Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider restoration - Stripping down 1

Got quite a bit done over the last couple of weeks. Engine & gearbox are out and they are big!! 

Took out the fuel tank and after close inspection I am amazed to say that it has no rust!!! Even inside is clean.

Inside the tank

The car has the original clutch mechanism which is serviceable and just needs a new plate.

I spent a few very dirty hours degreasing and power washing the underside and suspension in readiness to drop out the rear axle and front suspension. I pleased to say that the underside of the car also seems more or less rust free.

Now to parts for the rebuild. I have spent a good few hours finding, ordering and storing parts ready for the rebuild. I'm managing to find most of what I need, but the list of suspension and rubber parts is long. Regarding the engine I'm replacing all the serviceable parts and adding a new electronic ignition. Once the engine is fully stripped I will no doubt have a few extra bits to find.

Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider restoration - Initial inspection and plan

The car has covered only 1800 miles since 2000, and since 2010 only 300 miles. So the engine and gearbox were a bit of an unknown.

We got the car started without having to rebuild the carbs and drove it "round the block", gearbox synchro's seem ok, but some bearing wear noise on the layshaft. The engine is fitted with the original Solex carbs, the mounting rubbers are cracked and the carbs are likely to be gummed up, so surprising that it started at all!

Following both a leak and compression test, we now have a plan. Going to drop out the engine and gearbox, dismantle and refurb which will include a clean and rebuild of the Solex carbs.

All of the suspension, drive shafts and braking system will be removed and refurbished. 

I want the car to present like a well sorted and loved car from 1964 and not have that over restored look. The interior is complete and in great order (other than the seat foam pads that are crumbling to powder) so it will be all gently cleaned and saved along with the canvas roof  which I believe is the original from 1964.

Original interior all complete and in really good condition, even the carpets!

Original Radiomobile 920t

Original canvas roof, with a bit of loving care I will bring this back to life.