Int, Auto Parts, no way. They barley understand the 164. They are old 4 cyl parts place and will not be able to order 156> model parts. If they do they will charge more and get it wrong. I Just supplied some glass to a GT owner in Washington DC. Someone smashed his passenger window and could not get a replacement. I got it to him in 6 days.
I do not think IAP has on-line access to alfa for new parts.
So if there is a need for parts for vehicles not brought to the US, I have no issues supplying the parts.
As far as DOT, I agree it is a joke, it is based on old technology from around the 1970's and still used today.
I think all cars should be inspected like in Europe. If it leaks or has a bad shock or tire. Off the road until fixed. Trucks should not be able to be lifted and cars should not be able to be lowered more than 2". headlight, tail light, side markers, side repeaters should all be legal color, not blue, green purple, whatever. Tail lamps should not be able to be replaced with cheap after-market "stylish" tail lamps that are not approved. Only OEM can replace them.
Certain allowable Db for exhaust.
NHTSA is getting better though. headlight technology for example is adopting both Euro and DOT approved headlamps which is good.
But man they have a lot of work ahead of them to even come close to EEC regulations.
We are still in the stone age here in the US. Some of the cars that are driving around should be in the crusher. I see cars spilling smoke out the tail and a cop drive right by and not blink an eye.
Yet, they somehow pass smog and get a valid registration.
The state spends money on Smog test facilities and salaries while charging us $30 for a check every 2 years which as mentioned 98% probably passes.
They spend money on mass transit but nobody rides it because they all drive their heaps of crap. if they had an inspection,took these cars off the road they would add twice as much income to the state since they would then have to use mass transit, environmentally these cars would not contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, pollution, and so forth. Therefor adding to a safer, cleaner less crowded highway/road system. Sure it seems like a dream but a few simple tings in place could have big impacts on this.
One reason I do not think they do it is they may have a huge uproar of anger citizens with confederate flags breaking down the doors of the state capitol demanding back their right to lift their trucks or drive their cars with blown head gaskets etc. I don't know I may be off my rocker..? Maybe they should be charged a hefty carbon tax or safetey tax until fixed?
But I can tell you in the last 10 years driving has not been as enjoyable at all. It is dangerous and drivers these days do not have any manners or any knowledge of driving or the road at all. Since when did flashing a car become the middle finger as opposed to a courtesy to please move to the side as I am going faster than you??
I think is should be mandatory for all drivers to take a driving test and paper test every 2 years.
Just a few ideas off the top of my head at 9:30 at night.
Ciao!