EB Spares Ltd - Alfa Romeo Parts & Spares

Phone:(UK) 01373 823856 - Intl.(+44) 1373 823856
Email [email protected]
31 Link Rd, Westbury, Wilts, BA13 4JB

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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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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

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.
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.