[southernstar]

Hi everyone! After lurking here for some time as I sought out the right Spider Veloce to purchase, I can finally consider myself a member of the clan. Last Saturday I closed the deal on a 75 Spider Veloce that was restored between 2005 and 2007. Herewith some pics - if I can follow the instructions on downloading!

 

[southernstar]

Oops! Obviously messed up trying to resize and then re-download! Sorry for the unintended repetition....

 

[ghnl]

No worries - more is better!

Your Spider looks great. Seats are very inviting. Welcome to the asylum.

 

[6alfas]

Great color combo. Looks sharp!

 

[southernstar]

Thanks guys. The delivery driver took photos of pre-exisitng damage at the time of pick-up and all he could find was a 1/8” chip and a small scratch on the driver’s side window scraper trim. All chrome replaced, new rubber floor mats, new rubber gaskets on doors, windshield, top, trunk and hood. Weber carbs with Euro style air cleaner ( still have original Spica in a box), euro cam, header, Ansa exhaust, s/s braided brake lines and coolant hoses, new top, upholstery, and refinished Cromadoras with five of the original rims.... I’m really pumped.

Owned some sports cars in the past - a 1970 Fiat 850 Sport Coupe and then both a 74 and a 79 Fiat X1/9. Also a 1970 Datsun 240Z and a 1975 Euro spec 260Z. And three Porsches - a 1961 356B, a 1986 944 and a 2000 Boxster. But this is my first Alfa - and its about time!

Yes, it needs a bit of work - wouldn’t want it any other way. The windshield washer container was removed when the Euro spec air cleaner was installed, so I need to find a spot for a new one. Also, the rear end wines a bit when you let off the gas at higher revs and unless you double de-clutch, there is a slight grind on downshifts into second. And I’l
be seeking sage advice here, in time, on these and other issues as they arise.

From what I seen while lurking, this is an incredible site. Looking forward to participation now with meaning!

Regards!

 

[southernstar]

And apologies for the typos - need to preview prior to posting! Just really pumped!

 

[vintagemilano]

I saw that on Kijiji, sure looked like a good example. Hope it works well for you. Wasn’t it in the prairies? Where are you?

 

[southernstar]

Yes, it was in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I’m in Belleville, Ontario, and paid for enclosed shipping to my home address.

 

[Jbutler]

Very nice looking Spider. Enjoy!

 

[southernstar]

Thanks jbutler, I’m sure I will. Love the dual pod dash, the wood rim wheel and the technology which, at least by the mid 70”s was state of the art. Plus, who doesn’t love the exhaust note?

 

[supernice68]

nice ride

 

[divotandtralee]

beauty.. Gordie Howe would have been happy in it.. may i ask what the advertised price was in Loonies?

 

[gprocket]

Gordie would have a hard time fitting into it (at least with the top up)!

Wonderful color combo - I had a '69 in the exact colors. Miss it!

The second gear crunch it typical. When you rebuild it (or have it rebuilt) lighten first and second gears and the synchros will last much longer. But prior to a rebuild you might try draining and refilling it with Redline 75W90 NS (NS is critical). It might eliminate the grind...

The rear end whine is a tougher fix. Adjusting the diff should be left to a pro with the right tools. Sometimes it's easier/cheaper to just replace the whole thing with a known good used one. These diffs are built like tanks so other than annoying the whining shouldn't keep you off the road.

Speaking of replacing, you might consider doing so with the ugly FED bumpers and going with the earlier stainless steel units. Used ones pop up here occasionally and new ones are available. Really makes a great looking car stunning.

 

[southernstar]

Although Gordie was also from Saskatchewan, I somehow suspect that he wasn’t exactly an Alfa kind of guy. Well made connection, however! I appreciate your question about the advertised price in Canadian dollars (although I am starting to call them Canadian pesos), but I really hate discussing, or even hinting at what I paid for anything. Let’s just say that I suspect that many of my American compatriots would find some pretty good deals here, once you do the conversion.

 

[gprocket]

Right now the problem is getting over the border!

 

[southernstar]

Thanks gprocket, appreciate the comments and advice. Yes, I plan to do fluid changes on both the transmission and differential and am definitely going to use Redline 85W90 NS in the tranny. As to the differential, I gather there is some debate as to whether NS is the right choice?

I also plan, in the short term, to have a well respected Alfa specialist in Toronto see if lowering the torque on the imput bearing seal nut as well as the aforementioned fluid change, makes any improvement. Right now you can only hear noise if letting off the gas at, or approaching highway speeds.

I can live with the transmission as it does not grind on upshifts and I always double clutch on downshifts.

 

[southernstar]

Actually, there is no problem in shipping a car across the border as it is not closed to commercial traffic. Many carriers are doing it. Some will also arrange all the paperwork for a fee of about $200. I know as i was also considering several cars in California, Nevada and Florida and got quotes for cross border shipping.

 

[gprocket]

I guess I was thinking in terms of crossing to look a car a in person. Let alone enjoying some Canadian hospitality...

 

[divotandtralee]

Although Gordie was also from Saskatchewan, I somehow suspect that he wasn’t exactly an Alfa kind of guy. Well made connection, however! I appreciate your question about the advertised price in Canadian dollars (although I am starting to call them Canadian pesos), but I really hate discussing, or even hinting at what I paid for anything. Let’s just say that I suspect that many of my American compatriots would find some pretty good deals here, once you do the conversion.

nah.. I never asked what you paid ..we all haven't totally lost our dignity and manners down here yet just what they were asking in the advertisement

 

[GTA ALFA]

Great looking Spider. I had a 1976 model in the exact same colour combo! Sold it three years ago, miss it, but had to move on. For the washer bottle, you can sub in a Tudor blue bag, that will give it the complete euro look in the engine bay.