DOOMWATCH
One of the most frustrating aspects of being in business for coming
up to 40 years is seeing certain essential components, which we
have taken for granted, suddenly disappear bringing anguish and
heartache to enthusiastic Alfa owners. How many times have we
said, “If only we had known such and such a part was drying
up, we’d have purchased a larger stock.” But sadly
it rarely works like that. However aided by modern technology,
starting in 2005, we will be working with our Italian branch to
bring valuable updates, both from Alfa Romeo and general parts
suppliers, of such impending shortages---you can keep up with
the news by watching our website and looking for the DOOMWATCH
headings. We hope you find this information useful.
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 Click here to contact EB Spares
Phone (UK) 01373
823856 - Fax (UK) 01373 858327
101 / 105 Gearbox Components ( 1962 to 1994)
2nd June 2005
 For the last 40 years the supply of gearbox parts has presented no problems but during the last few months the situation has changed drastically causing uproar worldwide as Alfa owners, specialists, as well as dealers, are confronted by a sudden dearth of rebuild components. Individual gears are now scarce, with original synchromesh parts also drying up, but even bearings—some being special for Alfa gearboxes---are disappearing.
Twenty years ago a gearbox rebuild was quite straightforward involving the fitting of all new bearings, 3 outer synchro rings, 5 inner synchro rings, a 5th & reverse selector fork and maybe a few gears. Not too expensive and guaranteed to last many years.
But during the last 2 years the cost involved in overhauling an Alfa Giulia GTV or Spider gearbox has risen considerably as bearings become scarce and expensive. Gears are not being re-stocked by Alfa so rebuilds will be have to include good used components when existing new stocks of gears have been exhausted. Outer synchro rings are also drying up from official sources although non-original are beginning to appear---although so far these remain untested in terms of longevity.
Servo unit for all early Giulia (LHD & RHD) and dual circuit cars.
- 22nd December 2004
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Servo unit for all early Giulia (LHD & RHD) and dual circuit
cars.
BENDIX in Italy has informed us that production of brake servos
has been finally come to an end following rumours that have abounded
for more than a decade. This servo (see illustration) is the style
used on early single circuit Giulias (RHD and LHD) as well as
on the later ‘dual circuit’ RHD 105 series GTVs and
Spiders of the 1970s. The demise of this essential component will
mean existing units will have to be rejuvenated by means of a
repair kit---again while still available. A gleaming new servo
(or two) has always been an eye catcher nestling at the side of
a clean engine-bay, sadly we won’t see this sight much longer.
When our existing stock of Bendix brake servos has been sold there
(sadly) won’t be any more.
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| Supplies of dual brake cylinders for RHD 1970s Bertone GTV and
Spiders are also giving cause for concern. While stocks are still
holding up there are signs of a shortage in the far not too distant
future. During the last shortage, around a decade ago, owners of
these cars were forced to take drastic measures by converting to
a single circuit braking system. When existing supplies of the dual
cylinder finally dry up it is doubtful as to whether this component
will ever be made again. If you own a RHD GTV Bertone (with the
dual system) or a Spider it would be advisable to check the brake
servos and master cylinder and buy new---even if it means squirreling
the parts away for future use. |
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