1974 alfa spider

That is a good place to start.
1 Get clean fuel to the carbs.
2 get good spark, points, wires, plugs, static timing
3 check compression, write it down for future comparison

If you have those three in good order it will start, btw check all fluids!

When you get it going install an air filter of some kind.

If the car has sat for a time without being run, it is likely that the accelerating pumps in the Webers have gummed up. If that is the case, you can pump the pedal until you're blue in the face, but no gas is getting squirted into the intake ports.

The easiest way to diagnose this is to spray a bit of starting fluid (ether) into the intakes with the throttle open. That'll be easy since there doesn't appear to be any air cleaners to remove. If the car fires and runs (probably poorly), then it indicates that the accelerating pumps aren't working.

The accelerating pump function might be revived by continuing this operation a few times, working the throttle as you go. If that doesn't work, you could remove the accelerating pump jets and make sure they are clear. Better still, have the carbs rebuilt.

Ok thanks for the advice. Raining today will tinker with it tomorrow!

"definitely not an Alfisti"......"my first car was a 1990 Spider". Uh-huh. Sorry kid, having two Alfas before the age of 24 condemns you to the ranks of Alfisti whether you like it or not!

Haha you make a valid point. But as far as mechanical competency goes im not an alfisti. I did find some books my dad had in his garage. Will read and look through them tonight!