My 71' Spider

[elite38868]

Well, I made this long post and when I submitted it, it went blank, so i'm not rewriting the whole thing again. I'll show it!

Anyway, this is a 71' that I bought in July. On the way home, it got real hot and when I started it up again, it didn't want to run on all cylinders. I let it sit till a couple weeks ago when I had a chance to look it over with my father (alfamarty). We took out the injectors and one of them, the o ring dissintegrated and the other had an issue with the spring. So, it's probably best to get 4 good injectors.

The high temperature problem is probably due to a poorly maintained radiator or air in the cooling system. I'm still not sure which.

I really do like the rev-happy 1750 engine compared to the 2L. It also sounds nicer too; a lot like my GTV. What I don't like is not being able to go 70mph and having the engine running at 5k. Maybe I can go with a different gearing, because 5th gear is way too short.

The paint on the car now is a 15foot paint job and I really like the color even though it's not stock. I'm still debating about the wheels. Some say they are nice, and some say they are sh*tty. I would prefer either stock wheels or some nice GTV wheels of that same decade.

This will probably be a daily driver once I get it reg'd and a few of the quirks worked out.

Here's some pictures, the camera makes it look better than it actually is!

[elite38868]

Let me add that the top leaks like gauze, interior is shot, the rear bumper is kind of bent, and the front nose has a good size dent in it!

[78-AR-SPIDER]

Looks good Sean how dose she run?

[elite38868]

Seems to be running reasonably well. The center support bearing needs to be replaced (I think) as there is some play in there and I hear noises when I back up or brake hard. Does anyone know if I should be able to move the driveshaft up and down with my hand?

Also, it idles too high (around 1600 if gauge is correct) and when warm and idling, it rpm's go up, then down, then up, then down...so who knows! lots of things to be done still before considering it roadworthy.

[alfa75 88]

It's nice to finally see it. Congratulations on getting it running.

Bytheway.. I vote change the wheels

[jontg428]

Yes get some nice stock mags or steel rims on that bad boy, unless you are taking it to the salt flats! Nice car, a little or a little more then a little work and you could have a nice driver, congrats!

[elite38868]

Thanks everyone for your kind words The wheels are definitely a priority, but after the engine is in properly running condition.

Note to self: Bought plug wires, cap, rotor, condensor, and points from IAP; only the points worked well after I had to return them for the correct ones. Maybe I shouldn't use them anymore..

Also, I think the center driveshaft support bearing is going out. When backing up and stopping quickly, I hear strange noises.

[1750s]

Sean-
I'm a fellow yellow(original color) 71 owner and my son has a red 71. I do have an extra set of the mag wheels which were an option. I'm planning to post some items on ebay in the next few weeks. PM me if you're interested in the wheels. I may have other items if there is anything you need. The driveshaft is slightly moveable by hand. If more than that and you're getting clunky noise(s) then I would replace center support bearing (and inspect donut and u joints).
Russ
Oregon
71 Spiders
62 Sprint
69 GTV
73 Super

[John M]

Definitely make for a nice car once done Sean. Good find and congrats!

Best Regards,
John M

[elite38868]

Thanks everyone! The camera really makes it look MUCH better looking than it actually is, not to say it's styling is ugly, I love it

I really dislike the mirrors on it. I really want to replace it with one driver's side like what my dad has on his GTV. It's round and fits the styling. These are rubber/plastic and are pretty much dangling.

[alfa_corse]

Sean-

Check the rear mount on the transmission; they usually fail and then there is too much lateral movement. This causes clunking when you release the clutch. If the rubber is still intact you can beef it up with a powerflex poly kit that IAP sells.

Check the donut for cracking; if it's not seriously cracked I would not suspect the rear support to be bad. If you can wiggle the intermediate shaft with your hand but it feels firm the bearing support should be OK. If it flops around in the support (like there is little/nothing holding it gotether) then it needs to be replaced. If you are going to replace the support then good time to put in a new donut and have new U-Joints pressed in.

Looks deacent otherwise! You might consider dual webers, electronic ignition, and hotter cams somewhere down the road; since it's non-smog! That front dent could probably be pulled/filled without replacing the panel (PITA).

[Roadtrip]

Looks like a nice example for a restoration, everything basically good. Can you salvage the paint after the nosejob is complete? Bumpers look good . . they're the expensive part.

On the SPICA, sounds like the T/A might be the problem. If you need some injectors to troubleshoot with, I can loan you some. Injectors are almost never a problem and often times get blamed needlessly. Do you smell any gasoline in the oil? When you get ready to tune the injection system, let me know.

On the axle ratio, if you'd rather have a high speed cruiser, then you could consider an axle swap with a 4.1/1 out of a 80 or newer car. But keep in mind that you'll lose some zippiness around town. Since highway cruising is only a tiny fraction of how I use my car, I'd rather have the lower ratio axle for around-town.

[1969ALFA]

Hey Sean
Great looking car. Sometimes I wish I had the '71.
Don't change that color. It makes all the difference in the world to have an origional and not just stock. imho My biggest complaint with mine is....I have to sleep/eat so I can not drive it 24/7.....and 1st and 5th gears are too short.
Here is my '69
Lief

[Damien_Ireland]

Man you have a disease lol How many Alfa's have you bought and sold in past few months lol She looks well what are you going to with it? Are you going to keep the original colour?

[Wolfman]

Where can you find those rims?
I know they are not original Alfa, but the are easier to clean then the Turbinas on my 77 Spider.

Rolf
Chatsworth, CA