Alfantics articles...
Alfantics articles...
Well, we are moving along towards Spring... it really hasn't seemed like winter much though, has it? I wonder whether before the season officially moves out we will get at least one, Alfa debilitating, significant snowfall? Maybe not!
Sorry we couldn't get a tech session going in March, but I welcome suggestions for future sessions. What we will do at the March meeting on the 4th is have a casual discussion of online (Internet) auctions such as E-bay, and the pros and cons of buying or selling an Alfa online. Brewster Thackeray and I will share our experiences, and I encourage others who have had them to pitch in as well (Bob Lubran, Todd Stevens, and anyone else!) Our editor/secretary duo has promised us that April 20 will bring a car tour similar to the one they hosted back in October (details, Page 5). Also, some chapter members are driving to Lime Rock April 26-27, the regional Italian Car Tour will be May 5, and Jack Rugh is ironing out details on the Prettyboy rally for early June.
I promised a report about driving the Emerald Isle. Carole and I took a short trip there in late January. Even though that's the rainiest month, we found the weather so mutable as to include four rainbows in one day! I cautiously awaited daybreak before nudging the two-door Nissan hatchback out of the Shannon airport parking lot. After negotiating several roundabouts, we headed for the famed Cliffs of Moher on the edge of county Clare. It does take a little getting used to the right hand drive, left side of road thing, but soon I was moving at a good clip.
Carole said afterwards that seeing those narrow rock-walled verges just inches from her side really gave her the frights (though she was tacitly diplomatic at the time!) You can't really make much speed on most of their roads; but then you wouldn't want to! Ireland is still remarkably green, even in winter. The country is truly breathtaking, especially along the western coast. I spied several Alfas (mostly 156s and GTV coupes), and even got a picture of one in Sligo (boy, that's livin' large, huh?).
And yes... I did get a flat; right after taking a picture of (another) wonderful rainbow in northern county Mayo. It was the left front (all those Yanks not used to driving on the left). While changing it, up walked an old farmer with his pitchfork and Wellies (those tall rubber boots that they wear over there). I got to use my Gaelic to greet him, and he responded... (yes, I study it, and no, I don't get much chance to use it here on the streets, and believe me, you DON'T want to see that stuff written out here!) Man, I had made contact, and boy did I feel righteous. Maybe this is living proof that I don't get out much. Yes, Carole got pictures of that tire changing.
All in all, a great trip: much too short, great pub food, the place is full of B and Bs, and the people the friendliest I've ever met. My advice: GO, and go between now and May or in October; that way you will avoid the busloads of tourists.
Ciao (or is that Slan?) fo' now,
Charlie Drake, President
Interesting name our club has--not the Alfa Romeo Lover's Club, or the Alfa Romeo Fan Club--it's the Alfa Romeo Owner's Club. Which means that though our dues were paid up, we technically haven't been members since October. That's when John Scott, a longtime Alfa driver, made us a compelling offer for Cerissa, our '91 automatic. He needed an automatic with power steering, and we wanted to get back to a 5-speed, so he passed us his well maintained but somewhat corrosion prone '82 Spider, which we named Rusty and used during our Backroads Ramble in October.
It's important to know what you can and cannot do. We can't do rust. But a neat fellow named Jeffrey DiMagestris called us from North Carolina; he was eager to tackle such a project, so he got a truck up here and towed Rusty away.
The next several months were frustrating. We looked at some cars that were near and some that were far. A trip to Pennsylvania in pursuit of a car we'd bid on on e-bay ($7,500 for a 55,000 mile '91--not bad in theory!) fell through when we identified significant, poorly-repaired collision damage of which the owner seemed genuinely unaware.
Then last month we headed up to Westchester, N.Y. to look at what sounded like a mint condition 1988 Quadrifoglio, 40,000 miles, again in the $7000 range. What a disappointment! The owner claimed original paint. It took us two seconds to tell it was a bad respray. He claimed that despite being the original owner, he was unaware his car had been repainted (or had massive oil leaks from its head gasket and rear differential, and had synchros so bad that first gear was nonexistant). Give us a break!
