Re: Just test drove a "perfect" 1991 Spider- impressions

["John Paradiso" <johnp@domain.elided>]

Boy, sounds like you test drove mine, when I first got it!
Here are some guesses from my experience, get it to an Alfa mechanic and pay
them to look it over. You're gonna buy this car, you won't be able to sleep
at night until you do, you'll make a much better decision if you get an
experienced opinion.

> Hi guys, I finally got to test drive a Spider
> yesterday!  Here are some things I noticed and a few
> questions I have-
>
> -it smelled like my 1980 928 (that old vinyl sitting
> in the sun smell)


Do you like that smell? You'll come to love it.


> -it was a little difficult to drive (arms straight
> out, top of thighs rubbing the bottom of the steering
> wheel, relatively long reach for gear shift)

I'd guess you're a bit over 6', long legs/ short arms

>
> -downshifting from second to first gear, at a stop,
> the gears grind most of the time (is this just this
> Spider or is it common?)

Not uncommon from what I can tell,
Clutch cylinders may be leaking, may just need adjusting (eternal optimist!)

>and when taking off in first
> the car would vibrate for a short time.

Tranny Mount/motor mounts - (cheap parts major PIA to do yourself)

>
> -the brakes were dangerously weak

Pads and bleed

>
> -tires squealed on most take-offs (especially when
> making a turn)

If you weren't popping the clutch on takeoff, I'd guess crappy/worn tires.

>
> -plus: glove box was warped, turn signals didn't work,
> Airbag light flashed continually.

those are just the little endearing qualities that you noticed, wait till
you own it for a month (and you will)

>
> Other than these things, it was a BLAST!  Sooo
> beautiful too...

BWAHAHA another unsuspecting mortal trapped in our web!!!


John Paradiso
92 Spider Veloce
(she owns me)
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