Alfa GTV ts on a shoestring budget.
Discussion
First post on here. Although I've read the forums many times over the years.
I pretty much change cars every 3 to 9 months. In nearly 20 years of driving 9 months is the longest I've owned a car, which was a Nissan sunny GTI way back in 2004. I tend to get a lot of enjoyment from buying on a budget, normally under 2k then doing any various jobs myself, within reason and moving on to the next motor.
My last car was a Mercedes c270 which was a bit to comfy for me. And totally reliable so didn't do a thing for me. The car I had before that was an audi tt mk1 which I really enjoyed until it snapped a rear control arm on a corner and then the new replacement a few months after, despite also replacing the bushings as well. It's a very common issue, I know 2 other tt owners that had the same issue. I would of liked to of done more work on the tt however i never fully trusted it after that. And moved it on very cheaply, too cheaply! with an honest advert detailing all the issues I knew about. After the merc I needed something a bit more sporty and interesting.
So at the beginning of the month i bought my first Alfa a phase 1 Gtv twinspark. 90 odd thousand miles. With mot. In daily use. Zero history. Scruffy interior and exterior, though no major chassis or bodywork issues. Phase 2 bonnet. Test drive went ok car drives well although if the car had been cold then I would of been able to find a few issues. Bought all for the grand sum of £450. What could go wrong?
Well so far very little, it does have a list of things needing attention. It seems the car has had work done over the years. Many failed mots, nothing major. The work has had all work carried out from what I can see.
It is the best handling fwd cars I've driven. In 98 Jeremy Clarkson did say "genuinely only a handful of cars in the world would beat it on the track" In corners I assume he meant when testing a v6 version. The ts having supposedly slightly better handling, it still really holds up today. Helped by the suspension being rebuilt at some point judging by the non standard shocks. And the past mot fails on some rear suspension parts in the mot history online.
It isn't very fast at all. My boosted tt would easy easy of seen it in its rearview mirror. The tt was great in the wet too. The alfa is better in the corners with great steering and really feels like a drivers car, I know that's a cliche thing to say. The tt was safe feeling and a bit non descriptive, didn't inspire that much confidence the rear didn't ever feel all there even though it was fantastic in the wet.
The gtv is so much fun and can be really enjoyed on twisty roads.
Engine seems too noisy you have to thrash it to really get anything out. Gearing is terrible 5th is too low geared imo.
Parking it is terrible all round vision is bad. Very poor turning circle due to the quick rack and some geometry reasons.
Other than that I love it. Really makes me smile. I bet v6 owners must be even happier. I like it so much I even bought the book Alfa romeo history of the 916 GTV and Spider.
I will update this post later today with more pictures of said car. But here is a quick pic of a possibly distasteful mod. Think I shall be reverting the grill to its standard black. Although it does get a lot of looks Haha.
Current issues.
No history. So needs cambelt and so on done asap. It's at least been done once in its life after having a good look at the belts.
Variator is a bit noisy when cold for first min or so.
Air con not working.
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
Front disks have slight warp.
Gearbox change to third when cold is terrible. I've replaced the box oil, no change. Next is to try cleaning swarf from end of gearbox although I've heard this is only for a poor 4th gear change. All other gears are fine.
Both bonnet and boot struts have failed.
Remote boot unlock doesn't work.
Light on dash telling me boot is open is always lit up.
One rear spring pan looks very corroded, I gave it a good prod and it's ok for now. I am budgeting for a new part next month as since the aforementioned Audi tt snapped a suspension part I am cautious.
One rear bearing a bit noisy. No play and can't feel any roughness, striping the brake and having a good listen confirmed it's starting to complain. New bearing ordered and hope to fit this week.
Worst speaker quality of any car I've owned!
Centre console molding has went all weird and sticky. Really let's the car down.
Needs some body work tidying up if not a full respray.
Some amount of rust on one rear arch.
Work already carried out.
New thermostat. Radiator flush and coolant. While fitting I slipped prying off a hose clip and taken the end of thumb and finger nail off when it glanced another hose clip. It smarted a bit! Much blood I still got the job done.
Window was working on and off. Turned out to be a door to chassis connection problem.
