Alfaholics on Pelican?

[Deschodt]

After a few years of lusting (and mono-marque-following), I got lucky and bought this recently:



74 GTV... It's a 2.0, supposedly the 1750 engine is more fun, the Stepnose more raw, etc.... but that is what I found locally in a great shape, so that's what I got...

Just wondering if there are a few Alfa experts on this site ? As much as I like the car (and I do, considering it broke down the first time I took the family out and still own it - bad power wire to the solenoid killing *all* power to the car - don't ask I don't get it but I fixed it before AAA showed up!!!), I still am having issues with the godawful driving position...



The steering wheel is too far - but there are no hubs to move it back unless you replace it altogether (which I hate to do as this is stock and very pretty). The seat back doesn't straighten up enough so you are always slouching (and therefore far from the wheel)... I'm investigating re-indexing that mechanism if that even possible... Then the gas pedal is positioned somewhere in mid air so you cannot rest your foot or (very bent) leg. Very orangutang'ish all in all. Pretty car, basically for those who know 2002s, it's a sexier looking and sounding BMW 2002, inside and out (especially inside, lovely)... But if I can't fix those issues I'm in trouble, it's not comfortable at all...

Alfaheads here ?

[oldE]

Lovely car.
I have never purchased an Alfa, but have drooled over more than might be considered polite.I remember reading the steering wheel location came from the Italian habit of placing the hands low on the wheel and shuffle steering. Try it. You might like it.

Best
Les

[Shifter]

Looks like you already found the BB, those guys do know everything about these cars. Someone there will chime in soon.

Find your local Alfa club, I have yet to meet an Alfa owner that wouldn't bend over backwards for another Alfa owner.

Are you still spica? If so, Ingram Enterprises, Inc. || Home Page is a good site for repairs.

Seating in my spider is similar to what you describe, I just got used to it.

[72doug2,2S]

Nice! It's the quirky things like the steering position that gives it character. Don't do anything that can't be undone.

[Mericet]

Get a copy of the Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible. http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-Romeo-Owners-Bible-Braden/dp/0837607078 Very good info in there. Miss my GTV6.

[SilberUrS6]

[raises hand] Hi, my name's Eric, and I'm an Alfaholic. For whatever reason, these cars really get into your blood. I loved mine.

[tcar]

Read an article years ago... Alfa factory drivers held the wheel at 4 and 8... or even 5 and 7 when test driving.

Try it.

[Steve Carlton]

My dad bought a '71 Spider (1750) after his unfortunate experience with his '69 911T, having to redo the whole top-end. He got it used and (probably) lugged it too much. He really liked the Spider and I remember him telling me that Alfas had sodium-filled exhaust valves. My brother and I both wrecked the car and I still feel guilty about my part in that. I may have qualified for that "good tires, certainly not great tires" excuse, as the Alfa had Michelin MXVs (I think) instead of the more likable (and progressive) Pirelli CN36s. Anyway, those cars have a way of getting under your skin and forming a special bond, as they're so sweet mechanically.

Anyway, I don't know what years or what-not was involved, but the "flying buttress" seats are cool and desirable. I doubt it would solve your seating issue, but it would be interesting if you could sit in a GTV equipped with those seats. Maybe some Recaros would help, I dunno.

FS: Flying Buttress seats + rear seat - Alfa Romeo Bulletin Board & Forums

Back in day, Jon Norman was considered one of the best gurus in the bay area. Looks like he's still around. I'll never forget him saying to my brother, who had a beautiful black 2000 Spider with exhaust and cams that didn't have enough power "it just doesn't seem to be as athletic as it should be." The next step for my brother was a different fuel injection distributor (I think). Never got around to it.

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-norman/30/3a7/a41

Does your car have the real Cromodora Daytonas? Looks like it. Like Fuchs for Italians...

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Does your car have the real Cromodora Daytonas? Looks like it. Like Fuchs for Italians...

Yup. The perfect wheels for those cars.

[tedg04]

I've got a soft spot for those GTV's too. My dad has a 1970 Berlina as his dink around town car.

[porsche4life]

I always read the thread title as alcoholics first.... Does one lead to the other?

[VincentVega]

Wow, that looks nice.

[Ronbo]

I bought a GTV6 about 30 years ago. Never had a car with a more love/hate relationship than that one.

[bleucamaro]

Always loved the GTV. Want another one.

[BK911]

Sweet looking car. Congrats!!

[Deschodt]

Yeah I found the AlfaBB, nice bunch but less traffic than here so I thought I'd ask...

Apparently there's no hub for the stock wheel unless you have one made! I will therefore focus on the seat (shimming and hopefully reindexing the seat back).
The hard part is the gas pedal sorta hanging mid air, very tiring on a bent leg. Other than that pure joy! And mine's on webers now, no spica... It feels very refined vs a 911/912, a good addition !

[pavulon]

I had almost forgotten about Giulias until this thread. I need to stop reading this stuff.

[Deschodt]

Those also do it for me, they're almost ugly but they pull it off at the last second (can't help thinking how much more attractive they'd be chopped with a lower roof line). Especially slightly customized like that !! Still I picked the GTV because the wife found it a lot more attractive.... Me I just wanted the Alfa experience (and I got it, weird driving position, super engine, a breakdown on day 1, so far it's fulfilling all its promises ;-)

[Steve Carlton]

I called Jon Norman on your behalf. His only suggestion was a custom seat, but didn't think he's heard your kind of complaints before. Maybe he's got an idea for a steering wheel spacer, I dunno. He didn't think fooling with the seat tracks and shimming would do much good. He said the flying buttress seats put you in about the same position, though. He might have an idea for you with respect to the steering vagueness- I forgot to ask. There was a suspension guru, Bob Mello. I bet he's retired. If not, Jon probably knows how to reach him. Bob Mello was awesome.

ALFA PARTS - Alfa Romeo Parts, Spares, Accessories 800-890-ALFA

[Shifter]

Do you know if you have lightened gears in the transmission? If not, be gentle with 2nd gear, they are notorious for eating the syncro.

Guess which one was my old one?



And Alfa. And yes, those are authentic three piece Gotti rims! Go ahead and be jealous, I will wait.