Our hunt ended, for now, close to home. Former Chapter President Bill Oliveri announced at the February meeting he had an '87 Graduate sitting lifeless in his driveway, and for sale for a low low price. We headed to his house after the meeting, and found the car intriguing. That was before our trip to New York. After that disappointment, Bill's sleeping beauty seemed like a good bet. Our friends at AAA put her on a flatbed up to Crown Auto, where Doug Mitchell traced the cause of coma to an ignition ECU. Thanks to Bill and Doug, we now have an operational Alfa in need of some cosmetic love. Look for her at the March meeting, and on the Backroads Ramble in April. Unlike most cars, expect Aurora to look progressively better each time you meet!
Pay Your Dues Now and Save!
As announced in last month's Alfantics, national AROC dues will rise from $45 to $60. But, the board decreed we can renew for up to two years at the old rate! Only valid through March 31 2001, so hurry.
by Bob Kleinfeld, Executive Editor
Having just changed the stock springs in Sabrina, my 101 Giulietta Spider, for improved versions, my memory of the effort is still sharp, so this seems an appropriate time to set down some of my experiences and the results of my research.
Having owned three 101 Spiders in the sixties - all purchased new - I was disappointed in the ride and handling of my now-40-year-old Spider when I bought it a little over a year ago. What seemed miraculous and advanced (and indeed it was) in the sixties feels sloppy and imprecise in the 21st century. Such is progress.
Consulting with my Giulietta gurus far and wide (most notably Tom Sahines), discussing the matter with numerous other "experts," and consulting various catalogs and their purveyors led to my decision to install a set of Dave Rugh's springs and front sway bar. From time to time, The Alfa 750/101 Digest erupts in threads dealing with exactly the job I was about to undertake, and I eagerly devoured every word of what was posted there on the subject. A lot of what I read turned out to be just so much blather and alarmism, but it all contributed to my knowledge base.
Some Digest posters insisted that the only safe way to do the job was to install eyebolts in the garage floor so that the chassis could be chained down to dissuade it from rising as the limit straps and cables were released while the suspension was supported on jacks. One digester recommended bracing the floor of the car to the garage ceiling to accomplish the same end. Despite the fact that many of these Digesters were old, respected hands at the repair and restoration of Giuliettas and Giulias, these steps proved totally unnecessary. In fact, what was depicted as a tedious and somewhat dangerous job turned out to be relatively quick and easy. If any danger was present, it eluded me. And Sabrina steadfastly refused to become airborne at any time during the process.
The Front Suspension
The Digesters uniformly endorsed replacing (one by one) the four bolts that secure the spring pan to the lower A-frame with six-inch bolts, and then undoing the nuts gradually to relieve the tension in the spring. (Of course, the lower shock mount and limit strap must be disconnected at this point.) Perusing the workshop manual I discovered a no longer available special tool to do the job. Of particular interest to me was the fact that the tool replaced two of the four bolts, diagonally opposite bolts, and simply removed the other two bolts.
Taking my lead from this, I replaced only two diagonally opposite bolts with the longer ones, left out the other two, and placed a scissors jack under the spring pan. Backing the nuts off the long bolts about an inch at a time, while gently lowering the jack a corresponding inch at a time, resulted in the lower A-frame descending to a point where I could simply remove the spring with my bare hands. The car briefly rose slightly from the nearest jack stand, but it never behaved as though it might become unstable.
Since Jack Rugh's springs are a full five inches shorter than the stock springs, installation didn't even require the scissors jack or the longer bolts. Once the spring was in place, a little assistance from the scissors jack lifted the A-frame enough for me to bolt on the spring pan, fasten the limit cable, and reconnect the lower shock mount. No excitement and a total elapsed time (for the second front spring) of less than an hour. Since I was so concerned about safety and stored energy in the spring when I was doing the first one, at least three hours were consumed. Of course, a good part of that time was spent ruminating about the alleged danger of what I was about to undertake, alerting a couple of friends that they should come looking for me pinned under the Alfa if they didn't hear from me in a day or so, strategically placing my cell phone (predialed to 9-1-1) within close reach, not to mention the cigar that seems obligatory at such times.