Right turn indicator was a bit unreliable. Cleaning the fuse box solved the issue.
I plan on having the car at least for a few months. I want to get it back to a certain standard and will update the thread as I go. Then move it on, despite my love for it. Already thinking my next car will be a 230 slk. If the lockdown ends in time for summer.
I pretty much change cars every 3 to 9 months. In nearly 20 years of driving 9 months is the longest I've owned a car, which was a Nissan sunny GTI way back in 2004. I tend to get a lot of enjoyment from buying on a budget, normally under 2k then doing any various jobs myself, within reason and moving on to the next motor.
My last car was a Mercedes c270 which was a bit to comfy for me. And totally reliable so didn't do a thing for me. The car I had before that was an audi tt mk1 which I really enjoyed until it snapped a rear control arm on a corner and then the new replacement a few months after, despite also replacing the bushings as well. It's a very common issue, I know 2 other tt owners that had the same issue. I would of liked to of done more work on the tt however i never fully trusted it after that. And moved it on very cheaply, too cheaply! with an honest advert detailing all the issues I knew about. After the merc I needed something a bit more sporty and interesting.
So at the beginning of the month i bought my first Alfa a phase 1 Gtv twinspark. 90 odd thousand miles. With mot. In daily use. Zero history. Scruffy interior and exterior, though no major chassis or bodywork issues. Phase 2 bonnet. Test drive went ok car drives well although if the car had been cold then I would of been able to find a few issues. Bought all for the grand sum of £450. What could go wrong?
Well so far very little, it does have a list of things needing attention. It seems the car has had work done over the years. Many failed mots, nothing major. The work has had all work carried out from what I can see.
It is the best handling fwd cars I've driven. In 98 Jeremy Clarkson did say "genuinely only a handful of cars in the world would beat it on the track" In corners I assume he meant when testing a v6 version. The ts having supposedly slightly better handling, it still really holds up today. Helped by the suspension being rebuilt at some point judging by the non standard shocks. And the past mot fails on some rear suspension parts in the mot history online.
It isn't very fast at all. My boosted tt would easy easy of seen it in its rearview mirror. The tt was great in the wet too. The alfa is better in the corners with great steering and really feels like a drivers car, I know that's a cliche thing to say. The tt was safe feeling and a bit non descriptive, didn't inspire that much confidence the rear didn't ever feel all there even though it was fantastic in the wet.
The gtv is so much fun and can be really enjoyed on twisty roads.
Engine seems too noisy you have to thrash it to really get anything out. Gearing is terrible 5th is too low geared imo.
Parking it is terrible all round vision is bad. Very poor turning circle due to the quick rack and some geometry reasons.
Other than that I love it. Really makes me smile. I bet v6 owners must be even happier. I like it so much I even bought the book Alfa romeo history of the 916 GTV and Spider.
I will update this post later today with more pictures of said car. But here is a quick pic of a possibly distasteful mod. Think I shall be reverting the grill to its standard black. Although it does get a lot of looks Haha.
Current issues.
No history. So needs cambelt and so on done asap. It's at least been done once in its life after having a good look at the belts.
Variator is a bit noisy when cold for first min or so.
Air con not working.
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
Front disks have slight warp.
Gearbox change to third when cold is terrible. I've replaced the box oil, no change. Next is to try cleaning swarf from end of gearbox although I've heard this is only for a poor 4th gear change. All other gears are fine.
Both bonnet and boot struts have failed.
Remote boot unlock doesn't work.
Light on dash telling me boot is open is always lit up.
One rear spring pan looks very corroded, I gave it a good prod and it's ok for now. I am budgeting for a new part next month as since the aforementioned Audi tt snapped a suspension part I am cautious.
One rear bearing a bit noisy. No play and can't feel any roughness, striping the brake and having a good listen confirmed it's starting to complain. New bearing ordered and hope to fit this week.
Worst speaker quality of any car I've owned!
Centre console molding has went all weird and sticky. Really let's the car down.
Needs some body work tidying up if not a full respray.
Some amount of rust on one rear arch.
Work already carried out.
New thermostat. Radiator flush and coolant. While fitting I slipped prying off a hose clip and taken the end of thumb and finger nail off when it glanced another hose clip. It smarted a bit! Much blood I still got the job done.
