Sprinting About - Page 10

alfazagato · #**136** (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 10:15 AM

Greig,
The section appears to be similar as you say and I have been thinking about having a section run to be made up into the frame. It might be of interest to see how the section varies and if one section could serve both models. I would have thought that Alfa would have used only one! But who knows at this point in time? Do you have free access to both cars? Perhaps you could make a template for comparison.
regards

cstlhn · #**137** (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 05:27 PM

I am converting my '59 Sprint Normale into an Allegerita clone for Historic racing. I was wondering if anyone reproduces the plexiglass side windows and frames? I also plan to make Plexiglass front and rear windscreens using original glass to make molds.
Before doing so I am wondering if these are available?

David

davisfamily · #**138** (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 06:52 PM

My dad and I were looking through his old photos and found this one of the car after its last repaint to resale red. The photo clearly shows that there are no window frames. He also remembers there being a "Conrero" badge or sticker on the front fender, and he indicated that this was a "hot-rod" version of this particular model, with Koni adjustables and a tuned Abarth exhaust. He can't remember any more specifics. The car currently has a normal 1963 Giulia TI 1600cc engine in it, replaced after the original 1300cc block cracked. I have pictures of the original cylinder head off the car with an exhaust valve completely burnt up, also showing the original Webers.
I keep finding more and more out about the car, and I owe a lot of it to the expertise and helpfullness of the Forum members. Thanks!!
Dan Davis
Counting down to Dec. 28th (Resurrection Day)!

AlfistiSA · #**139** (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 12:28 AM

Hi Mike

The first 50 Confortevole's were fitted with these frames, I'd guess that there may have been some left-over frames at the end of the lightweight run, (+- 600 cars), and Luigi-on-the-line fitted them to the first 50 Confortevole's - the window glass is smaller to fit into the aluminium channel.

I visited the friend with the blue Confortevole this morning & looked at the car, the frames are incredibly thin & while I haven't compared them physically to a Lightweight, they may in fact be the same frames, but with a different insert to take either wind-up glass or sliding plexiglass ??

One day I'll get to seeing a genuine lightweight, but as far as we know, there is only one lightweight left in South Africa & the owner is reluctant to let people see it.......

Ciao
Greig

**AR58SprintV** · #**140** (**permalink**) 12-13-2007, 10:56 PM

Dear Stuart Zagato and Greig AlfistiSA,
The Photos Greig showed remind me of the first time (of 4 lightweights I've worked on) I noticed that the aluminum channel was installed, as Greig's photo of the red SVA shows, with the 'big lip' inside rather than outside as one would expect. Odd, but that is the only way it will work! I have seen other SVConfortovoles without frames, thank you Dan davisfamily is one more, but the photos of your car with frames Greig are the best so far. Note the 'big lip' is outside on the roll-up window car!
Dear David cstlhn, please enjoy your Sprint! It's a wonderful motorcar. It doesn't need to pretend that it's a Ferrari. It's different (and rewards a skilled driver better). It's your choice, but I'd stop at making it an 'abnormale' 1400. And safety equiptment for race track use. It is too easy to get carried away with hop-up improvements.
Dear Patrick Hung, how did Lionel Velez's motorcar SVConfortovole 1493E*06611 escape your list? Did you notice the lists compiled by iicarjohn ? Hope to see some of you on New Years Day for the Anti-Football run!

Cheers, Laurence of Berkeley

**pathung** · #**141** (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:09 AM

I don't know! Gotta get back on the ball here....

cstlhn · #**142** (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AR58SprintV

Dear David cstlhn, please enjoy your Sprint! It's a wonderful motorcar. It doesn't need to pretend that it's a Ferrari. It's different (and rewards a skilled driver better). It's your choice, but I'd stop at making it an 'abnormale' 1400. And safety equiptment for race track use. It is too easy to get carried away with hop-up improvements.

Cheers, Laurence of Berkeley

alfazagato · #**143** (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:27 AM

David,
If its a TI you really want try Classic Driver - HOME there is one for £9k which seems to be more than reasonable. No connection.
seasonal greetings.

davisfamily · #**144** (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 05:07 AM

So, if what my dad remembers is correct, in 1973 or 1973 he and his brothers put in a 1600 out of a TI. I understand that those came with 5 speeds(?). Would that be the only option, or could they have put in the 1600 using the original 4 speed? I am just hoping that the Weber 40's are still there somewhere...
You must remember that the car is around 250 miles away, with no way right now to even open the doors because of the decrepit barn in sits in!
Thanks,
Dan and davisfamily
ddavis11@aug.edu

davisfamily · #**145** (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 05:10 AM

So, if what my dad remembers is correct, in 1973 or 1973 he and his brothers put in a 1600 out of a TI. I understand that those came with 5 speeds(?). Would that be the only option, or could they have put in the 1600 using the original 4 speed? I am just hoping that the Weber 40's are still there somewhere...
Also, does anybody hae any information on Conrero in Turin? My dad says that they tuned the car, but the contact I have with the company says they lost a lot of records in what sounds like a flood in the '70s or '80s. Are there any tell-tale signs that they have had a part in the car at some point. My dad seems to remember a badge on the car.
You must remember that the car is around 250 miles away, with no way right now to even open the doors because of the decrepit barn in sits in!
Thanks,
Dan and davisfamily
ddavis11@aug.edu

alfazagato · #**146** (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 06:18 AM

There will be a number of tell-tale signs in/on the engine, but if the original "Conrero" engine has been replaced there will not be too much left to see. The Conrero badge was in effect his name in capital letters with the word Squadra above, rather than a symbol or a motif. I am grappling with similar problems with my Conrero Special (name used by Jean Rolland on the entry forms for the Mont Ventoux hill climb in '59 and '60) which has full and comprehensive body, frame and suspension modifications for competition and so far have not even been able to get a peep out of the modern iteration of the Conrero Company. Perhaps you could let me have your contact name?
Thanks

alfaseeka · #**147** (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davisfamily

So, if what my dad remembers is correct, in 1973 or 1973 he and his brothers put in a 1600 out of a TI. I understand that those came with 5 speeds(?). Would that be the only option, or could they have put in the 1600 using the original 4 speed? ddavis11@aug.edu

alfaseeka · #**148** (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davisfamily

Also, does anybody hae any information on Conrero in Turin?
ddavis11@aug.edu

alfazagato · #**149** (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 07:03 AM

Greig,
I have been going through my photographs of Lightweight door and have come across this which is taken from a similar angle to that of the blue Confortavole. It seems to me to be an identical section, but I don't know. What do you think? My original perspex side windows are less 3mm thick which would then allow them to slide past each other within the frame thickness. If I do have some section produced are you interested?

davisfamily · #**150** (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 12:32 PM

Father now says that "famous racer" Paul Spruell put the Giulia TI 1600 into the car. Apparently his brother knew of him while in Atlanta, and he had this engine sitting around the shop! More to come...