As an Alfaholic, having owned 9 vintage Alfa's, I can only say I wish I had seen this video years ago, I learnt the expensive way ! Excellent advice will save you thousands !!! Well done vintagecustoms
Great walk through. I learned a lot about the potential problems that Alfa's could have. I currently own four Alfa Spiders. Here's my story - everyone here, listen up! 1. My first was a complete mess. The seller lied and I wanted the car so badly, that I ignored the red flags. That car is a 1983 and it's still sitting at my mechanic's shop! 2. My second was a good purchase. I bought it from a younger guy who collects vintage cars. It's a 1980 that is in okay condition, but I bought it that way. It has a SPICA that's out of adjustment - I think the TA is bad. The suspension is okay. The rear end moves a little and on right turns I get a scraping noise (like the drive shaft rubbing on something). No grinding in 2nd! Oil pressure drops when warm. Water temp gets to 220ish when hot on a hot day. A fun little car that cost me so little - I've sure got my money's worth and I've put very little money and time into it. 3. My third purchase is iffy. I bought it for a great price - a 1971 Spider with a 2.0L motor = late 1971. Rockers were replaced and the job was fair at best. Checking paint on parts of the car. Changed to dual Webers. Steel wheels - looks great on the car. Super cool interior, but couple parts missing or broken. Front suspension needs a rebuild. I had to adjust the carbs - not too hard to do. Drove like a dream until I revved it too high and broke piston #2. So it's sitting until I have the time to rebuild the motor. 2nd gear grind also, so tranny has to come apart and new synchros. Bummer! 4. My fourth purchase has been the best of all. A very low mileage 1974. I listened to this video and made a great buy. I know the problems and they're minimal. Has a SPICA with a bad TA - going to get a Shankle Sure Start until I decide to replace the TA. Has an angry motor - I love it. Three major items need to be done on it. Needs floor pans (had rust and needs to be replaced, though I may just spot repair them. The paint is very bad - looks like an Earl Scheib job. I have to strip it and repaint back to original Silver. The front seats need refinishing. The foam is good, but the covers are bad. I may upgrade to leather. I am looking for another 1974 or older Spider. Maybe two??? I'm going to sell my 1980 when I get my first new one, then use the funds as seed money to buy another one. If I can, I'd love to have a complete series from 1971 to 74. I have no desire to have a 75 or newer, due to the rubber bumpers and emissions - blocks the flow of air thru the motor. Though I may look into a series 4 car, because it looks modern, but I'm not sure. Good luck to everyone who owns or wants to be an owner of an Alfa Spider. They are magnificent cars that make you smile when you drive them.
I rescued an '85 from a salvage yard. after weeks of research.... and this video covers some finer points and details, that websurfing missed... Now I know some critical points to inspect when I begin the resurection process. Thanks a Bunch!
I was a little disappointed in the lack of coverage of the electronic system within the engine compartment, especially the ignition, the alternator and the condition of the wiring. He did a very good job on spotting rust, floor board repair and previous body work.
Great video!! I have a 66 Duetto full build from tub with a similar condition body at my shop Heavy Metal Alfa. Dunlops too! doing new floors next week.
This video and it's corresponding part 2 has been very very very instrumental in my own personal STEEP learning curve of these cars. So much so that people are coming to me just because of the experience of the GTV I'm wrapping up. What a trek it has been!
Yes indeed. I'm impressed and have them at the Duettoregister as a guidance how to examine the older Alfa Romeo Giulia series. I like the backyard with sooo many interesting projects.
Hi Larry, love the story, and the positive attitude about your car. We always love seeing peoples cars and the passion they have for them. Please do send us photos. However, we never criticizes (or cretic) others work. We do advise on points of interest /concerns but that is as far as we go. Thank you for the kind thoughts and support. We really value it.
