Alfa Romeo 164 Twinspark Super
Discussion
Thanks, as always - getting there...!
The Rear
Day 2 - The Calipers Strike Back
A 7am start is never welcome - unless you're going to be working on your Alfa Romeo! The 100HP Panda, complete with fake Abarth stickers, Ragazzon exhaust and crashy suspension spirited me to Alfacraft without a ULEZ charge, and I ensured we were fully stocked with scotch eggs and milk.
With the rear setup inexplicably finished ahead of schedule, we turned out attention to the front braking system.
...after saying good morning to Senna, naturally:
With the split brake line eliciting a litany of expletives from Phil, I busied myself on the other side removing the ABS sensor, loosening the caliper carrier and taking a note of everything on the hub.
The new calipers looked expecially fetching:
The small caliper to union pipes were very, very seized and even after a decidedly hot interrogation Phil decided to make up new ones.
I had in the stores spare flexi hoses and various clips and unions, but while Phil tackled the pipes I resumed some de-crudding and spot sanding of suspect patches along the underside.
15mm bolts for the calipers came out easily, fortunately so did the 13mm for the pad carriers. Phil remember he had changed the pads ~6 year ago, so took credit for loosenign things for me.
Offside went on relative easily, and I started to faff about with pipes, clips and hoses while Phil looked into the actual broken line.
As luck would have it, the sheared pipe had a union under the airbox, so turned out to be @18 inches rather than the ridiculous full item to the ABS unit as feared.
Airbox and MAF out...
Troublesome leak areas was cleaned and de-DOT4ed to prevent further paint loss.
Et voila! One emergent pipe, latterly fettled into the correct arrangement.
It was around midday - I thought we had this in the bag... but after lunch on a pressure tester, several leaks in the system made themselves known.
There followed an afternoon of brake fluid-slicked fingers and curses as we chased drips, tightened things, clipped stuff, repositioned lines...you name it... painful but (we think) successful. At 4pm Phil rightly went off to meet customers and deal with other problems.
I adjusted the fronts down by 20cm from my reference point... the rears I completely guessed. My first hint they were off significantly was when the ramp wouldn't disengage on the floor!
I have raised the rear up a fair amount time was short and I reasoned I could adjust at home or when I get to Micheldever for the wheels and tyres...
Late in the day, many more bits tidied and a few other minor items checked - done!
I reversed the car out carefully...the brakes were holding fluid but the drive home was very careful. There's defintiely still work to do ont he ride height - rear needs to go up ~15mm and front maybe down 5mm to get to an even amount of factor spec all round. The brakes are a little spongey but as I haven't got above 30 yet I'mm drive it tomorrow, bed things in correctly and drop by Phil for a final bleed if not properly firm.
Tomorrow - refitting interior after the new speakers, some wing mirror and cosmetic work... and ride height. Phew.
The Rear
Day 2 - The Calipers Strike Back
A 7am start is never welcome - unless you're going to be working on your Alfa Romeo! The 100HP Panda, complete with fake Abarth stickers, Ragazzon exhaust and crashy suspension spirited me to Alfacraft without a ULEZ charge, and I ensured we were fully stocked with scotch eggs and milk.
With the rear setup inexplicably finished ahead of schedule, we turned out attention to the front braking system.
...after saying good morning to Senna, naturally:
With the split brake line eliciting a litany of expletives from Phil, I busied myself on the other side removing the ABS sensor, loosening the caliper carrier and taking a note of everything on the hub.
The new calipers looked expecially fetching:
The small caliper to union pipes were very, very seized and even after a decidedly hot interrogation Phil decided to make up new ones.
I had in the stores spare flexi hoses and various clips and unions, but while Phil tackled the pipes I resumed some de-crudding and spot sanding of suspect patches along the underside.
15mm bolts for the calipers came out easily, fortunately so did the 13mm for the pad carriers. Phil remember he had changed the pads ~6 year ago, so took credit for loosenign things for me.
Offside went on relative easily, and I started to faff about with pipes, clips and hoses while Phil looked into the actual broken line.
As luck would have it, the sheared pipe had a union under the airbox, so turned out to be @18 inches rather than the ridiculous full item to the ABS unit as feared.
Airbox and MAF out...
Troublesome leak areas was cleaned and de-DOT4ed to prevent further paint loss.
Et voila! One emergent pipe, latterly fettled into the correct arrangement.
