"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
08/09/2014 at 13:29 • Filed to: None
4
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"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
08/09/2014 at 13:29 • Filed to: None | 4
| 14 |
So today, like most Saturday mornings, I woke up and drove down to my little hole-in-the-wall Italian mechanic. I brought some beers to make Tony happy (Cheers for AM beers!) and shot the shit with the guys for a bit. But I was there to test drive a car.
So Tony had two cars for me to check out; a 1980 Fiat 124 Spider for $5k and a 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 for $5.5k. Both are clean cars, no rust at all and both have been converted to dual webers. The $5k for the 124 includes fresh paint so don't mind the primer spots. A 128 cylinder head fell into the door causing a dent which Tony fixed.
Both cars looked great but I was really pulled towards the Alfa and it was the only one I drove. The Alfa is a one owner car with a 5-10 year old respray and 77k miles. It idles rough but pulls strong.
It's a turn-key car and I'm quite taken with it, dorky seating position and everything. Seriously, I'm 5'9" and my knees were splayed around the steering wheel while my arms were straight out to reach the steering wheel!
I didn't put down cash because I have to figure out where I'm going to store this thing over winter but there you have it. My next car? I hope so.
My citroen won't start
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 13:33 |
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This caught my eye, S-type?
TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 13:34 |
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I must admit though, that rear bumper sticks out like a swollen lip...
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TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 13:34 |
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And oooooh. Jaaaaaaaaaaaaag?
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cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
> My citroen won't start
08/09/2014 at 13:34 |
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Indeed. Has a big 4.2 l six and an auto trans. It's in for a new starter.
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cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
> TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
08/09/2014 at 13:35 |
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It's coming straight off if I buy it. Bumperless for sure!
E92M3
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 13:37 |
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No one can say the name Tony in a serious conversation anymore.
This immediately pops into my head.
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My citroen won't start
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 13:40 |
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Also, I'd go for the alfa + these http://www.spider-point.com/alfa-spider/co…
Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 14:02 |
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Racecar numbers go here.
RacinBob
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 15:09 |
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Get the ALFA! I have a 73 which I drive as much as I can in the summer. Its the last afordable exotic you will be able to drive. It will put a smile on your face whenever you drive it and you will sell it for what you paid for it with reasonable maintenance.
Now having said that, be prepared for some things to crop up, its a 40 year old car. 1) you may end up replacing your calipers with rebuilds, I did, they get sticky, My Master Cyl and clutch master consume fluid. I put a rag underneath and live with it. If you can get non-alcohol gas, use it, otherwise be prepared for replacing your fuel pump. At some point your heater core valve diaphram will leak. I just bypassed the core, its a summer only car.
If it were mine, buy the shorter euro springs from International Auto Parts. This car rides an inch taller to conform to US headlight laws. The IAP springs are what you want. Also if they haven't done it, put the Euro 1750 cams in it, the US pollution spec cams are dogs. Between a header, your carbs, and the cams, you can take that motor from 105 hp to 130 hp
This car is a mechanical car, with the top down, you hear the cam chains, the exhaust, the intake. You feel the clutch, they synchros, you feel the chassis flex. Driving an Alfa is an intoxicating experience lost in todays sanitized auto appliances. Life is short, own a Alfa while you can. If you do, years later you will agree it changed your life.
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cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
> RacinBob
08/09/2014 at 15:58 |
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Thanks for the fantastic advice! Great to hear from a knowledgeable owner!
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RacinBob
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/09/2014 at 23:13 |
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Having owned a lot of sports cars, the Alfa is Spider is about the most reliable well engineered sports car of all time. Assuming you are driving it just in the summer, the engine is simple and reliable. Same is true for the trans, axles, brakes and suspension. There is a reason that there are so many Alfa race cars. Its that they are bulletproof and easy to work on. They were way ahead of BMW's of the day.
Direct your questions to the Alfa BB. Also, shop for one that the previous owner was an enthusiast, you might as well get one that was cared for.
good luck
Svend
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/11/2014 at 09:34 |
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Nom nom Jaguar Mk2 or S-Type.
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Svend
> TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
08/11/2014 at 09:43 |
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U.S. bumper regulations again.
Wouldn't cost much to replace.
I'm guessing it's legal to as many MG B owners and others are replacing the U.S. rubbers with original chrome.
aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe
> cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
08/13/2014 at 15:39 |
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listen to him he knows what hes talking about
alfas are extraordinary cars that beg to be driven hard down and up a twisty mountain road all day and everyday even mine which has as many rust holes as kim jon-un's submarine feels as firm and tight as the day as it rolled out of milano