The Rear Suspension
Because the Digesters were especially concerned about the car rising when removing the rear springs (remember those eye bolts and braces to the ceiling?), this procedure was really approached with considerable trepidation (and a few more puffs on a cigar to calm my nerves). I had also been advised to disconnect the tear axle-locating triangle so that the axle would be free to move downward sufficiently to permit extracting the old springs. With 40 years of grunge (technical term) on the triangle, not to mention a taper-mount ball joint, I really didn't want to do this and, given the inaccuracy of so much that I had heard and read so far, I decided to defer this until it became apparent that no other way would get the job done. Good decision.
Placing my favorite scissors jack under the axle, I first disconnected the limit straps and lower shock mounts, then lowered the axle gradually until it would descend no further. Sure enough, just as I had been warned, the triangle was at its limit and the axle could descend no further. However, the springs were now so far extended, that a little persuasion with a special tool (a 24-inch breaker bar) forced the lower end of the springs off their pans, and I could then literally "unscrew" the springs from their recesses in the chassis above. As with the front suspension, the replacement springs were short enough to simply insert in place, and the rest is history. Elapsed time was considerably under an hour for the second spring and just a bit longer for the first one.
Example of bad advice: Removing the lower shock mounting bolts in the rear is a thankless task. I wrote to the 750/101 Digest asking for advice and was told to rotate the springs until I could access the bolt heads and nuts. This is close to impossible without exerting way too much angular force on the springs to be safe, and I would have had to repeat it several times for each rear spring, and then repeat the entire routine again when installing the replacement springs. No one suggested simply unbolting the mounting brackets from underneath the spring pans, a five-minute job at most.
The Results
Placing great value on an uncracked rear window and the top being down, I knew that raising it would most likely result in said rear window cracking, so I haven't driven the car since completing the spring installation. When my availability and the temperatures in Northern Virginia rising out of the forties next coincide, I'll take a test run and report the results. However, the car now sits about an inch lower and the wheels/tires seem to fill the wheel wells very nicely. And, from what my most trusted gurus tell me, the car will be completely transformed. If they're correct, it will now handle as well as I "remembered" from the sixties.
The Moral
Choose your gurus carefully and think for yourself. Oh, and keep a good stock of cigars in the garage.
With An Optional Overnight in History Following last October's Backroads
Ramble, there has been notable demand for another jaunt. During an intense weekend of scouting, we located some of the finest Alfa roads in Virginia, and are ready to go! Mark your calendar for April 20, for a day of great Alfa driving--and if you so desire, a most memorable full weekend.
Like last fall's Ramble, look forward to varied and scenic paved roads, in fine to excellent condition; a pleasant drive that is not a race and which any club members and their cars should enjoy. (While driving an Alfa is not mandatory for this tour, leave your Caddy at home!) We have mapped out a route that will take about five hours and cover roughly 200 miles on the way to Appomattox, Va.
On Saturday morning, we will meet up at the new Alfa Base, 2117 North Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22207. We will meet at 9:30, by which time all supplies should be in your car, gas purchased, etc. We will have donuts and juice for all participants, and will hit the road no later than 10 a.m.--so be prompt!!
We will take one extended break for a picnic lunch (be sure to pack one!), and will likely make another short break or two for photos, petrol, stretching, looking at historic markers, etc. We plan to reach Appomattox by 5:00 p.m.
At this point, if you absolutely have to head home, we'll share directions to get you there not far past dark. But if you don't have to go--STAY!