Antonios- this has come up before. I understand some people don't understand the "big picture". Think about it like this. The cars have 30,40 even 50 years of grim to deal with. You have undercoating, you have sound deadening, fuel lines, brake lines whole interiors to remove, you have collateral damage to repair, and then you have to put undercoating back, sound deadening back, interior to put back fuel lines, and brake line and some times electrical. And we are talking about complete floor change outs. Not just chopping out the rust and plopping down metal over it. These car are now so expensive, that the replacement has to be to the factory weld points. Not just sleeving over. It is a complicated, and extensive job. The metal prep (cleaning ) is everything. If it all is not done right, the welds will look poor, and can be unsafe. The welding skills is not a matter of "taking a class". The quality and gauge of this steel is not like metal in a class room environment. It is contaminated and needs to be conditioned. That take a long time to learn, and a special touch to manage so it looks like the repair never happened. The best way for you to understand this is to try it your self. I assure you that you will have a new appreciation for those who do it for a living.The efforts required to achieve this should never be overlooked as simple as " I'll take a class" and my results will be the same. Good luck with your project and we wish you the very best and safe travels
I owned a 78 Spider and loved it but It was a money pit. Luckily I knew a couple of great mechanics in Dallas to keep it running. This is very good advice for a car like vintage Alfas. I changed the Spika fuel injection to Duel Webbers, replace the top 3 times, painted it 4 times and replaced the oil pan 5 times. That said, I had a great time driving that car. When everything worked like it was supposed to it was phenomenal.
Great stuff! Really much appreciated! Trouble is, these cars are getting harder and harder to find; you know seller is asking to much money for it, you identify several of things needing repair, there's rust spots here and there, paint shop seems a bit dubious on some places, but you really really really really want one! ; ) This coming from someone going to go and have a second look on '79 Spider Veloce on Monday. Wife has not spoken to me in two days... ;D
Hi Gavin, we have been emailed many, many times about that video. I for one, am really happy you see value in it. We will do one on GT's and supers very soon. The idea is to praise the guy who wants worthy dollars far a good car, and help the novice to negotiate fair, appropriate, pricing for the less worthy. Ultimately we feel ALMOST every alfa should be saved, but values should reflect condition and not what other are paying for better examples.
Good stuff! thank you for all of the insights, I am looking at a 3 spider, for a song.... so cheap in fact, if its still there when then money transfers, its a done deal, but now i have a better idea of what i am stepping into... and you have such an amazing collection of Alfas in the shop... I will make a deal with you, if i buy the car, i will subscribe to your channel! lolz.
I just purchased a 1985 Spider that was bought NEW in Japan, then imported to Canada. Rust: One little area on the left rocker ! Mine has the twin solex carbs and according to the Alfa mechanic, this engine is 135 HP. I paid $10 G's CDN for it. Left Hand Drive as well.
Very important always ask the previous owner whether he has always added 1% good smoke free API TC two stroke oil to the fuel as top lubricant and anti corrosion additive when he used modern dry ethanolized eco fuels in old carbed or fuel injected Alfa... In Germany most Alfisti, Porsche Divers and BMW drivers add 1% API TC two stroke oil to the fuel because modern dry fuel damages and corrodes Tank, lines, carbes engine valves etc...Bosch technicans suggest using two stroke oil in old cars as anti corrosion top lubricant
Picked up a '72 Spider 2000 . She now has a new interior. Needs a fuel tank and wheel well, a few boxes of sandpaper.( I now have a great excuse to get some.) I have a wide variety of blocking tools, from hand sanders. to pneumatic, I also have a good variety of hammers and Dolly's. I figure a couple hundred hours, to do it correctly. One thought was to replace all bushings with poly. What are thoughts on that?
Discretionary sale. I know all about that. I bought my GTV6 from the original owner and it did feel more like an interview. He probably had reservations (I was only in my late 20's and had to reassure him it wasn't going to be hot-rodded.)
Thank you for the thorough overview!! Great information, wonder if you'd ever do a follow-up on "what's the worst that can happen when it's a $2500 alfa under consideration?" :-)
Great video and very informative! I’ve bought and sold many standard cars over the years but it almost all cases I’ve done a PPI on them. I’m up in Canada, near Toronto and I know our pricing is higher than south of the border. With that been said I have my eye on a couple of ‘87 Alfa’s one is a Graduate and the other a Quadrifoglio, both priced around CDN$15K. Any thoughts as to pricing, i could send you the links. Great work!
people who do this here in Italy are so boutique I'd rather call you on Skype for an over-the-pond PPI when I'll manage to be on the hunt for one for real. I know it's not the same, but do you think it'd be feasible?
If the car is never driven in rain, how long can it survive in this state? I have an S2 Spider in similar condition. I’m under the impression that I could enjoy the car for many more years without major investment if I can keep it dry. Am I kidding myself? I don’t live in the desert.
