new guy

[counterbeing]

I've been looking into some spiders from the 70's lately, mostly 74, and I was wondering how expensive parts are and all that, and how hard are they to find? thanks

[Roadtrip]

Most mechanical parts are easy to get and relatively cheap. Salvage parts are also usually easy to find.
Body parts and trim can get expensive and hard to get in good condition.

If you're looking for an Alfa, I would not recommend a 70s SPICA injected model unless you plan on learning the system and doing your own work, or have a knowledgeable mechanic locally. 71-74 Kamm Tails have the stainless bumpers (hard to get and expensive) while the 75-81 models have the federalized rubber bumpers, emissions air pumps, catalytic converters, EGR, etc.

In my opinion, the most important factor in buying an old Alfa is rust and body condition.

Look at the "Advice to new owners" thread under "Anything about Alfas".

[tubut]

Hi and welcome, counterbeing!

A lot of stuff is available. I suggest you get a catalog from www.centerlinealfa.com. There are many other suppliers, but this catalog should give you a pretty good overview.

And when you need specific advice, you'll find that this board is proof that Alfa owners are pretty good at helping each other with advice, information and even parts if something does not work right or is in short supply.

Good luck,

Ruedi

[67GTV]

Welcome to AlfaBB counterbeing!

Another suggestion would be to pick up a copy of the "Illustrated Alfa Romeo Buyer's Guide" by Joe Benson. I just did a search and am surprised to find that neither Amazon or Barnes & Noble have it in stock. However, used copies can be found on both sites.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...79386339&itm=1

71-74 Spiders are the most sought after Kamm Tail models, mostly due to their beautiful and precious stainless bumpers. Roadtrip and I are assuming that you are located in the U.S. I believe European Spiders retained the stainless bumpers up until the Series 3 model.

Good luck in your search!

[desert spider]

To be perfectly candid, if you are comparing parts prices for Alfa's to Chevy's and Toyota's, they are more expensive. But, afterall, to paraphrase the hair products commercial on TV, they are worth it. The good news is that there are plenty of parts available throughout the country and can be ordered and obtained on short notice by mail order (either computer, phone or snail mail). Try it; you'll like it. There is nothing quite like an open air Alfa at full song down an open road.

Jim
'84 Alfa Spider Veloce

[gotglasses]

I got back into Alfas with an 86 Spider after several years away from the make. I owned three SPICA cars and a GTV6 before.

The Bosch injected cars are reliable, they start like Toyotas. I'd recommend a post 82 Spider to anyone looking for a civilized ragtop.

I loved my GTV6 but it destroyed its engine twice due to broken cambelts ( promptly at 26,000 mile intervals). other than that it was a pleasure.

The SPICA cars are OK if you like to tinker and live in a warm climate. They can be made to run real good if you are not concerned about emissions equipment. They do not start in the cold without ether squirted into the little black hose to the idle circuit (after first pulling the wire off the cold start solenoid , of course). If you rely on the "sophisticated" cold start system your plugs will foul , your battery will be dead and your knuckles will be bleeding and frozen while you wait for a tow. I believe that the " warranty repair " my Alfetta dealer used when my car refused to start in January was to back order the " repair parts" until Spring arrived and the problem resolved itself.