For the past three years, we have been on a mission, seeking the ultimate bed & breakfast. We have looked for a place so special, with such charming hosts, gracious grounds, and ideal, warm rooms that nothing could compare--a place we could readily recommend to all others willing to make the road trip. We have found it.
We are eager to share Spring Grove Farm with our fellow adventurers in this Club, with inn owners Emily and Joe Sayers's full and enthusiastic cooperation (they'll even let you work on your car in the barn!) So as you look to the weekend of April 20, start fantasizing about: A gorgeous 1840s plantation, saved from ruin by dedicated students of architecture and restored to and beyond its former glory. Guest bedrooms with warm beds, modern plumbing and amenities, plush robes, jacuzzis in some rooms, even a CD player with a custom CD to play as you sit by the fire. Common rooms with pianos, comfortable furniture, and an extensive collection of antique clocks. A freshly-made four-course dinner, served in a dining room straight from a 19th century tavern. Gorgeous grounds. Warm hosts. And within a brief drive, the history of Appomattox Courthouse, where the Civil War ended, and other attractions!
We have made a tentative reservation for all 10 rooms at the inn for Saturday, April 20. We need to confirm this no later than March 15. So don't dilly dally--if you want to spend a weekend driving scenic roads, enjoying history, eating like royalty, and staying in a great B&B--come with us! Anticipate double occupancy room costs of $110-175, depending on amenities (see the rooms and learn more at www.springgrovefarm.com), and including a full breakfast, plus $25 a person total for the full dinner. E-mail twothacks@aol.com, or call us at 703/807-0798 evening, or 202/955-6327 days, to reserve your place.
Upon arrival at the inn, settle into your rooms or explore the grand property, including a Christmas tree farm! At 7:00, dinner is served. You will be delighted by the wonderful homemade food. Enjoy a glass or more of wine--no further driving today!
The remainder of the evening will be a pleasant time to relax in common areas or your room. Play a tune on the piano, or if you lack that talent, sit in front of the player piano and fool everyone.
At 9:00 Sunday morning, a hearty country breakfast will be served in the sunny parlor. After breakfast, there are five whole hours for exploration. If history is your thing, there is nothing like visiting the perfectly restored village where the last shots of the Civil War were fired before Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865. Stonewall Vineyard is just up the road. Fred's Car Museum, despite its modest name, holds a wide variety of cars, including a 1930s Packard, and is open from 1 to 5. Other options in the area include hiking and antique hunting.
At 3:30 p.m. those so desiring will meet back at the Inn to convoy home. Anticipate a drive under four hours, to get home by dark and in time for the Simpsons.
Start your fantasy Backroads Ramble weekend today by calling us to find out more or reserve a space!
Sunday, May 5th, 2002
Sponsored by the Lamborghini Club US (LCUS), Putnam Leasing, & Criswell Lamborghini. All Italian cars and their owners are invited. Event comprises two segments: a Car tour and a Concours with a Barbecue lunch. Car Tour - The 2002 "Poker Run" tour starts at Criswell Lamborghini in Gaithersburg, MD @ 11AM. At checkpoints along the tour, participants will be given playing cards. At the tour's end, participants with the best Poker hand will win prizes selected to satisfy any Italian car lover. Concours w/ Bar BQ Lunch - After the tour, a Concours will be held at Ceresville Mansion (right) near Frederick, MD. The Concours begins @ 1PM. People's Choice Awards will be bestowed for cars within each Italian Marque.
Total cost is just $35/person (Tour, Lunch & Concours) (Reduced $10 from 2001!)
For more information or to register, please contact:
Kevin Sims @ (703) 730-0780 or (703) 791-3635 Email: lamboeast@aol.com, or Neil Kopit @ (301) 948-2405.
Pre-payment required to receive directions
Make checks payable to Kevin Sims & send to: 7996 Whitting Dr. Manassas, VA 20112
Alfantics is the official publication of the Capital Chapter of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC). Local membership and a subscription to this newsletter is included in the annual AROC membership fee of $45.
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last updated: Aug 2001