My Veloce restoration nearing completion.

[AlfaDuc]

George,
Great work, and I hope you get her out on the road before the weather turns ugly. One small suggestion: when you're ready to put the engine back in, remember to pull the glass bowl off the fuel filter. It's easier than you think to hit the filter with the motor as it's being positioned in the compartment, and it's not easy at all to replace the bowl. I suppose we'll see the black beauty in '09 when the AROC convention is in Portland, no?
Have fun, Jim

[alfabits]

Thanks Jim. I also plan on installing the motor without the transmission. Any thoughts on attaching the carbs on the engine before installing the engine?

G

[pathung]

George,

Thanks for the engine bay shots; I'm at about the same stage as you are in the restoration, though a few steps behind. These photos will come in handy.

Regarding the brake hydraulics... did you re-plate the old tubes, or bend new ones, down by the MC?

For comparison, I put in 5 hours a WEEK, if I'm lucky! I progress like a snail.

[alfabits]

Patrick, I re-plated the old ones as they looked to be in good condition. I saw photos of your white now black Giulia. Very nice. Here are a few more shots. If you need any detail shots for reference let me know.

Cheers,

George

[velocedoc]

The Marchals are a nice touch rather than going with Carello. Where did you manage to find a set of the front fender turn signals? Your pictures make for a great reference for others to look to for details on a restoration. Do you have any pictures of the rear axle assembly?

[AlfaDuc]

[quote=alfabits;443203]Thanks Jim. I also plan on installing the motor without the transmission. Any thoughts on attaching the carbs on the engine before installing the engine?

George,
Regarding installing the carbs before vs. after getting the motor in, one thing to keep in mind is that there is not much clearance between the air plenum (when installed on the carbs) and the wheel well. If the plenum is in place, you will not have much free play for moving the motor around and getting it settled on the mounts. I would install the carbs (without the plenum and carb support rod), then lower the motor into the engine compartment. When everything looks about right, raise the motor a little, then install the plenum and support rod (this way, you will have a little more clearance to reach some of the less accessible nuts). When everything is bolted up, lower the motor into place and secure the mounts. And if you install the motor without the trans, you might consider bolting in the trans before completing the plenum and motor mount installation. You will need some wiggle room to get the trans to mate to the back of the motor, which can be easier when the motor is still suspended from a hoist. Just make sure to pad the engine compartment well so that motor movement wont scratch all that nice black paint. Personally, I would rather install the motor / trans as a unit, with the rear of the car jacked up as high as possible (so the top of the trans case clears the firewall easier). But I think the Alfa nation is split 50:50 on this one.
Off topic, I noticed you have the Pirelli P3 tires. If they're getting a little too old for safety (sidewalls cracking, etc.), anyone needing the 155/15 tires can now get B F Goodrich Radial T/A in the correct size. In fact, I just received nine of them this morning (back ordered since May), so Tire Rack should have them in stock for a short time. They're about $67 each.
Jim

[alfabits]

Jim and all,

Thanks for the tips. I had planned to leave the air plenum off until after the motor was in; and believe me, I plan to pad as much as I can. Especially the front cross member that I replaced. See photo.

My Pirelli P3 tires are brand NOS that came in the deal. I only plan to leave them on for a show or two. I would love to have a second set of rims for drivers and keep these for shows. They have never been on the road. The spare still has the paper label. Thanks for the tip on the B F Goodrich Radial T/A. What modern size is the equivalent of 155/15?

Does anyone have 4 Fergat rims in straight condition they would like to part with for a reasonable price?

The front fender turn signals were purchased from Centerline. They weren't inexpensive (what part is) and they are of cheep quality. I am looking for a set of originals.

Here is also a shot of the rear axle assembly. Note the extra tube support inside the stamped side plates. I added these for some additional strength.

