Parts hunting in Florida
Friday, April 10, 2009 at 9:12AM By Vic Cerami
On a recent drive to Florida to attend the Amelia Island Concourse, fellow NYAROC member, Fred Frey and I got word that Dr. Frank La Sala had a serious Alfa problem and needs assistance. He is a fairly well known Alfa supporter and a Connecticut AROC chapter member so we decided to try and help. While staying in a horrible Red Roof In we got an email he sent out. It told the sad tale of a 1300 engine project that ended poorly with a cracked cylinder liner. He asked if we could locate one. Not so fast, its 2009, 1300's have become rare and who is going to have and/or give up only one cylinder barrel? Adding to all this was the fact that we are leaving for Amelia Island Concours the next day.;)
Homested Fl. Ferrari ChallengeA few calls around were negative, it seems most Alfa people have run out of extra 1300 parts many years ago. So without the liner we left for Amelia Island which turned out to be a great show (see the photo gallery for photos).;)
Richard Stephens circa 1974
We were fortunate enough to meet with Alfa Club members from several Florida chapters, who were so kind to include us in their Amelia events. but no help with the part there. A few days later on our way to Homestead raceway for the Ferrari Chalange we decided to stop by the old Stephens Alfa shop in Pompano FL. We met with Richard Stephens, long time Alfa tech. Eddie and a number of Alfa Club members which was real nice. The shop held a lot of Alfa history and noting the extensive inventory of parts we inquired about a certain 1300 cylinder liner. Within two minutes we had the much sought after part for Frank.
Richard Stephens today. We called Frank, who was still without, and put the liner in our transport for our return to Long Island sometime next week but not before visiting Sebring for the 12 hr. race.
Within a day after returning to Long Island Fred took the ferry across the Long Island Sound to Connecticut on a pre planned visit. He brought along the cylinder and presented it to Frank who lives nearby and met up with him. We believe Frank was very happy noting that the Alfa cylinder has done some serious traveling.
Reader Comments (2)
Have had a lot of difficulty. Would appreciate any assistance. Thanks