It was around midday - I thought we had this in the bag... but after lunch on a pressure tester, several leaks in the system made themselves known.
There followed an afternoon of brake fluid-slicked fingers and curses as we chased drips, tightened things, clipped stuff, repositioned lines...you name it... painful but (we think) successful. At 4pm Phil rightly went off to meet customers and deal with other problems.
I adjusted the fronts down by 20cm from my reference point... the rears I completely guessed. My first hint they were off significantly was when the ramp wouldn't disengage on the floor!
I have raised the rear up a fair amount time was short and I reasoned I could adjust at home or when I get to Micheldever for the wheels and tyres...
Late in the day, many more bits tidied and a few other minor items checked - done!
I reversed the car out carefully...the brakes were holding fluid but the drive home was very careful. There's defintiely still work to do ont he ride height - rear needs to go up ~15mm and front maybe down 5mm to get to an even amount of factor spec all round. The brakes are a little spongey but as I haven't got above 30 yet I'mm drive it tomorrow, bed things in correctly and drop by Phil for a final bleed if not properly firm.
Tomorrow - refitting interior after the new speakers, some wing mirror and cosmetic work... and ride height. Phew.
The Rear
Day 3 - Return Of The Buckets
A day not at Alfacraft with Phil and Senna was a little strange, but I quickly shook off any nostalgia by emptying the car of all the rusty nonsense, tools, chemicals and paraphenalia for the jobs, That took a while, and everything that came off the car was sent to the secretive Alfa 164 collective for scrutinisation and salvaging. If you want to see grown Alfisti go ga-ga, show them an original front strut assembly and rear crossmember for a 164.
The drive home had been ... ok... a bit crashy at the back and vague at the front, so plenty of work to do on the setup of the car. I therefore decided to give it a proper clean. You name it - snow foam, clay bar, twelve bucket method and so on.
150g of bilt hamber's finest - 98% pure...
Polish and wax will go on later with a friend assisting, but as you will all appreciate the purging of dust, grit, cobwebs, tar and associated detritus from my precious 164 was truly theraupeutic moment.
Having spent a few cups of coffee consulting the Alfa forums, I was aiming to adjust ride height to ~25 1/2 inches at the front and ~26 inches at the back. Leaving Alfacraft on Tuesday in furtive Mafia-inspired sinister hurry, I had 25 3/8 at the front and below 25 at the rear (!).
I spent a good few hours adjusting the strusts - it got easier each time and I started wiht raising the rears equally. Oh for 2 post lift and a rattle gun for taking wheels off! Everything was done by hand, so each corner involved the jack, wheel bolts, socket set... but the coilovers themselves are a doddle to set. Simply loosent he bottom collar with a supplied tool and the rotate the entire strut - keep measuring and lock the collar down when done.
The rear's had me confused until I discover the top spring section was different fromt he supplier by 5mm - finally done, and the fronts lowered down.
There's also a hole in the tool for a 1/2in drive bar to tighten down at the end.
Aha! Correct lines achieved. For now.
A few test drives followed to check everything - still a little crashy at the rear. It transpires the rear was set to 'max soft', 1 out of 33 stops, so I moved it up to 8 per some Alfa knowledge, and checked the fronts were at 12 clicks, which seems the starting point.
Top tip - ensure the long allen-ended adjuster is in strut before you install it - I think it might be impossible to add afterward!
In between washing, adjustment and drying times I faffed about making a mockery of spray painting for the driver's wing mirror aluminium mount. The first round of this two weeks ago ended with me muttering off in a huff at crazed/cracked paint.
This time round, after careful sanding and carefuller (?) spraying in a windproof cardboard booth, it appears to be going better:
None too shabby:
Oh wait what are these packages from 2017? Ah.....
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 31st July 09:56
Thanks I hadn't even thought of these covering socks - very good idea, I see Tegiwa make 350mm covers that look to pair with Yellowspeed - will order a set now.
Day 4 - The Alloys Awaken
Another early start, another well-known expert to tend to the Alfa. Micheldever Tyres have been keeping my four black circles on the ground for almost 20 years, and it was (finally!) time to add on the set of Alfa Speedlines I picked up in 2017 and had refurbished on car.
The tyres were 6 years old, plus the chinese low cost front left after the recent puncture. After all the suspension work, I wanted everything setup and on fresh rubber to totally refresh the car.