Window was working on and off. Turned out to be a door to chassis connection problem.
Right turn indicator was a bit unreliable. Cleaning the fuse box solved the issue.
I plan on having the car at least for a few months. I want to get it back to a certain standard and will update the thread as I go. Then move it on, despite my love for it. Already thinking my next car will be a 230 slk. If the lockdown ends in time for summer.
Edited by Overheadcam on Saturday 25th April 15:11
Overheadcam said:
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
One was parked up outside my work in the early noughties. I could see through the window from twenty feet away the bonnet was badly aligned and commented on it. Turned out it had been in a minor shunt. Got two of these.
First up, you did well for £450! Both mine are V6s, one is a bodywork basket case (I've replaced one entire sill so far, and need to do the other one), the other was mechanically very tired.
Looking at your s
t list:
No history. So needs cambelt and so on done asap. It's at least been done once in its life after having a good look at the belts.
Variator is a bit noisy when cold for first min or so.
Yep - do both at the same time.
Air con not working.
Easy or hard depending on whether you have the modern or old style air con condenser. Old style - easy. New style - can't get them. I'm looking at butchering a fiat doblo item with a TIG.....
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
Adjustable.
Front disks have slight warp.
Brakes are pants. Try getting them very hot.
Gearbox change to third when cold is terrible. I've replaced the box oil, no change. Next is to try cleaning swarf from end of gearbox although I've heard this is only for a poor 4th gear change. All other gears are fine.
Hard to get it in, or vague? Could be a knackered syncro. Vagueness can be adjusted on top of the box.
Both bonnet and boot struts have failed.
Totallyalfa have them
Remote boot unlock doesn't work.
Light on dash telling me boot is open is always lit up.
Boot wiring problem - remove carpet and have a look.
One rear spring pan looks very corroded, I gave it a good prod and it's ok for now. I am budgeting for a new part next month as since the aforementioned Audi tt snapped a suspension part I am cautious.
Yes, weak point. Coat the new ones in decent protection, top and bottom.
One rear bearing a bit noisy. No play and can't feel any roughness, striping the brake and having a good listen confirmed it's starting to complain. New bearing ordered and hope to fit this week.
Easy job. Look at Italia autos on you tube.
Worst speaker quality of any car I've owned!
They are oval, and the foam surround disintegrates. Get the inserts to convert to 5.25" circular ones. Focal Access sound very good in mine.
Centre console molding has went all weird and sticky. Really let's the car down.
Thank fully mine don't have this. Only cure is to remove the sticky stuff with thinners and repaint.
Needs some body work tidying up if not a full respray.
Some amount of rust on one rear arch.
First up, you did well for £450! Both mine are V6s, one is a bodywork basket case (I've replaced one entire sill so far, and need to do the other one), the other was mechanically very tired.
Looking at your s
t list:No history. So needs cambelt and so on done asap. It's at least been done once in its life after having a good look at the belts.
Variator is a bit noisy when cold for first min or so.
Yep - do both at the same time.
Air con not working.
Easy or hard depending on whether you have the modern or old style air con condenser. Old style - easy. New style - can't get them. I'm looking at butchering a fiat doblo item with a TIG.....
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
Adjustable.
Front disks have slight warp.
Brakes are pants. Try getting them very hot.
Gearbox change to third when cold is terrible. I've replaced the box oil, no change. Next is to try cleaning swarf from end of gearbox although I've heard this is only for a poor 4th gear change. All other gears are fine.
Hard to get it in, or vague? Could be a knackered syncro. Vagueness can be adjusted on top of the box.
Both bonnet and boot struts have failed.
Totallyalfa have them
Remote boot unlock doesn't work.
Light on dash telling me boot is open is always lit up.
Boot wiring problem - remove carpet and have a look.
One rear spring pan looks very corroded, I gave it a good prod and it's ok for now. I am budgeting for a new part next month as since the aforementioned Audi tt snapped a suspension part I am cautious.
Yes, weak point. Coat the new ones in decent protection, top and bottom.