60-80hrs? for rust repair? that's like $8000 in Australian Hourly rate. Which means its cheaper to do a welding course and buy the welding machine from ebay and do it yourself, good video thanks
+Antonios LesvosLover Correct take evening class on welding and body work, it's all about cutting out the rust, make patterns and transfer to 18 gage plain steel.. weld it solid ..prime coat and forget about it for 20 years..sorry no pop rivets lol ...PS' learn the craft hang out a sign and start a business as Antonios Auto Welding..good for about $5000.00 a week take home..not bad eh?My co SAFETCAP makes those parts parts, Take care Jerry
how much does your time cost? are you willing to spend the time to get good enough to do a proper job? It might still be cost effective to do it yourself- I'm just saying there's some merit to paying for other people's expertise at times.
Eric DeGrottole spider rockers (the internals) is robust and normally does not suffer as much damage. However before you buy, take it to a shop and put it on the lift to see the real story. Repair of the rockers, with paint can cost upwards of 3-5k to be vigilant
As an Alfaholic, having owned 9 vintage Alfa's, I can only say I wish I had seen this video years ago, I learnt the expensive way ! Excellent advice will save you thousands !!! Well done vintagecustoms
Great walk through. I learned a lot about the potential problems that Alfa's could have.
I currently own four Alfa Spiders. Here's my story - everyone here, listen up!
1. My first was a complete mess. The seller lied and I wanted the car so badly, that I ignored the red flags. That car is a 1983 and it's still sitting at my mechanic's shop!
2. My second was a good purchase. I bought it from a younger guy who collects vintage cars. It's a 1980 that is in okay condition, but I bought it that way. It has a SPICA that's out of adjustment - I think the TA is bad. The suspension is okay. The rear end moves a little and on right turns I get a scraping noise (like the drive shaft rubbing on something). No grinding in 2nd! Oil pressure drops when warm. Water temp gets to 220ish when hot on a hot day. A fun little car that cost me so little - I've sure got my money's worth and I've put very little money and time into it.
3. My third purchase is iffy. I bought it for a great price - a 1971 Spider with a 2.0L motor = late 1971. Rockers were replaced and the job was fair at best. Checking paint on parts of the car. Changed to dual Webers. Steel wheels - looks great on the car. Super cool interior, but couple parts missing or broken. Front suspension needs a rebuild. I had to adjust the carbs - not too hard to do. Drove like a dream until I revved it too high and broke piston #2. So it's sitting until I have the time to rebuild the motor. 2nd gear grind also, so tranny has to come apart and new synchros. Bummer!
4. My fourth purchase has been the best of all. A very low mileage 1974. I listened to this video and made a great buy. I know the problems and they're minimal. Has a SPICA with a bad TA - going to get a Shankle Sure Start until I decide to replace the TA. Has an angry motor - I love it. Three major items need to be done on it. Needs floor pans (had rust and needs to be replaced, though I may just spot repair them. The paint is very bad - looks like an Earl Scheib job. I have to strip it and repaint back to original Silver. The front seats need refinishing. The foam is good, but the covers are bad. I may upgrade to leather.
I am looking for another 1974 or older Spider. Maybe two??? I'm going to sell my 1980 when I get my first new one, then use the funds as seed money to buy another one. If I can, I'd love to have a complete series from 1971 to 74. I have no desire to have a 75 or newer, due to the rubber bumpers and emissions - blocks the flow of air thru the motor. Though I may look into a series 4 car, because it looks modern, but I'm not sure.
Good luck to everyone who owns or wants to be an owner of an Alfa Spider. They are magnificent cars that make you smile when you drive them.
I rescued an '85 from a salvage yard. after weeks of research.... and this video covers some finer points and details, that websurfing missed... Now I know some critical points to inspect when I begin the resurection process. Thanks a Bunch!
I was a little disappointed in the lack of coverage of the electronic system within the engine compartment, especially the ignition, the alternator and the condition of the wiring. He did a very good job on spotting rust, floor board repair and previous body work.
Great video!! I have a 66 Duetto full build from tub with a similar condition body at my shop Heavy Metal Alfa. Dunlops too! doing new floors next week.
This video and it's corresponding part 2 has been very very very instrumental in my own personal STEEP learning curve of these cars. So much so that people are coming to me just because of the experience of the GTV I'm wrapping up. What a trek it has been!
Yes indeed. I'm impressed and have them at the Duettoregister as a guidance how to examine the older Alfa Romeo Giulia series. I like the backyard with sooo many interesting projects.
Hi Larry, love the story, and the positive attitude about your car. We always love seeing peoples cars and the passion they have for them. Please do send us photos. However, we never criticizes (or cretic) others work. We do advise on points of interest /concerns but that is as far as we go. Thank you for the kind thoughts and support. We really value it.
