Spider Chassis Stiffener

$700Spider · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 09:24 AM

Does anyone here have any experience with the stiffener sold by the various vendors? Is it worth $400+? Did it bolt in as advertised?

NikosF · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 10:52 AM

I've just had one installed. I didn't do the install myself, but the workshop I took it to, said they only had to elongate two of the bolt holes slightly to make it fit first time.

I had some other suspension work done at the same time (Koni shocks, and rear suspension bushings), so it's hard to isolate the effects of just the stiffener, but for me it was worth it. The car feels dramatically more stable over rough surfaces. Before I could actually feel the car flexing - now it's as stable as a car with a roof.

Now - whether it's the first $450 I would spend on a $700 Spider is another question. I would first replace the bushings and shocks and make sure things like the tie rods were OK, and the camber and toe-in were set correctly. Once the rest of the suspension is sorted, then think about the stiffener

$700Spider · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2003, 11:18 AM

Actually, the car is in excellent condition, with Konis, new tires, and much more. The seller thought the head gasket was blown, and that, along with pointing out the minor flaws in the body and interior (dings, previous collision repair, sad seat upholstery) allowed my dad and I to talk him down from $3200! So far, NO symptoms of a head gasket, although I am closely monitoring it. The car also has a new top ($800 inst.), new clutch w/hydraulics, new brakes/rotors, new starter, etc. Deal of the century!

Thanks for the input. After I replace the wheels and tires with 15's I may do the stiffener.

Alfapwr · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 04:19 PM

I would highly recommend one.

I bought one for my Duetto when a guy on the Alfa Digest did a run of copies. His name was Dave Sisson I believe and it only cost $250 with paint and shipping. I've only driven my Duetto with it on so I have no point of reference, but people who've driven it say that my car is tight, just like a new car. For the record it has Centerline springs, Koni reds, late model front and rear swaybars, BWA's with 195/60-14 Falken Azenis Sports.

By the way, IMHO stick with 14" wheels ( lighter ) and get the Falken Azenis tires. Just don't drive in the wet !!!

Ciao !

Dan Walker
67 Duetto
74 GTV ( yup, STILL FOR SALE !!! )

$700Spider · #5 (**permalink**) 12-15-2003, 05:14 PM

Thanks for the reply. Currently the car has cheap 195/70's on it. Quite a bit of sidewall flex there. I'm tempted to keep the 14's, or I may have the stock Spider wheels made into 15's. Stockton Wheel says "No problem". My other thought is Mustang GT wheels- they fit perfectly! I think the stiffener will be first, though. I just can't stand seeing the windshield shaking like that, although my dad says his '71 was worse before he had a rollbar installed (mine already has one). Oh well, lots of time to figure it out. Fortunately the car runs great already!

**fgc** · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2003, 03:52 AM

Hi,

I'm interested in fabricating a frame stiffener for my round tail and will greatly appreciate any advice on material, dimension and mounting points for the chassis frame.

I understand that the one available commercially mounts to the steering box and idler arm up front (errr how???) and somewhere near the trailing arms out back - (errr where?)

unfortunately as I dont live in the USA and also my budget does not stretch to buying one new let alone shipping one across the pacific ocean, so have to resort to fabricating one.

Hope someone can give me some useful tips on building one.

Thanks
fgc