Baltimore (410-426-7524). They know their stuff and best of all they have almost any part you'd ever need in stock on site. No more leaving the car in the shop for a few days while parts come from where ever.

(I have no financial interest in either business, etc etc)

vorraiunalfa · #10 (**permalink**) 09-06-2006, 07:18 AM

I would have brought this up at the monthly meeting, but there is none! I guess we can discuss it at the picnic. Do you intend to go pogcarr?

pogcarr · #11 (**permalink**) 09-06-2006, 08:26 AM

Where and when is this picnic?

**jarrington** · #12 (**permalink**) 09-06-2006, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vorraiunalfa

Pete Vandervate is excellent, no doubt. My favorite, however, is London Auto. Nick from London Auto is excellent, has tons of experience working on Alfas, and is very honest.

The number and address are: (703) 560-6975
7718 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042

Here's another idea -- how about a tech session on tuning carbs? I'd offer up my garage for the session if we could find someone willing to give the demo (I'm sure we could).

vorraiunalfa · #13 (**permalink**) 09-06-2006, 03:33 PM

The Picnic is in Vienna VA on Sept 16. I'll get you the address tonight.

vorraiunalfa · #14 (**permalink**) 09-08-2006, 06:57 PM

The picnic is in Vienna Virginia. I'm having trouble finding the address though. Can't find my latest newsletter. Anyone out there who can provide an address?

Fibonacci · #15 (**permalink**) 09-09-2006, 01:10 PM

Check our website for the address

http://www.alfaromeonews.com/

See you there!

-Fib