A "buyer's guide" forum.

[alfa75 88]

Over the past weeks, I've had at least five people ask me what to look out for when buying an Alfa (usually a Spider.) How about we have a separate forum for people who are new to ask questions like that? Or, how about we get people to type up buyer's guides for each model and have them as sticky threads in each model-specific forum? I'll gladly volonteer to do a couple.

[AlfaRich]

You raise a good point. It helps if the person has some understanding of automotive systems in general, the automotive aging process for our area or the source area, preventative maintenance knowledge, restoration process and financial aspects of classic car ownership. Which local resources can provide services for Engine, Carburation and FI, drive line, Front End suspension and balancing troubleshooting, fuel systems, body skin, body mechanical, interior seats, carpeting, convertible tops, electrical troubleshooting and preventative restoration.
We would probably need separate buyers guides for the different Series of Alfa Spiders.
ALSO: A RUSTPROOFER TECHNICIAN's guide to properly rustproofing a SPIDER. The rockers are very complicated and some photos of a SPIDER cut open (like one that is currently in my friends auto restoration shop) would be very beneficial to a rustproofer. Would it be beneficial to add "holes" to put rustproofing spray into certain areas which are pretty sealed off? These types of questions with photos and answers would be worth a lot to me and to others I'm sure.
We could Post PDF files and consolidate them by category or we could just recommend Braden's Bible for Overall information, and Wes Ingrams SPICA bookd for those with SPICA systems. These both should be read and understood BEFORE putting money on the table. I had a PrePurchase inspection of the BODY done by my friend who owns Franklins Classic Restorations , Plum St. Syracuse NY. He knows these inside and out, and has cut apart, pieced back together and made better than new bodys. He said "If you don't buy it....I will. Don't let it slip through your fingers." So that was it for me. My point is to develop alliances with those who know what we don't.
I wish I had Wes's book first though, and also wish I had Braden's book first as well. The greatest resource I feel is all the wonderful folks on this Bulletin Board. THANKS!