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  • 1969 Alfa-Romeo Spider Restoration -- Engine Removal
  • From "Classic Car Restoration"
    episode DCR-101
    advertisement

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    In ambitious this project, a 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider is taken from deteriorating eyesore to "better than new" condition as a driver-level restored vehicle.

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    Import-automotive expert Kenny Boatman helps assess the condition of the Alfa engine before restoration begins.

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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

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    Figure G

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    Figure H

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    Figure I

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    Figure J

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    Figure K

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    Figure L

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    Figure M

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    Figure N

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    Figure O

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    Figure P

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    Figure Q

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    To help keep track of parts during the lengthy restoration process, store smaller items in zip-lock plastic bags. Group them according to category or usage, and label the bags with a permanent marker to indicate what the parts are and their original locations.


    Engine Removal

    Typically, the starting point to begin a vehicle restoration is removal of the engine. This process requires at least two people.

    According to import specialist Kenny Boatman, the engine in our project car is in fairly good condition. Here are some things to note about the 1969 Alfa Spider engine:

    • 1750 cc engine

    • All-alloy engine block

    • Chain-driven dual camshaft

    • Mechanical fuel injection system

    • 5-speed transmission

    Following are some tips to help you with the process of engine removal.

    • Use caution when unbolting and removing the hood from the engine compartment (figure A). Loosen the fasteners while holding onto the hood securely, and gently lift the hood out of the way to store it safely.

    • Get into the habit of using spray penetrating-oil to help remove tight and rusty parts. This will make removal easier and help prevent damage to parts.

    • Begin removing belts, brackets hoses, hose clamps (figure B) in a logical sequence. You'll probably need to replace all belts, hoses and clamps as part of the restoration. Make notes and take photos to help you remember exactly where and how parts will need to be reinstalled or replaced later in the process.

    • As you remove parts with liquids and fluids in them -- such as a wiper-fluid reservoir (figure C) -- be aware of the need to handle and dispose of these fluids responsibly. Have buckets and containers handy for storing spent fluids until they can be taken to a recycling station.

    • To remove the radiator shroud, first remove the radiator (figure D), then lift the shroud up and out of the way.

    • To remove the air-intake box, first remove the vacuum hoses, brackets and fasteners, then lift the box out carefully (figure E).

    • he next step is to remove the alternator. Loosen the bolts that secure the alternator (figure F), but before removing the wires, mark the locations on the alternator (figure G) by color and description so you'll know exactly how to reconnect the wires later.

    • Loosen and remove any remaining hoses and electrical (figure H). You may need to cut some of the hoses to remove them. Be aware there may still be fuel and other fluids in the lines, even if the vehicle has been in storage for years. Make notes and markings to indicate how the wires are connected for later reference during re-assembly.

    • The last step that needs to be done in the engine compartment before pulling the engine is to loosen the motor-mount bolts (figure I).

    • The exhaust system needs to be removed from beneath the vehicle. Remove it in one piece if possible (figure J). You may be able to re-install it later, if it's in good shape. At the very least you'll be able to use it for reference for installing a new one if necessary.

    • With the vehicle still on a lift or jack with stands, loosen the front U-joint (figure K) and remove rear center-support (figure L) to access and remove the drive-shaft.

    • Remove the steering center-link (figure M) that extends over the oil pan. In that way, the oil pan won't obstruct removal of the engine, as the engine is pulled out from above.

    • An engine hoist will be required for pulling the engine. If you don't have one, these are available from rental stores. Even with the hoist, removal is a two person job, as one person works the lift while another guides the engine as it is lifted so that all parts -- including the transmission -- clear the sides of the engine compartment as the engine is lifted up and carefully swung out of the way (figures N, O, P, Q).

    With the engine removed, the restoration project is well underway. As you proceed through later stages of the restoration, maintain and refer frequently to your planning documents -- budget, historical and technical information, etc. These will serve as resources throughout all phases the project.


    RESOURCES :

    Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
    Model: 0837607078
    Author: Pat Braden
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Bentley Publishers

    Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
    Model: 1861261225
    Author: John Tipler
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Crowood Press

    Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
    Model: 0760311625
    Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)

    Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
    Model: 1870979591
    Author: David Hodges
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)

    Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
    Model: 0750919582
    Author: David G. Styles
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Sutton Publishing

    Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
    Model: 1557881944
    Author: Jim Richardson
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    H.P. Books

    Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
    Model: 1850108900
    Author: Lindsay Porter
    Order this book from Amazon.com
    Haynes Publishing

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