'63 Giulia Spider Normale Restoration (Euro) - Page 14

**pathung** · #**196** (**permalink**) 03-22-2007, 09:27 AM

Terry, let me know how your "bending" works out. I might just give that a try this weekend if you're successful.

GTD · #**197** (**permalink**) 03-22-2007, 11:41 AM

"If so, what do the flat ones fit?"

105's & 115's

gowanusvin · #**198** (**permalink**) 03-22-2007, 12:57 PM

somebody's budget cutting approach for sure. I can't tell you how many parts I've purchased over the years from many different vendors that are not exact fits or repros. Some ain't even close.

**pathung** · #**199** (**permalink**) 03-22-2007, 01:03 PM

I'll check with Tony to see what model the flat ones are for and report back.

**pathung** · #**200** (**permalink**) 03-25-2007, 10:50 PM

Haven't had a chance to inquire about the flat ones, but did successfully bend one today. I simply placed one end of the plate in a vice, clamped the other end with a pair of clamping pliers, and pulled. The plate bent easily and uniformly, so I even managed to duplicate a consistent arc across the plate. I then flipped it around and bent the other side a bit to even things out.

With this kink out of the way, I'll be able to re-install the rear axle, complete with springs and shocks, and move on to the front suspension this coming weekend.

**pathung** · #**201** (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 10:30 PM

With all prep work out of the way, I was able to re-install the rear axle and complete one side of the front suspension, more or less.

The curved (self-bent) rubber axle stops installed easily, and my originally-29"-long-later-cut-down-to-26" straps worked out beautifully. I dropped the shocks in through the opening in the passenger compartment, bolted them up top and at the bottom, and voila, the rear's end's done.

The front-end was a bit more interesting. Attaching upper and lower arms to the chassis was fairly easy, followed by connecting the two with the stub axle/spindle. Tightening the castellated nuts on both upper and lower balljoints completed the framework. Next came installation of the hub, which was as easy as pushing the hub onto the spindle, and tightening the large castellated nut. This is followed by the dreaded step: spring installation - I wasn't sure if I had to use a rod-type compressor, but it turned out that my Centerline spring was short enough that I was JUST able to attach the spring pan to the lower A-arm without compressing the spring. Tightening the nuts under the spring pan began to compress the spring a bit, but still not much. The spring was installed with both metal/rubber seats in place, but no additional spacers - can't wait to see how low the car sits once I get it off the dolly. Setting the car down will also allow me to install the limit cable, as the top barely protrudes through the hole in the chassis into the engine compartment; I'm still waiting for the cable's hardware to arrive from Alfastop. Last to do today was installing the shock, which again was very easy to do.

Once the passenger side suspension is completed, I'll probably start working on the electrics (hooking up the lights and instrument gauges/lights, mainly). With that going on, I also plan on sending out all parts that require chroming to San Jose Chroming, and the seats to Syd's Uphosltery in Mountain View for new foam and covering; the material will likely come from Reoriginals. As I lack the tools, know-how, and space, Glenn Oliveria is rebuilding my engine, transmission, steering box, and brakes. These items (except the steering box/column) will be installed last at Glenn's shop.

So that's the plan for the next THREE years. It took me more than a year to tear down the car and strip it to bare metal. Putting things back where they belong will only take twice as long!

Enjoy the chronologically-ordered pictures, and thanks for reading!

**pathung** · #**202** (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 10:32 PM

Another four pictures:

GTD · #**203** (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 08:23 AM

Patrick
Great pics on a great thread!
Thanks for taking the effort to post and include the world in your resto.
Once completed you will have a better than new ride; mille miglia di felicita'!

Andrew Schank · #**204** (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 09:39 AM

Good to see you decided to take your time and enjoy the process of putting the car back together

I tell people a complete restoration on most cars can easily take 800 to 1000 hours of labor-you need to have a lot of patience and be enjoying the process, otherwise it will never get completed. I put about 800 hours on my Abarth coupe (see Photo below) over a period of 16 months, and was lucky I was able to work on it full time for several months during the Winter, or it would have taken much longer. I really think every serious car enthusiasts should get involved with at least one complete no holds barred restoration in their lifetime to understand the process. I have no interest doing another one any time soon I might add. I'd rather paint yours and let you guys finish them!

**pathung** · #**205** (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 09:38 PM

I agree with Andy - any Alfista should take on a full restoration of a classic Alfa sometime in their lifetime. There's no better way to know one's car intimately, and no greater satisfaction than standing back to admire a day's good work on the car.

Hopefully I'll be able to install the horns, front lights, and if I really push it, the instrument gauges this weekend. The instrument gauge wiring looks a mess on the wiring diagram, but thank heavens I took some decent photos before undoing the original wires from the gauges, and even better, the car's original wiring matched the diagram exactly - never been molested, apparently; this will make it much easier to install.