One rear bearing a bit noisy. No play and can't feel any roughness, striping the brake and having a good listen confirmed it's starting to complain. New bearing ordered and hope to fit this week.
Easy job. Look at Italia autos on you tube.
Worst speaker quality of any car I've owned!
They are oval, and the foam surround disintegrates. Get the inserts to convert to 5.25" circular ones. Focal Access sound very good in mine.
Centre console molding has went all weird and sticky. Really let's the car down.
Thank fully mine don't have this. Only cure is to remove the sticky stuff with thinners and repaint.
Needs some body work tidying up if not a full respray.
Some amount of rust on one rear arch.
MightyBadger said:
I know I’m in the minority but I actually really like the front grille, looks smart.
SunsetZed said:
You're not the only one, I like it too
Mama Mia! Well I might keep it on a bit longer then.
I did have someone say "people will think your a full on, 100% Italian" made me chuckle.
rxe said:
Got two of these.
First up, you did well for £450! Both mine are V6s, one is a bodywork basket case (I've replaced one entire sill so far, and need to do the other one), the other was mechanically very tired.
Looking at your st list:
No history. So needs cambelt and so on done asap. It's at least been done once in its life after having a good look at the belts.
Variator is a bit noisy when cold for first min or so.
Yep - do both at the same time.
Air con not working.
Easy or hard depending on whether you have the modern or old style air con condenser. Old style - easy. New style - can't get them. I'm looking at butchering a fiat doblo item with a TIG.....
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
Adjustable.
Front disks have slight warp.
Brakes are pants. Try getting them very hot.
Gearbox change to third when cold is terrible. I've replaced the box oil, no change. Next is to try cleaning swarf from end of gearbox although I've heard this is only for a poor 4th gear change. All other gears are fine.
Hard to get it in, or vague? Could be a knackered syncro. Vagueness can be adjusted on top of the box.
Both bonnet and boot struts have failed.
Totallyalfa have them
Remote boot unlock doesn't work.
Light on dash telling me boot is open is always lit up.
Boot wiring problem - remove carpet and have a look.
One rear spring pan looks very corroded, I gave it a good prod and it's ok for now. I am budgeting for a new part next month as since the aforementioned Audi tt snapped a suspension part I am cautious.
Yes, weak point. Coat the new ones in decent protection, top and bottom.
One rear bearing a bit noisy. No play and can't feel any roughness, striping the brake and having a good listen confirmed it's starting to complain. New bearing ordered and hope to fit this week.
Easy job. Look at Italia autos on you tube.
Worst speaker quality of any car I've owned!
They are oval, and the foam surround disintegrates. Get the inserts to convert to 5.25" circular ones. Focal Access sound very good in mine.
Centre console molding has went all weird and sticky. Really let's the car down.
Thank fully mine don't have this. Only cure is to remove the sticky stuff with thinners and repaint.
Needs some body work tidying up if not a full respray.
Some amount of rust on one rear arch.
Thank you for the info will put it to good use.First up, you did well for £450! Both mine are V6s, one is a bodywork basket case (I've replaced one entire sill so far, and need to do the other one), the other was mechanically very tired.
Looking at your s
t list:No history. So needs cambelt and so on done asap. It's at least been done once in its life after having a good look at the belts.
Variator is a bit noisy when cold for first min or so.
Yep - do both at the same time.
Air con not working.
Easy or hard depending on whether you have the modern or old style air con condenser. Old style - easy. New style - can't get them. I'm looking at butchering a fiat doblo item with a TIG.....
Front bumper isn't aligned as well as it could be. No doubt left factory like that.
Adjustable.
Front disks have slight warp.
Brakes are pants. Try getting them very hot.
Gearbox change to third when cold is terrible. I've replaced the box oil, no change. Next is to try cleaning swarf from end of gearbox although I've heard this is only for a poor 4th gear change. All other gears are fine.
Hard to get it in, or vague? Could be a knackered syncro. Vagueness can be adjusted on top of the box.
Both bonnet and boot struts have failed.
Totallyalfa have them
Remote boot unlock doesn't work.
Light on dash telling me boot is open is always lit up.
Boot wiring problem - remove carpet and have a look.