[AlfaDuc]

George,
The correct OEM tire size is 155 / 80 - 15 (well, actually they were 155 / 78, but you wont find those . If you prefer wider tires (along with wider rims), you need to pay attention to interference with the steering arm in front. I know that Centerline recommends 185 / 65 - 15 as a substitute size (same OD, but much larger footprint), but check the clearance with front suspension bits and the wheel well when the wheel is turned. I'm not too keen on the look of much wider street tires on the Giulias, especially one as nicely restored as yours. But to each his / her own.
And great work on the chassis upgrades! Re-inforcing the trailing arm support is an absolute necessity, and your approach is a good one. When I restored my Sprint, I had plates welded across the front and rear of the support so they would not collapse under hard cornering. By the way, some of the vintage race groups re
quire this type reinforcement on Giulias just to prevent collapse of the support during a race (it HAS happened, and it's no fun).
Sorry I don't have any spare Fergats, but if you want to go to wider tires, you could consider the Panasport style rims (definitely available for the Giulias). As for the P3's, you were lucky to find a new set in good condition. I had to throw out a set of 13 yr old P3 tires today that had plenty of tread -- but also had cracking in the side walls. Oh, well, better safe than sorry.
And if you're looking for Carello turn signals, Re-Originals supposedly has them, as well as Classic Alfa parts in the UK. Certainly not cheaper than Centerline, but they might be real Carellos. It might be better to just keep tracking e-Bay and Alfa swap meets, because the originals are still out there.
Jim

[Subtle]

Since May, I have been using Continental Contact Pro 175/65/15 on Fergat wheels. These were designed for the first version of the new Mini Coopers.

This width still looks vintage and with 2 up and luggage the Spider was reasonably loaded and during the Monte Shelton Rally the tires did not rub any where.

The suspension is fresh with standard rate springs and shocks set at the standard ride height. I understand that 5 inch wide wheels can be used, but nothing wider.

Tires are good in the wet or dry--no track time.

[gowanusvin]

a little off the topic, but those front brake linings look a mite thick; be sure you can get the drums back on. I had a nightmare with mine.
Fantastic job all around!
Vince

[alfabits]

No problem, they foy perfect. See photos of wheels on car. Plenty of adjustment left.

George
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Quote:

Originally Posted by gowanusvin a little off the topic, but those front brake linings look a mite thick; be sure you can get the drums back on. I had a nightmare with mine. Fantastic job all around! Vince

[tiger0529]

Well, Re-Originals seems to carry the NOS Carello ones (not in stock according to their web site), and here's the link: Click Here But... DANGER!! DANGER!! If you think the Centerline's price (82USD each for a reproduction) is steep, brace yourself tightly onto a chair before you open the link!! But heck, your car is absolutely stunning, and I think she deserves a set of these amber-colored jewery.

Hope this helps,

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfabits The front fender turn signals were purchased from Centerline. They weren't inexpensive (what part is) and they are of cheep quality. I am looking for a set of originals.

[kuni123456]

Your restoration looks very nice. I think that you should have used Marelli voltage regulator and coil to give your car a more original look. I have a 1961 101 Sprint Veloce and my father purchased the car in June, 1961. I want to repaint and change the interior and finish restoring the car. I guess that I should probably clean and repaint the suspension and underbody. I will probably like to restore the car to the level of your restoration.

[alfabits]

Thanks for looking. Being this is a "transition car", I have taken the liberty to upgrade to more reliable and practical electrics. Trying to find NOS and restorable "correct" electrics is very difficult.

George
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Quote:

Originally Posted by kuni123456 Your restoration looks very nice. I think that you should have used Marelli voltage regulator and coil to give your car a more original look. I have a 1961 101 Sprint Veloce and my father purchased the car in June, 1961. I want to repaint and change the interior and finish restoring the car. I guess that I should probably clean and repaint the suspension and underbody. I will probably like to restore the car to the level of your restoration.

[italcarguy]

Awesome project! Looking at your pictures makes me want to get my Spider out from storage and start ripping it apart.