Spider

[Forza <headroom@domain.elided>]

Hello,  You asked the following questions concerning a Spider you test 
drove.  Here's my two cents....

Just test drove a "perfect" 1991 Spider- impressionans>>>>>
From what you wrote this is nowhere near a "Perfect Spider"

it was a little difficult to drive (arms straight out, top of thighs 
rubbing the bottom of the steering wheel, )>>>>>>
Driving position is a subjective thing...If you are tall you will have to 
learn to live with some of the Spider's space restrictions.

relatively long reach for gear shift>>>>>>
My first Alfa was a 1964 Sprint couple, the throw was long, but I became 
used to it. Prior to owning this Alfa I was a British Car Fan and was used 
to the wrist shifting of MGA's and the like, but believe me the gearbox is 
the Alfa Spider is many times better than any MG every made.

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?)>>>> Yes it's common, 
but not because Alfa box is poor, more likely the driver's are to blame... 
Like any older technology, the Alfa box requires proper driving 
technique... A mindfulness of rev matching and full clutch depression.. 
Many people today are used to modern 5 speeds which are more forgiving, but 
no necessary any better.  Bottom line, if the car grinds in Any gear..then 
the syncos are gone.  If the car is cheap enough, buy it and get the trans 
rebuilt, drive it right and you'll have no problems...

and when taking off in first the car would vibrate for a short time>>>>>
Sounds like this car is beat....  Motor and tranny mount may be gone..drive 
shaft mounts too... I'd begin running...........

the brakes were dangerously weak>>>>>
Once again..Uncommon!  Spider have very good brakes. They stop straight and 
well..  On your mark get set............Go.................................

tires squealed on most take-offs (especially when making a turn)
Wheels out of line, perhaps front end parts needed??  Who is the PO of this 
car..  They killed it.  How many miles? Many I would guess or tough miles 
to say the least...

glove box was warped>>>>>
Another sign of a car not well looked after..Left out in the sun without 
protection.

turn signals didn't work>>>>>>
If it's not electrical.  You're probably looking a replacing the column 
switch ass'y.  Expensive.. One more piece of evidence the car has been 
abused...

Airbag light flashed continually>>>>>
I've heard of this problem..I don't have it for I own a 86.  No Bags in 
it... Milanos and 90's Spiders are know to give their owners light 
shows.  All too often False reports... One more reason I like less technology.

Other than these things, it was a BLAST! Sooo beautiful too...
Well if you enjoyed driving "this" car in the condition "it's in". Then, 
find yourself a real "perfect" car and you'll be in Alfa Heaven.....

Gabriel
AROC South Florida
86 Spider Veloce Rosa (Leapin Lena)
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