Hello from the Heartland!

[onemorespyder]

I'm Darrell from central Kansas and have just become the proud owner of an 80 model 2000 Spider that is to become the primary car for my significant other Candy. Im a regular contributor and dyed in the wool fanatic of the Alfa Romeo forum called Alfa BB. If any here are Alfa fans and haven't been to this wonderful resource then do visit. Worth the time. Today just brought home the 124 that we located on E-Bay. Body is rust free as it was a california car most of it's life and the previous owner had put quite a lot of effort into fresh suspension bits, new IAP Red springs, Konis, fresh conv. top and an Autopower roll bar. Car is currently in black primer and is nearly ready for a fresh respray. My 76 2L. Alfa Spider is mechanically sorted with fresh engine rebuild, new top, fresh interior and also ready for the final respray. Along with the 124 came a spare set of vented cossdrilled brake rotors (same as just installed on the car) and a gear reduction starter. I may be convinced to part wih these but would possibly like to keep the starter for future needs. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and pave the way for future questions that I'll surely have as I wrench this newest Spider into another headturner.
Best regards, Darrell

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard!

[Exit98]

Hey Darrell,

How about some side to side pictures of your two Italian beauties. Man you must account for a large percentage of the all the Italian Spiders in Kansas. I'd be interested in hearing your comparison of the two of them once you get a chance to wring out the new one. Two great cars.

[onemorespyder]

Thanks for the welcome and I will be posting pics of the two very soon. The 124 is going for paint as soon as I can find the right shop. Not gonna be a multi thousand $ respray but should look great all the same. Going back with the original color ( Dk. Blue). Drove the 124 last night after checking all the fluids and it seems very strong. Has a slight whine from the trans but as with most Italian rides it's probably normal. As I do all my mech. work myself, I'll be on this forum from time to time seeking advice frrom those of you with greater experience and knowlege. Thanks and High regards,
Darrell
P.S. There was an Alfa dealership here in Wichita a few years ago so there are still a good number of Alfas around although now they seem to be mostly stored, slumbering beauties.

[onemorespyder]

Had a chance over the last several days to compare the two Spiders side by side. The Fiat seems a very satisfactory sporty ride. The fit and finish isn't quite at the level of the Alfa but it is a ball to drive. The Alfa seems more solid in the corners and has a bit more H.P. but the Fiat accelerates surprisingly well above 60 mph. Brakes are very good on both. It may be an unfair comparison as both Spiders have several dissimilar modifications. The Fiat as IAP red springs, Konis, and crossdrilled, ventid rotors for the brakes. The Alfa also has IAP red spring, Bilsteins with a bit of additional lowering done, ( gotta be careful runnin' over june bugs ) and the engine is equiped with headers, 40 DCOE Webers, and H/C motronic pistons. In the stock form I think these two would be very comparable with the Alfa getting the nod for a bit more refinement. All in all, I can take either for a drive and come back with a very similar smile. And that, after all, is why we own these types of cars. Happy to have this Fiat in the drive next to the Alfa!!!

Regards, Darrell