As always, very efficient work from Micheldever on the fresh (Falken) tyres, and to the team's credit they spent at least 90 minutes adjusting the camber, toe and tracking to get the car as close as possible to factory spec. The 164 is difficult to setup, and with the new coilovers not having camber adjustment the team carefully prodded it corner by corner.
Before...
After... well its within spec, ish.
Still, reassuringly clean underneath now. Not pictured - hours on Thursday with Bilt Hamber S50 and UB treating the underneath, front to back!
A few test drives and mutterings and it seems to be within acceptable levels, but they said to drop by on quieter afternoon, perhaps after the new suspension had been in for a few hundred miles, to see if they can get it abosolutely perfect. Nice.
Old alloys...
Superceded by new...
That's better. The best of the tyre/alloy old wheels now becomes my spare in the boot - I had never had one before, what a novelty. The other three alloys will be stashed for the moment, though the shed is creaking with car parts at present.
The drive home was even better - straight and true, quieter all round... now this is how a 164 should drive! You can perceive a sense of 'adhesion' to the road - not just grip but a whole unit in symbiosis with the road, rather than just rolling over the top of it.
More work to do on the rear setup as there is fair bit of travel at low speeds, but high speed 70mph is really, really superb. Very happy.
The afternoon was spent refitting the wing mirror, front door cars, checking trim and also a layer of Super Resin Polish and Extra Gloss Protection once the sun had dipped below the 'bodywork heating' level.
Blue temporary item off...
It's not perfect, but it is the right colour:
Not pictured - my three attempts to correctly route the cables with the plug off, then adding the plug back with the two yellow wires round the wrong way - but you didn't want to see that anyway.
While re-cabletieing the mirror connectors throughout the door card I noticed a distinctly non-Alfa amount of electrical tape on another set of wires.
I disagree with whoever did this:
Scothlock connectors purged, some soldering and crimping completed, the door looks a tad tidier.
I took the opportunity to renew old clips, replace screws, enlarge washers and so on to get the driver's card secure.
Transformed with the new grilles. Very happy.
Passenger side slightly easier due my resistance to repaint anythign mirror-adjacent.
I finally twigged that the driver's side was missing the waterproof membrane! That may explain some of the slight damp on the driver's side - that is one for the future repair list!
On both sides, tweeter cables were tucked away per discussion earlier in this thread after the new speakers...
Some polish layers added, and a gratuitous badge shot...
No, I mean this one...
Fluid checked, tyres... checked. All set for the 2.5 hours to Grimsthorpe Castle and the Festival of the Unexceptional.... will the car make it?
Spoiler: Yes, it did.
Day 4 - The Alloys Awaken
Another early start, another well-known expert to tend to the Alfa. Micheldever Tyres have been keeping my four black circles on the ground for almost 20 years, and it was (finally!) time to add on the set of Alfa Speedlines I picked up in 2017 and had refurbished on car.
The tyres were 6 years old, plus the chinese low cost front left after the recent puncture. After all the suspension work, I wanted everything setup and on fresh rubber to totally refresh the car.
As always, very efficient work from Micheldever on the fresh (Falken) tyres, and to the team's credit they spent at least 90 minutes adjusting the camber, toe and tracking to get the car as close as possible to factory spec. The 164 is difficult to setup, and with the new coilovers not having camber adjustment the team carefully prodded it corner by corner.
Before...
After... well its within spec, ish.
Still, reassuringly clean underneath now. Not pictured - hours on Thursday with Bilt Hamber S50 and UB treating the underneath, front to back!
A few test drives and mutterings and it seems to be within acceptable levels, but they said to drop by on quieter afternoon, perhaps after the new suspension had been in for a few hundred miles, to see if they can get it abosolutely perfect. Nice.
Old alloys...
Superceded by new...
That's better. The best of the tyre/alloy old wheels now becomes my spare in the boot - I had never had one before, what a novelty. The other three alloys will be stashed for the moment, though the shed is creaking with car parts at present.
The drive home was even better - straight and true, quieter all round... now this is how a 164 should drive! You can perceive a sense of 'adhesion' to the road - not just grip but a whole unit in symbiosis with the road, rather than just rolling over the top of it.
More work to do on the rear setup as there is fair bit of travel at low speeds, but high speed 70mph is really, really superb. Very happy.
