1.19.2003-Time out to play
There is not much new to report this week as far as progress on the engine. As you recall, the number three conrod journal is heavily scored due to a bearing failure. The crank has already been ground to 30 thou under standard which is the service limit so I'll need to find a nice 1600cc crank to rebuild the engine. I did tinker a little and removed the helical gear at the end of the crankshaft but I've not yet figured out how to remove the intermediate timing chain gear from the crank. It appears to be pressed on and located by a woodruff key but it's on there pretty tight. I need to consult a workshop manual or the knowledge of someone with experience before I mess something up.
I've met several very interesting and dedicated folks on the Alfa list, two of whom live up the Peninsula from me in San Francisco. After exchanging many emails with them I decided it was imperative that we meet in real life. Last Sunday Glenn Zucca (74 GTV currently undergoing restoration), Tom Hardy (67 GT Veloce, original condition) and Jeff Mc Neill (74 GTV, just finished complete cosmetic restoration), and a BMW CS friend of mine (Kurt Delimon) met at Alice's Restaurant for a "pose and drive" event. Glenn's GTV is inoperative so he met me at my place and together we drove my 1973 BMW 3.5 CS up to Alice's. There, we met Tom, Jeff and Kurt already gracing the parking lot with their beautiful cars. I know that German cars and Italian cars don't really mix, but the CS is saved by the fact that it was based on the previous 3200CS, which was designed by Bertone, who also designed the GTV, so there is a spiritual link. To me there is more than that even as I see a lot of similarities in the design of the two cars. Here are some pictures of the cars in the parking lot that morning.
We left Alice's for a spirited drive through the coastal mountains and stopped by Glenn's house to view his Alfa. From there we headed to my place for more shop talk, Alfa viewing, and lunch. Along the way I was fortunate enough to drive both Tom and Jeff's beautiful cars. Thanks guys!
Check out the websites these guys have made for their cars.
Driving through the mountains on a beautiful winter morning and seeing three beautiful classic cars in my rearview mirror brought a continuous smile to my face.
We had a great time and I'm already thinking about the next time. Perhaps we can locate more local Alfisti and turn this in to a semi-monthly event.
Ciao!
TJ