One rear spring pan looks very corroded, I gave it a good prod and it's ok for now. I am budgeting for a new part next month as since the aforementioned Audi tt snapped a suspension part I am cautious.
Yes, weak point. Coat the new ones in decent protection, top and bottom.
One rear bearing a bit noisy. No play and can't feel any roughness, striping the brake and having a good listen confirmed it's starting to complain. New bearing ordered and hope to fit this week.
Easy job. Look at Italia autos on you tube.
Worst speaker quality of any car I've owned!
They are oval, and the foam surround disintegrates. Get the inserts to convert to 5.25" circular ones. Focal Access sound very good in mine.
Centre console molding has went all weird and sticky. Really let's the car down.
Thank fully mine don't have this. Only cure is to remove the sticky stuff with thinners and repaint.
Needs some body work tidying up if not a full respray.
Some amount of rust on one rear arch.
Would love a v6 version. The only thing there, is for the price of a good one I could have a choice of many different cars.
I’ve had 8,,,,,,
If you open the bonnet, look either side by the headlights, you will see a cut out, inside you will see the bumper adjusters, just start by spraying penetrating oil fir a week.
Cambelts are pretty easy if you can weild (guide on alfaworkshop) a spanner, really do need camlocks and a dial gauge.
Variator can be rebuilt (just a spring and a washer) sometimes it works sometimes it does not.
I found then a great little drivers car.
First proper drive in my first one, nipped up to the Lakes, according to the dash bonnet, boot and both doors were open, it soon goes. lol.
My first Alfa, first gtv
If you open the bonnet, look either side by the headlights, you will see a cut out, inside you will see the bumper adjusters, just start by spraying penetrating oil fir a week.
Cambelts are pretty easy if you can weild (guide on alfaworkshop) a spanner, really do need camlocks and a dial gauge.
Variator can be rebuilt (just a spring and a washer) sometimes it works sometimes it does not.
I found then a great little drivers car.
First proper drive in my first one, nipped up to the Lakes, according to the dash bonnet, boot and both doors were open, it soon goes. lol.
My first Alfa, first gtv
Edited by waynedear on Wednesday 22 April 21:32
Great buy ...!
I have had 2 Alfas, both 156s. First was a 1.8TS which I really liked, but needed more fuel economy for my commute so then got a 156JTDM 150 and remapped it. Best car by far that I have ever had !
Not sure which TS engine yours is, but I assume it's the 2 litre if it has a variator.
IRRC all TS engines use oil, and its very important to maintain it at the correct level. But you may already know that !
I managed to get a secondhand stainless steel Cybox back box, that was great and just about the right noise: it sounded wonderful at 6K revs !
I know you said you run your cars on a shoestring, but a 4 wheel alignment would be my on my list.
Never driven a GTV, but the alignment settings F & R were both out on my 2 cars.
It does transform the handling, but it can be quite a job if the suspension is rusty !
i wish I still had my silver 1.8TS, it was such a pure shape as it was a pre-facelift model.
Oh and .....not a fan of the grill badge paint ....!
I have had 2 Alfas, both 156s. First was a 1.8TS which I really liked, but needed more fuel economy for my commute so then got a 156JTDM 150 and remapped it. Best car by far that I have ever had !
Not sure which TS engine yours is, but I assume it's the 2 litre if it has a variator.
IRRC all TS engines use oil, and its very important to maintain it at the correct level. But you may already know that !
I managed to get a secondhand stainless steel Cybox back box, that was great and just about the right noise: it sounded wonderful at 6K revs !
I know you said you run your cars on a shoestring, but a 4 wheel alignment would be my on my list.
Never driven a GTV, but the alignment settings F & R were both out on my 2 cars.
It does transform the handling, but it can be quite a job if the suspension is rusty !
i wish I still had my silver 1.8TS, it was such a pure shape as it was a pre-facelift model.
Oh and .....not a fan of the grill badge paint ....!
This was my Phase 1 GTV ts -
Readers car thread here -
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I realise I never concluded my thread, but I don't have the car now. Bit of a money pit TBH, and I'm not much of a DIY mechanic so I cut my losses and moved it on.
They are certainly lovely looking cars, you don't see many about and I used to get the occasional wave or thumbs up from random motorists.