The afternoon was spent refitting the wing mirror, front door cars, checking trim and also a layer of Super Resin Polish and Extra Gloss Protection once the sun had dipped below the 'bodywork heating' level.
Blue temporary item off...
It's not perfect, but it is the right colour:
Not pictured - my three attempts to correctly route the cables with the plug off, then adding the plug back with the two yellow wires round the wrong way - but you didn't want to see that anyway.
While re-cabletieing the mirror connectors throughout the door card I noticed a distinctly non-Alfa amount of electrical tape on another set of wires.
I disagree with whoever did this:
Scothlock connectors purged, some soldering and crimping completed, the door looks a tad tidier.
I took the opportunity to renew old clips, replace screws, enlarge washers and so on to get the driver's card secure.
Transformed with the new grilles. Very happy.
Passenger side slightly easier due my resistance to repaint anythign mirror-adjacent.
I finally twigged that the driver's side was missing the waterproof membrane! That may explain some of the slight damp on the driver's side - that is one for the future repair list!
On both sides, tweeter cables were tucked away per discussion earlier in this thread after the new speakers...
Some polish layers added, and a gratuitous badge shot...
No, I mean this one...
Fluid checked, tyres... checked. All set for the 2.5 hours to Grimsthorpe Castle and the Festival of the Unexceptional.... will the car make it?
Spoiler: Yes, it did.
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 31st July 14:03
Day Five - UnexFestival
We made it - a bleary-eyed Saturday morning 2.5hrs with a brimmed tank of Super in the Super, and a slight queue following a tedious 'directed' route to Grimsthorpe Castle and parked up. Phew.
The long drive was uneventful - squeak-free comfortable cruising, though the temperature and fuel guage have decided to renew their one-upmanship of vagueness. The long cruise demostrated the suspension's ability to conquer bumps and irregularities without issue - very much like a 'modern' car, the car tracked true after Micheldever's hard work and only a slightly rattle from the rear to be looked into for the final suspension setup. Very much a transformed machina now.
The festival itself was incredible - much like PH, its the variety that was of note, with many cars I failed to identify without serios inspection. Some highlight below.
Some family members also made it:
Special mention for darkyoung, who's amazing AX was in attendance and with whom it was great to amble the fields, point out car related trivia and actually catch up in person.
My wife's pick of the festival was the Princess in copper:
So there we go. Here endith the Week Of The 164. Hopefully this work will ensure its on the road for a good few years under my ownership. There are a few tweaks and improvements left - mainly cosmetic but tracking down the correct rear bushes, a top engine mount and some seals is likely the next list. For now, that closes a significant chapter for the most-loved car I think I have ever owned.
Time to plan those road trips further afield....
We made it - a bleary-eyed Saturday morning 2.5hrs with a brimmed tank of Super in the Super, and a slight queue following a tedious 'directed' route to Grimsthorpe Castle and parked up. Phew.
The long drive was uneventful - squeak-free comfortable cruising, though the temperature and fuel guage have decided to renew their one-upmanship of vagueness. The long cruise demostrated the suspension's ability to conquer bumps and irregularities without issue - very much like a 'modern' car, the car tracked true after Micheldever's hard work and only a slightly rattle from the rear to be looked into for the final suspension setup. Very much a transformed machina now.
The festival itself was incredible - much like PH, its the variety that was of note, with many cars I failed to identify without serios inspection. Some highlight below.
Some family members also made it:
Special mention for darkyoung, who's amazing AX was in attendance and with whom it was great to amble the fields, point out car related trivia and actually catch up in person.
My wife's pick of the festival was the Princess in copper:
So there we go. Here endith the Week Of The 164. Hopefully this work will ensure its on the road for a good few years under my ownership. There are a few tweaks and improvements left - mainly cosmetic but tracking down the correct rear bushes, a top engine mount and some seals is likely the next list. For now, that closes a significant chapter for the most-loved car I think I have ever owned.
Time to plan those road trips further afield....
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 31st July 14:06
lockhart flawse said:
Great job and a great read. Lovely car. Thanks.
Appreciate the note - glad its of interest, the old 164 is a dying breed but to be amongst its 'community' at the Festival was quite a heartwarming moment.Cambs_Stuart said:
I always look forward to your updates! Great work and a good read, as always. I'd love to go to the festival of the unexceptional, but it's a hard sell to the family.
