Alfa Parts Exchange

[mervet]

Hello,
I was just hoping someone could assist me with insurance related questions. I just purchased my '74 spider veloce last year. I have rebuilt the transmission, replaced the floor pans & spare tire well, had the seats reupholstered and begun the process of restoration. Last week I got it out of the shop and got the seats back in. Was driving to a fastener store to pick up 2 missing seat bolts when an old lady decided to turn left right in front of me. To say the least...my wife cried and I cursed. Allstate is the agent of the lady and they have prepared an estimate and sent me a check for the repairs with parts coming from Alfa Parts Exchange. The parts included are as listed:
Section, 3/4 Front Lt
Grille Assembly
Headlamp Assembly
Panel, Hood
Radiator
Blade, Engine Fan
Lft Side Front Bumper
Rt Side Front Bumper

I think most of these parts are available new or remanufactured. My question is this...Has anyone received parts from this "wrecking yard" and if so, what is your opinion? I am restoring this old girl and do not wish to decrease her value or longevity by getting anything less than the best. Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated. At this point my plan is to refuse the radiator outright. The rest is in question.
Thanks Tons,
Shaun C Merchant, DVM
'74 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

[JoeCab]

First, sorry to hear about your accident.

These parts you should definitely insist be replaced with new:

Radiator
Engine Fan

Front grills are available but a nice used one might be fine. Some of the sheet metal is available, some isn't. The front bumpers are unique to a '74 (overriders) and pretty hard to find, new or used. If APE has a good set they can be polished to look as-new.

APE is a good outfit, and they mostly sell parts from rust free California cars.

Good luck,

Joe

[GTD]

Mervet
Welcome to the AlfaBB. Do a search (at the top of the page) for "allstate". This will give you an idea of what others have experienced when dealing with insurance companies. Good luck with your repairs and restoration!

[Ianc]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident, and even sorrier that you'll be dealing with Allstate. Don't let them railroad you. THey specialize in just what you've described, but there is every chance that the cheque won't actually cover the needed parts. Take your time, contact the dealer yourself and make sure that the amount Allstate quoted will really cover everything.

[MrT]

I've bought a tachometer and a speedo drive gear set from APE. I was happy with both purchases and with the service and info I received from them. No complaints, but no serious dealings, either.

Michael

[Davy13]

If you have comp and collision, you may want to consider paying your deductible, then have your insurance company come up with a price for everything... For example, my USAA insured Spider was hit by a guy with Statefarm. I paid USAA the $500 deductible, USAA came out and gave me a very good price on the car (it was totaled), then USAA went after Statefarm for the money, AS WELL AS the deductible I paid. So in reality, it was just fronting the $500; I got it back eventually. My point is, USAA knows how to deal with another insurance company, but I do not. I would have no idea (within reason) if I was getting short changed, or if I was getting a good deal. Also, because the accident was not my fault (as yours was not your fault) my rates would not change one bit...

[jahcompkilla]

A.P.E
They are a bunch of great guys.
Over the years I have bought 1 spider, gtv6 motor and various other bits. On the big parts like motors and transmissions they offer a 30 day guarantee.
There shipping cost is very fair also..
I like them better than buying parts from ebay

I think they might have a couple 74 bumpers in stock. I would jump on them because they are kinda hard to get.