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Old 01-11-2007   #1 (Post Link)
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tony dabbs

i am contemplating the purchase of a spider 2ltre s3 b&c rhd conv could anyone give me a brief buyers guide on where/what to look for to avoid obvious/expensive impending problems any advice is welcome
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tony

Last edited by tony dabbs : 01-11-2007 at 17:07. Reason: proposed spider s3 purchase
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Old 01-11-2007   #2 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

Mainly rust problems. Apparently the Bell & Colvill conversions are well done so that shouldn't be a problem.

They share similar mechanical problems with the 105 series vehicles (e.g. rear spring sag).

US sourced cars may be problematic for parts and the spica injection on US cars can be troublesome.

I have no personal experience mind... I'm sourcing this directly from David Owen's book Alfa Romeo: Always with Passion.
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Old 01-11-2007   #3 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

There is a good book which is well worth getting on the Spider. It is from Veloce Publishing (www.velocebooks.com). It's one of 'The Essential Buyer's Guide'.
In my experience the biggest problem has got to be rust. You really need to to get the car on a ramp or over a pit and have a good look especially the cills (rockers).
Good luck in your hunt - don't buy the first car you look at!
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Old 01-11-2007   #4 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

Rust.........
From my experience with my first Spider (the one I should have walked away from!), if you can see rust on the outside, assume about twice as much hidden!

Sills are critical, particularly if the drainage holes get blocked. Also check the condition of the 'U' channel that the back of the soft top sits in. This needs to be done from the outside with the roof down. Again, drainage holes get blocked. In my case, the outer sills had been replaced, but not the centre or inner sections, and in doing so, the heat from the welding had sealed up the drainage pipes from the roof channel. You can imagine the rest.......

Don't necessarily discount an American import though - it may not be RHD, but some Alfa folk maintain that the weight balance is better with LHD, and also the leg room is better for the driver due to the shape of the floor. A California import stands a far better chance of having better body condition as well.

Lastly, the later Bosche injection is as good as most other cars of the era, and there is a fantastic back up from this forum and the alfabb.com forum. (Note that many members are common to both).
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Old 02-11-2007   #5 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

All of the above, and also join the Alfa Romeo Owners club. The forum has a very active 105 section with lots of good technical threads and a long buyers guide thread.
Good luck
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Old 02-11-2007   #6 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

many thanks
tony
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Old 02-11-2007   #7 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

thanks for the advice will take on board and (hopefully) have will power to walk away (unfortunately have taken on "mission impossibles" in the past but not this time_________
regards
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Old 02-11-2007   #8 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

am filling out membership now!
thank n regards
tony
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Old 02-11-2007   #9 (Post Link)
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Re: tony dabbs

extremely helpfull many thanks will post "purchase decision" next week fingers crossed in is not a "nail"
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