Next time it would be great to meet up - perhaps you can get a day away for a PH social? Maybe the Clio would be suitable transport?darkyoung1000 said:
Excellent update to document your work, it really is looking super. Very comfortable place to be too (good given the length of drive)!
A very enjoyable wander round, thanks, they're was such a variety of things to see, I have found myself (very unusually) on YouTube watching other people's walk arounds to pick up on all the things I'd missed!
Likewise, great to see you - I've also been lookign at the videos and see both our cars featured! Great stuff.A very enjoyable wander round, thanks, they're was such a variety of things to see, I have found myself (very unusually) on YouTube watching other people's walk arounds to pick up on all the things I'd missed!
I was taken aback by a listing on the Bay this week - Alfa 164 headlight protectors. Really? Did these even exist?
How distinctly 90s given the glass headlamps; protectors are definitely a 20th century item.
Funds paid, they arrived today and of course took lots of technical know-how and specific tools to fit. I jest - they just clipped on.
Thsi reminded me to set aside some time to redo the glass seals on both lamps.
I was amused by the instructions - the specified 'installation card' it literally a piece of card so you don't scrape the paintwork.
I can now follow gritter lorries with impunity come winter. Huzzah.
After the headlight trinkets, the next item to arrive was new washer jets.
These sit in the scuttle to provide an unblemished bonnet, something I always like in car but especially in the angular design of the 164.
Mine had taken on a piratical appearance over the years.
No matter how hard I tried, their aim was also off.
CloverBreakers provided two good used items with missing eyeballs, and its hard not to fall in love with their owl-like appearance.
Bonnet open, hoses disconnected and some fettling with gutter sealant to lock in place.
A quick adjustment with a pin and lo! Symmetrical dihyrdrogen monoxide emittal is achieved.
Is there anything better than a summer evening drive during the harvest down an empty, fast road? Bliss.
Next up - brake bleed, air filter change and some final bushes and wires to be chased down.
These sit in the scuttle to provide an unblemished bonnet, something I always like in car but especially in the angular design of the 164.
Mine had taken on a piratical appearance over the years.
No matter how hard I tried, their aim was also off.
CloverBreakers provided two good used items with missing eyeballs, and its hard not to fall in love with their owl-like appearance.
Bonnet open, hoses disconnected and some fettling with gutter sealant to lock in place.
A quick adjustment with a pin and lo! Symmetrical dihyrdrogen monoxide emittal is achieved.
Is there anything better than a summer evening drive during the harvest down an empty, fast road? Bliss.
Next up - brake bleed, air filter change and some final bushes and wires to be chased down.
Exactly! It's just indicative of the effort that went into the 164 - not a part shared with any other Alfa I think.
I normally wouldn't post up an air filter change as notable event, but I am noting this one as the original FRAM packaging was delightfully 80s and it stated 'Popular Applications' as an Alfa 164. I don't think the car can ever be described as popular since!
Still tweaking the suspension - I think the rear clattering may be the older parts that had to be reused, not the coilovers themselves, so I'm aiming to get it up in the air at Phil's to have a good old poke and finish bleeding the brakes.
I normally wouldn't post up an air filter change as notable event, but I am noting this one as the original FRAM packaging was delightfully 80s and it stated 'Popular Applications' as an Alfa 164. I don't think the car can ever be described as popular since!
Still tweaking the suspension - I think the rear clattering may be the older parts that had to be reused, not the coilovers themselves, so I'm aiming to get it up in the air at Phil's to have a good old poke and finish bleeding the brakes.
A little update as the 164 has just successfully completed a 500 mile week tour of Wales, Somerset and Dorset successfully.
I take an annual trip to Snowdonia with an old friend to tick off some peaks, unwind in the wilderness and generally have a good catch up in a pub or two.
Last year the trusty 75 barely noticed the mileage and trudging weather, but this year I thought the 164, after all the work this year, was ready for a proper trip. Suitable reading material was packed.
I topped up the coolant (hmm slight dip there...) and a little more oil, all new tyres were spot on for pressure; the engine fired into life late on a Tursday and I headed to my friend in Cheltenham to stay the night.
Some supply gathering, including new waterproofs, and we sailed on to wales on the A and B roads - the 164 is a different beast with all the suspension work and brakes refreshed. A joy to handle over long distances.
We checked the weather and elected to try the northern Pony Path for Cadair Idris the next morning before the rain closed in for the day.