Very nice car! High professional inspection! I've an Alfa Spider America 1975 year. Fortunately mainly no rust.
Antonios- this has come up before. I understand some people don't understand the "big picture". Think about it like this. The cars have 30,40 even 50 years of grim to deal with. You have undercoating, you have sound deadening, fuel lines, brake lines whole interiors to remove, you have collateral damage to repair, and then you have to put undercoating back, sound deadening back, interior to put back fuel lines, and brake line and some times electrical. And we are talking about complete floor change outs. Not just chopping out the rust and plopping down metal over it. These car are now so expensive, that the replacement has to be to the factory weld points. Not just sleeving over. It is a complicated, and extensive job. The metal prep (cleaning ) is everything. If it all is not done right, the welds will look poor, and can be unsafe. The welding skills is not a matter of "taking a class". The quality and gauge of this steel is not like metal in a class room environment. It is contaminated and needs to be conditioned. That take a long time to learn, and a special touch to manage so it looks like the repair never happened. The best way for you to understand this is to try it your self. I assure you that you will have a new appreciation for those who do it for a living.The efforts required to achieve this should never be overlooked as simple as " I'll take a class" and my results will be the same. Good luck with your project and we wish you the very best and safe travels
Hi Wille! thanks you for the kind words. We try hard to help as much as we can. We hope their is value to some one in these.
very professional very good to know about the spider thanks
Excellent information. I would suggest you change the title of this video to "How to inspect an Alfa Romeo before purchase".
I owned a 78 Spider and loved it but It was a money pit. Luckily I knew a couple of great mechanics in Dallas to keep it running.
This is very good advice for a car like vintage Alfas. I changed the Spika fuel injection to Duel Webbers, replace the top 3 times, painted it 4 times and replaced the oil pan 5 times. That said, I had a great time driving that car. When everything worked like it was supposed to it was phenomenal.
This is gold, thank you.
Super detailed. Thanks!
Very informative - thanks for sharing!
Great stuff! Really much appreciated!
Trouble is, these cars are getting harder and harder to find; you know seller is asking to much money for it, you identify several of things needing repair, there's rust spots here and there, paint shop seems a bit dubious on some places, but you really really really really want one! ; )
This coming from someone going to go and have a second look on '79 Spider Veloce on Monday. Wife has not spoken to me in two days... ;D
Thanks. Still holding my garaged 1991. I am going to check some stuff to inspect it for my own info.
Being interviewed...... is a great way of looking at it sometimes. Well its absolutely that way the more I think about it.
Hi Gavin, we have been emailed many, many times about that video. I for one, am really happy you see value in it. We will do one on GT's and supers very soon. The idea is to praise the guy who wants worthy dollars far a good car, and help the novice to negotiate fair, appropriate, pricing for the less worthy. Ultimately we feel ALMOST every alfa should be saved, but values should reflect condition and not what other are paying for better examples.
Good stuff! thank you for all of the insights, I am looking at a 3 spider, for a song.... so cheap in fact, if its still there when then money transfers, its a done deal, but now i have a better idea of what i am stepping into... and you have such an amazing collection of Alfas in the shop... I will make a deal with you, if i buy the car, i will subscribe to your channel! lolz.
Well done, very informative. Thanks for sharing.
Very Well presented. Thanks.
Great video - thanks
I just purchased a 1985 Spider that was bought NEW in Japan, then imported to Canada. Rust: One little area on the left rocker ! Mine has the twin solex carbs and according to the Alfa mechanic, this engine is 135 HP. I paid $10 G's CDN for it. Left Hand Drive as well.
hi, willie. that is why its out there. As to share with others. Its nice to know we can help.
Very important always ask the previous owner whether he has always added 1% good smoke free API TC two stroke oil to the fuel as top lubricant and anti corrosion additive when he used modern dry ethanolized eco fuels in old carbed or fuel injected Alfa...
In Germany most Alfisti, Porsche Divers and BMW drivers add 1% API TC two stroke oil to the fuel because modern dry fuel damages and corrodes Tank, lines, carbes engine valves etc...Bosch technicans suggest using two stroke oil in old cars as anti corrosion top lubricant
Hello There, Thanks For Helping. accessible cheap
Many thanks...great insights....I'm looking at at a spider s3 in the next few days...although prefer a S4...but it's got to be a spider :)
don't get a s4 with bosch fuel injection
He's great..listen up!
