Mid FL AROC April 15 Scenic Drive

Thank you to everyone who came out Saturday on a beautiful day for a 2 hour tour of the Ocala National Forest! We had 10 cars with 18 people on the tour, plus 2 more who met us at the restaurant. Several people had challenges with their intended cars (me included!) and opted for alternate transportation at the last minute, but that’s how it goes with old sports cars. We did, however, have four 4C’s which was a real treat, along with a Giulia, a Stelvio, a Spider and some non-Alfa’s. 

I would like to organize another drive like this in the fall. If you have some favorite roads or a destination to consider, please let me know and I will start planning something. 

I don’t have a May activity planned yet, but I would like to meet up at a car show which some have suggested. Again, let me know if you have any ideas.     

Peter Gagne, President

Hi Everyone

The next Mid Florida AROC event will be a Cars & Coffee hosted by Tom & Jenny Green at their home on March 11, 2023 from 9-11AM. Their home is located within the gated community of Pelican Bay at 540 Pelican Bay Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32119. Therefore, please RSVP for gate access information. Tom has a modest vintage car collection that I am sure will be interesting, and Jenny will prepare coffee cakes, coffee, and juices for non-coffee drinkers. Bring your Alfa Romeo (vintage or contemporary) or other interesting cars for display. 

Also, I am pleased to report that the recent Tech Session held February 18, 2023 was a resounding success! There are pictures posted on our website. About 22 people showed up and offered their assistance in diagnosing Phil Cowherd’s sick 1986 Spider. We performed a compression check and found nominal compression in cylinder #1. We then performed a leak down test and determined that the exhaust valve was not sealing. Time for lunch!

We went inside and had a box lunch catered by Heavenly Ham and a short meeting during which we discussed future activities. We then went back into the garage and removed the cylinder head. We found a broken exhaust valve – a small piece was missing causing the loss of compression we detected in the morning. I ordered the parts and should be able to drop the cylinder head & parts off at the machine shop by the end of the week. I’ll let you know when it is ready – all are welcome to help and learn as we reinstall the cylinder head and restore Phil’s car to its former glory!  

And don’t forget to RSVP to the Cars & Coffee.

Ciao!

Peter Gagne, President