Readers car thread here -
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I realise I never concluded my thread, but I don't have the car now. Bit of a money pit TBH, and I'm not much of a DIY mechanic so I cut my losses and moved it on.
They are certainly lovely looking cars, you don't see many about and I used to get the occasional wave or thumbs up from random motorists.
Well yesterday replaced rear bearing. Was easy.
Interesting that the new bearing is fully sealed, while the old one was open on the outer race which seems the noisy one out of the two races.
Both sides were a mot fail 40k odd miles ago. So both were replaced at same time I assume.
Which explains why the other side is a bit noisy also grrr! Least it more than halved the noise. Again no play in other side and I could not hear any noise at all when span with brake off. So maybe I can just re grease it? Hopefully after greasing or replacing the other side the noise will of gone, if not then the fronts will be done. Just hoping not gearbox. Gearboxes that are ok are cheap just fitting it. I have never done a gearbox well I've assured others and don't think I'm up to the job.
While car was jacked up I noticed a small bit of underside rust here and there I would like to attend to, overall it's not bad at all under side. And its had previous work which looks ok.
Sprayed penetrating oil/fluid over every nut and bolt while I could, anticipating that I will have to replace the spring pan soon.
Had someone offer almost double what I paid for the car and a seperate offer that I could part put it in for a 230 slk. Nothing interests me I've seen for 900 and I want a old slk, just still loving the alfa.
Next jobs at end of month. Bearing if re grease fails.
Air filter as I forgot to say I modified the old intake. Air box removed and used the inner part to make a free flow stack, maf laminer flow grill removed as doesn't need it because of the stack. Intake resonator box cut off and fibre glasses over. The stack is fitted to the old filter lid and hangs down in same place gets alot of cold air. Sounds great! Had to use an old bit of air filter foam and some mesh onto top of stack looks crap although does work. A proper cone filter attached should be less restrictive and not look crap. I did briefly test it no filter foam and was a bit louder.
Interesting that the new bearing is fully sealed, while the old one was open on the outer race which seems the noisy one out of the two races.
Both sides were a mot fail 40k odd miles ago. So both were replaced at same time I assume.
Which explains why the other side is a bit noisy also grrr! Least it more than halved the noise. Again no play in other side and I could not hear any noise at all when span with brake off. So maybe I can just re grease it? Hopefully after greasing or replacing the other side the noise will of gone, if not then the fronts will be done. Just hoping not gearbox. Gearboxes that are ok are cheap just fitting it. I have never done a gearbox well I've assured others and don't think I'm up to the job.
While car was jacked up I noticed a small bit of underside rust here and there I would like to attend to, overall it's not bad at all under side. And its had previous work which looks ok.
Sprayed penetrating oil/fluid over every nut and bolt while I could, anticipating that I will have to replace the spring pan soon.
Had someone offer almost double what I paid for the car and a seperate offer that I could part put it in for a 230 slk. Nothing interests me I've seen for 900 and I want a old slk, just still loving the alfa.
Next jobs at end of month. Bearing if re grease fails.
Air filter as I forgot to say I modified the old intake. Air box removed and used the inner part to make a free flow stack, maf laminer flow grill removed as doesn't need it because of the stack. Intake resonator box cut off and fibre glasses over. The stack is fitted to the old filter lid and hangs down in same place gets alot of cold air. Sounds great! Had to use an old bit of air filter foam and some mesh onto top of stack looks crap although does work. A proper cone filter attached should be less restrictive and not look crap. I did briefly test it no filter foam and was a bit louder.
Sounds like you are becoming attached to the GTV....
Alfas are a bit like that.
They can be infuriating at times, but when they are 'right' they are so good.
Most Alfistis are prepared to put up with the 'quirks' of Alfa ownership because that is what makes them so appealing in a perverse sort of way !
There is something about sitting in an Alfa that no other car feels like it: I have driven quite a few other more so called 'desirable' cars and they may be better at some things but to me they are just a bit characterless.
i once drove my 156 TS up to Scotland to see some friends: it was a 'spirited drive' as PHers say. When I got out at my pals place, he said" The Porsche needs a wee run out if you want to take it" so I jumped in his Boxster S and took it up the road..... (first time I had driven it )
I got back feeling a bit underwhelmed TBH, and actually thought I preferred my £1000 156 ... !!
