First-time Alfa owner needs info

[Colin Talcroft <ctalcroft@domain.elided>]

Hello, everyone

Just joined the list. Have been reading posts and the
archives in an attempt to avoid stupid questions that
everyone is tired of answering, but I didn't really
find much of use, so I thought I'd list my questions
in the hope of getting some response.

I have just acquired a 1978 Spider. I am its second
owner. It has 87,000 miles on it. The previous owner
was a relative, so it's a car I have known for years
and I know it has been well taken care of, but it has
its quirks and I am ignorant (forgive me). I want to
make this car look better and get it running the best
I can. The first hurdle has been finding someone who
works on Alfas (familiar story?). I am in Santa Rosa,
California.  

So, first question: Where do I take this car for
service? It has no special problems. It runs fine (I
think), but I want it looked over just to be sure
there are no potential safety problems. The only
problem I have had is thin smoke coming out of it once
(seemed to be from the rear axle) on a very hot day
after about five miles of hill climbing. It was very
hot underneath. This scared me, but it hasn't
recurred. Just some oil on a hot part? This thing sure
leaks oil, but I hear they all do. 

Second question: Needs new tires. Anything that is
particularly suited to this car?

Third question: The rest is cosmetics. There are a lot
of little parking-lot door dings, but I can't figure
out what the paint color is. It's a medium to dark
brown. Chocolate Brown and Mocha Brown appear to be
two colors used around that time. Anyone know?

I want to replace the gear shift knob--where can I get
one? The car is missing one knob from the sliders to
the left of the console. I'd like to get one of these.
The window handle and lock mechanism on the left front
triangular window has come off. I have the handle, but
how do you "glue" this back on to the window? 

Any help would be much appreciated. 

Now for the question that really gives me away--how do
you drive this thing? I love the way it feels, and I'm
not a complete idiot behind the wheel--I even learned
to drive on a FIAT, years ago, which felt rather
similar, but this thing intimidates me, I guess. I'm
used to driving a VW Passat at the moment. Needless to
say, it's different (as it should be!) The Spider is
so noisy that I am uncomfortable at high revs, but I
know that shouldn't be a problem. I want to be able to
drive it the way it deserves to be driven, but until
it's checked out, I can't help feeling a bit timid.
Where are people shifting in one of these? 4,000 RPM?
5,000 RPM? Also, I find it hard to get the thing going
without spinning the tires! Anyway, any thoughts to
help an enthusiastic but lost beginner, please.

Thanks

Colin
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