Sharp Tech.
Picked up a '72 Spider 2000 . She now has a new interior. Needs a fuel tank and wheel well, a few boxes of sandpaper.( I now have a great excuse to get some.) I have a wide variety of blocking tools, from hand sanders. to pneumatic, I also have a good variety of hammers and Dolly's. I figure a couple hundred hours, to do it correctly. One thought was to replace all bushings with poly. What are thoughts on that?
Discretionary sale. I know all about that. I bought my GTV6 from the original owner and it did feel more like an interview. He probably had reservations (I was only in my late 20's and had to reassure him it wasn't going to be hot-rodded.)
complimenti video ben fatto
It's good to see they sell sheet metal.
Excellent video,,,, I purchased a tr6, placed a s2000 honda engine on it........ it’s a daily commuter car... parts are cheap ,, I’m happy
25:44 You missed the condition of the spare tyre.
Thank you for the thorough overview!! Great information, wonder if you'd ever do a follow-up on "what's the worst that can happen when it's a $2500 alfa under consideration?" :-)
If you're like me, you replace everything, which gives you the Alfa of Theseus.
@@s.sestric9929 lol I went with it, and that's pretty much how it turned out! Couldn't be happier tho ...
Great video and very informative! I’ve bought and sold many standard cars over the years but it almost all cases I’ve done a PPI on them. I’m up in Canada, near Toronto and I know our pricing is higher than south of the border. With that been said I have my eye on a couple of ‘87 Alfa’s one is a Graduate and the other a Quadrifoglio, both priced around CDN$15K.
Any thoughts as to pricing, i could send you the links.
Great work!
I am in the GTA also. Did you end up buying a spider?
where you located at,because i start wrenching the Alfas with my buddy here in N. California....
I need some work done on my 1989 Spider. Where are you located?
How can I contact the shop In this video
Can you give me the name of wheels please ?
people who do this here in Italy are so boutique I'd rather call you on Skype for an over-the-pond PPI when I'll manage to be on the hunt for one for real.
I know it's not the same, but do you think it'd be feasible?
If the car is never driven in rain, how long can it survive in this state? I have an S2 Spider in similar condition. I’m under the impression that I could enjoy the car for many more years without major investment if I can keep it dry. Am I kidding myself? I don’t live in the desert.
I once owned a beautiful 1750 GTV and I should have stored in a garage during winter because it rusted away....
60-80hrs? for rust repair? that's like $8000 in Australian Hourly rate. Which means its cheaper to do a welding course and buy the welding machine from ebay and do it yourself, good video thanks
+Antonios LesvosLover Correct take evening class on welding and body work, it's all about cutting out the rust, make patterns and transfer to 18 gage plain steel.. weld it solid ..prime coat and forget about it for 20 years..sorry no pop rivets lol ...PS' learn the craft hang out a sign and start a business as Antonios Auto Welding..good for about $5000.00 a week take home..not bad eh?My co SAFETCAP makes those parts parts, Take care Jerry
how much does your time cost? are you willing to spend the time to get good enough to do a proper job? It might still be cost effective to do it yourself- I'm just saying there's some merit to paying for other people's expertise at times.
You can’t buy skill with money, only time.
How much to replace the rockers on these cars? I'm looking at a 86 for $4k and 110k miles. He says the rockers are all rusted but self contained.
Eric DeGrottole spider rockers (the internals) is robust and normally does not suffer as much damage. However before you buy, take it to a shop and put it on the lift to see the real story. Repair of the rockers, with paint can cost upwards of 3-5k to be vigilant
👍 👍 👍!!!
The spare tire was an indicator of a possible toe-out or camber problem. Prior collision ? jjhildrethstudios.com
Come on.. everyone knows how to buy an Alfa Romeo...with cash!!!!
I needed that laugh!! Soooo right!!
So basically what your trying to say that the car is a piece of shit , I see🤔
Camera work not that helpful, pity! the rest of the verbal advice is excellent!
what if i get one for free but its been sitting in a lot for 15 years under the sun.
Lucas Simms last I check Lucas, the sun does not rust stuff
So if it is sound other wise Lucas, a great opportunity to save an alfa is in front of you
if you start to detach all parts you will probably meet another heap of rust in many hidden places!!
Oh how true that can be.... LOL!!!
yeh no worries mate lean over the guard with your zip you haven't worked on shit
RUST!
Just don't.
Shut up