While the Boxster was obviously very well built etc etc it did not have the same appeal and character of the Italian car.
But then other folk are real Porsche fans and will deride Alfas....!!!
Each to their own I guess !!
So I would not sell your Alfa if/when you get the SLK....just keep them both !
Alfas are a bit like that.
They can be infuriating at times, but when they are 'right' they are so good.
Most Alfistis are prepared to put up with the 'quirks' of Alfa ownership because that is what makes them so appealing in a perverse sort of way !
There is something about sitting in an Alfa that no other car feels like it: I have driven quite a few other more so called 'desirable' cars and they may be better at some things but to me they are just a bit characterless.
i once drove my 156 TS up to Scotland to see some friends: it was a 'spirited drive' as PHers say. When I got out at my pals place, he said" The Porsche needs a wee run out if you want to take it" so I jumped in his Boxster S and took it up the road..... (first time I had driven it )
I got back feeling a bit underwhelmed TBH, and actually thought I preferred my £1000 156 ... !!
While the Boxster was obviously very well built etc etc it did not have the same appeal and character of the Italian car.
But then other folk are real Porsche fans and will deride Alfas....!!!
Each to their own I guess !!
So I would not sell your Alfa if/when you get the SLK....just keep them both !
Well greased the bearing today. As can see from a pic in situ the grease was pretty dry. And not much there.
I cleaned some of the old grease off and used some ptfe spray. Then I used some bearing grease and I alsoused some lithium spray grease too. Not really expecting any results as some damage must have been done. Again the bearing being twin race, well more two separate bearings more like. There was no play and zero roughness in the wheel. The inner bearing being sealed and fine. Strange design.
Well it worked to some degree. Noise much reduced, ultimately still there so will order a new bearing from same place as last one. Which is fully sealed both sides.
New pic of car.
I cleaned some of the old grease off and used some ptfe spray. Then I used some bearing grease and I alsoused some lithium spray grease too. Not really expecting any results as some damage must have been done. Again the bearing being twin race, well more two separate bearings more like. There was no play and zero roughness in the wheel. The inner bearing being sealed and fine. Strange design.
Well it worked to some degree. Noise much reduced, ultimately still there so will order a new bearing from same place as last one. Which is fully sealed both sides.
New pic of car.
I bought a V6 GTV about 7 yrs ago for about £1,600 with reasonable history. It felt during my ownership like I was definitely a custodian of the car though I did a lot of maintenance catching up & found even then that the parts were scarce. I kicked myself that I missed an identical coloured “twinny” as a donor car for about £750 from a dealer as new/used parts were scarce even then & the Alfa Forum helped with sourcing some things including a header tank. I sold the car about 2 yrs later for about what it had cost me to buy/service albeit I did certain cosmetic jobs like a full wheel refurb and put decent tyres on it that were to amuse me, as well as various “titavation” items under the bonnet! I had about 10 or 12 people trying to buy the car which proves how sought after they are.
Gratuitous photo of my car “stickered up” before it went to LM24 in about 2015 - MrsC described it as a “happy car” & was sad when I sold it.
Gratuitous photo of my car “stickered up” before it went to LM24 in about 2015 - MrsC described it as a “happy car” & was sad when I sold it.
MrC986 said:
I bought a V6 GTV about 7 yrs ago for about £1,600 with reasonable history. It felt during my ownership like I was definitely a custodian of the car though I did a lot of maintenance catching up & found even then that the parts were scarce. I kicked myself that I missed an identical coloured “twinny” as a donor car for about £750 from a dealer as new/used parts were scarce even then & the Alfa Forum helped with sourcing some things including a header tank. I sold the car about 2 yrs later for about what it had cost me to buy/service albeit I did certain cosmetic jobs like a full wheel refurb and put decent tyres on it that were to amuse me, as well as various “titavation” items under the bonnet! I had about 10 or 12 people trying to buy the car which proves how sought after they are.
Gratuitous photo of my car “stickered up” before it went to LM24 in about 2015 - MrsC described it as a “happy car” & was sad when I sold it.
