Heater Face Plate question

bbalanoff · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 09:27 AM

I have a 1978 spider, and although it is in great shape, I just bought it from the first owner, and I am trying to get some things back to original. One of these is the heater control plate. I have a hole at the top, which I assume is for the hooded light, which I found and bought on ebay. When I try to place it in its spot, it won't work with the plate I have. So, I'm trying to find out what is the original plate that was made for the '78. Mine is silver and has no writing, just a blue and red dot on top and bottom. My manual shows a plate with hot/cold/defrost writing. Any idea which plate I need? Are there different hooded lights as well?
Brian Balanoff

Farace · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 09:59 AM

If I can believe the book Original Alfa Romeo Spider by Chris Rees, and if I'm remembering it correctly (since I'm at work I can't check), sometime around '71 the heater face plate changed from silver to black. The ones I've seen meant for having the hooded light are different, too in that they seem to be constructed differently. I'll take another look at the book when I get home, but I suspect someone will have a more definitive answer by then (if not even before I hit the Submit button).

**John M** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 10:10 AM

Hey Brian:

Welcome to the board and congrats on having a great year for an Alfa Spider. I personally believe that 1978 was one of the best years along with 1992.

I have attached a picture of the pieces in question. I believe that these are available from www.vickauto.com. Be sure to specify you need the black one.

Best Regards,
John M

bbalanoff · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 11:13 AM

Now I'm a little confused...on centerlinealfa.com, they show the silver plate from 71-82, and the black with light hood from 83-85 (without words on it, just dots). My manual shows a plate with the hot/cold/defrost words on it, and your picture here shows black with words and hooded light. Is your 78 shown with the original part?
Brian

**John M** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 01:19 PM

Hey Brian:

Mine is the orignal parts as they should appear. Actually that black hood light went for several years....even into the series 3 up till around 85. I believe their heater bezel is the same as mine as well. So you need to find the black bezel and light hood as pictured.

Best Regards,
John M

nonuniform · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 02:13 PM

I don't know what Centerline Alfa is showing, but my '74 Spider has the original black light hood and black face plate.

Farace · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 02:33 PM

Does anyone know when the light hoods started? My '71 doesn't have it, but considering how much was wrong with my car, I can't guarantee that I've got the original console (although I have no reason to believe it isn't).

**papajam** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 04:56 PM

The wiring diagrams show that the panel light wiring first appeared with the '72 2l.

GTD · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 05:23 PM

WELCOME BRIAN!

That said, John M's picture is correct for a 78. It's black, with lettering, and if you still need one I'll sell you one from a 78 I'm parting out.

bbalanoff · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 08:49 PM

wow...it's great to be a part of this community and be a new alfa owner. i would love to buy that faceplate from the 78 you are parting out...how can i reach you?
Brian

GTD · #11 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 08:43 AM

Brian,

I sent you a private message; click on PM at the upper right of your screen.

JoeCab · #12 (**permalink**) 10-09-2004, 11:30 AM

A few notes that may help here:

1) The current repro suppliers of these face plates do not produce a version with any text on them. This allows them to sell the same part in many national markets.

2) The styles designed to be used without the lighted hood could be trimmed and filed to accept the hood. Obviously, easier with the plastic than the metal.

Joe