I like the stickers. Was thinking about doing a blue and white polizia type thing. If only i could find a v6 that price now, seems very rare they pop up reasonably priced. Gratuitous photo of my car “stickered up” before it went to LM24 in about 2015 - MrsC described it as a “happy car” & was sad when I sold it.
Overheadcam said:
I like the stickers. Was thinking about doing a blue and white polizia type thing. If only i could find a v6 that price now, seems very rare they pop up reasonably priced.
I had a local sign company make the stickers.....they were certainly fun to apply as an amateur! As for V6 prices, I think they’ve moved on by more than £1k at the bottom of the lower end, though that assumes you can find them (there are a few V6s listed on Car and Classic btw). Twinnys are now where the V6 prices were a few years ago IMO. Whatever people say about GTVs they remain relatively affordable for many enthusiasts & are quite good for home maintenance by enthusiasts.Few updates.
Changed the grill back to black car looks a lot better for it.
Undercoated and sprayed lower front spoiler. Lower spoiler was pretty pitted really and really needed a skim over and a lot of sanding. Also it was starting to show through the black. So while a improvement, its not really of a proper standard. Car does look a bit more aggressive, deeper now. Will leave the side skirts. And might do the rear bumper skirt, should turn out better as not pitted.
Whole car needs a respray it's had various touch ups and repairs over the years so not as if I've ruined it.
Changed other side bearing.
Then only found the real cause of the ongoing bearing type noise. Turns out the rear wheels are castellated, on inner edges. I dismissed this as a cause of noise, because I could not believe a tyre could make such a bad bearing sounding drone. I had already stripped the front brakes and the front bearings were good, thought it was the gearbox next nope seems good too, apart from dodgy 3rd synchro. Well after I had a good look sure enough both rear tyre inner edges are uneven, like a castle top. Shame as they have plenty of tread left. Common on gtvs apparently which I already read, so a lesson learned about tyres and good advice.
I could try rotating them to the front? See if they wear back to round.
New maf. Old one was knackered and I tried giving it a clean, unplugged it was only very slightly worse to drive. New one installed feels better now.
Had someone walk past actually say "Scrap it", as I was washing it. Made me feel a bit sad for it.
Yeah it's a bit of a shed, well it is a shed. It's still has a lot going for it. And is a future classic. Needs a bit too much for me to restore it. I will keep up with the maintenance and try catch up with some needed work and few bits and pieces. Then hopefully someone else will take over and make a proper go of restoration.
Shame the twinsparks are not as well thought of.
Changed the grill back to black car looks a lot better for it.
Undercoated and sprayed lower front spoiler. Lower spoiler was pretty pitted really and really needed a skim over and a lot of sanding. Also it was starting to show through the black. So while a improvement, its not really of a proper standard. Car does look a bit more aggressive, deeper now. Will leave the side skirts. And might do the rear bumper skirt, should turn out better as not pitted.
Whole car needs a respray it's had various touch ups and repairs over the years so not as if I've ruined it.
Changed other side bearing.
Then only found the real cause of the ongoing bearing type noise. Turns out the rear wheels are castellated, on inner edges. I dismissed this as a cause of noise, because I could not believe a tyre could make such a bad bearing sounding drone. I had already stripped the front brakes and the front bearings were good, thought it was the gearbox next nope seems good too, apart from dodgy 3rd synchro. Well after I had a good look sure enough both rear tyre inner edges are uneven, like a castle top. Shame as they have plenty of tread left. Common on gtvs apparently which I already read, so a lesson learned about tyres and good advice.
I could try rotating them to the front? See if they wear back to round.
New maf. Old one was knackered and I tried giving it a clean, unplugged it was only very slightly worse to drive. New one installed feels better now.
Had someone walk past actually say "Scrap it", as I was washing it. Made me feel a bit sad for it.
Yeah it's a bit of a shed, well it is a shed. It's still has a lot going for it. And is a future classic. Needs a bit too much for me to restore it. I will keep up with the maintenance and try catch up with some needed work and few bits and pieces. Then hopefully someone else will take over and make a proper go of restoration.
Shame the twinsparks are not as well thought of.
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