Early start, proper frost. Nothing the heated mirrors and heated seats couldnt cure.
View from the bottom:
View from the top:
A few more nearby hikes over the weekend and it was time to head back. I dropped my friend in Cheltenham, tipping my hat to a resident Lancia, and headed on to my parents in Somerset.
Later I journeyed on to Dorset to see a friend's latest Lancia project, which sadly wouldnt start but I'll post up some more images when its a complete story. The Somerset to Ringwood switchback roads were a delight.
The 164 then ferried us both up to London for an event we were attending. Some significant mileage in the old Alfa and its never been in finer fettle. I'm very happy its now up for, and safe for, longer road trips and am keen to get it over to Milan and Arese in 2023!
To do list -
1. Rear suspension is still a little noisy at slow speed over rough surfaces - I think it needs to go a little higher and needs more fettling perhaps by a suspension guru for coilovers.
2. Some coolant hoses are looking a bit past their best so I need to track them down.
3. There is a slight water ingress on the driver's side carpet, which appear to be some erro in the routing of the door seal behind the wing mirror. I also need to reinstate the missing damp proof membrane for the door card.
Phew. Done.
I take an annual trip to Snowdonia with an old friend to tick off some peaks, unwind in the wilderness and generally have a good catch up in a pub or two.
Last year the trusty 75 barely noticed the mileage and trudging weather, but this year I thought the 164, after all the work this year, was ready for a proper trip. Suitable reading material was packed.
I topped up the coolant (hmm slight dip there...) and a little more oil, all new tyres were spot on for pressure; the engine fired into life late on a Tursday and I headed to my friend in Cheltenham to stay the night.
Some supply gathering, including new waterproofs, and we sailed on to wales on the A and B roads - the 164 is a different beast with all the suspension work and brakes refreshed. A joy to handle over long distances.
We checked the weather and elected to try the northern Pony Path for Cadair Idris the next morning before the rain closed in for the day.
Early start, proper frost. Nothing the heated mirrors and heated seats couldnt cure.
View from the bottom:
View from the top:
A few more nearby hikes over the weekend and it was time to head back. I dropped my friend in Cheltenham, tipping my hat to a resident Lancia, and headed on to my parents in Somerset.
Later I journeyed on to Dorset to see a friend's latest Lancia project, which sadly wouldnt start but I'll post up some more images when its a complete story. The Somerset to Ringwood switchback roads were a delight.
The 164 then ferried us both up to London for an event we were attending. Some significant mileage in the old Alfa and its never been in finer fettle. I'm very happy its now up for, and safe for, longer road trips and am keen to get it over to Milan and Arese in 2023!
To do list -
1. Rear suspension is still a little noisy at slow speed over rough surfaces - I think it needs to go a little higher and needs more fettling perhaps by a suspension guru for coilovers.
2. Some coolant hoses are looking a bit past their best so I need to track them down.
3. There is a slight water ingress on the driver's side carpet, which appear to be some erro in the routing of the door seal behind the wing mirror. I also need to reinstate the missing damp proof membrane for the door card.
Phew. Done.
Thanks all - its great to have the 164 adding proper mileage and serving as properly reliable motoring.
I forgot to mentin the new speakers and tightened cabin/door cards made a significant difference. The cabin as quiet, refined and as intended, but the new speakers were a revelation in clarity for the many miles covered. I just need to consruct a new damproff membrane for the driver's door to reduce the water ingress from heavy rain, and we'll be set.
helix402 said:
Excellent update. Somerset to Ringwood on the right roads is a great drive. I drove to Surrey this weekend. Driving is Surrey isn’t what I call driving anymore. It’s trying to avoid the potholes. (I’m sure there are still lots of great driving roads in Surrey, I left a few a years and popped back for the weekend).
There are a few, but that route early in the morning is perfect for the 164.Cambs_Stuart said:
I always hate unknown knocks and bangs from cars. The best tip i ever had was to ask an MOT station if you could have a go on a lift with a built in shaker plate. It's much easier to work out where the noise is coming from when you're outside the car.
That is an excellent tip and I have a friendly MOT tester! I will get something in the diary. Thanks.I forgot to mentin the new speakers and tightened cabin/door cards made a significant difference. The cabin as quiet, refined and as intended, but the new speakers were a revelation in clarity for the many miles covered. I just need to consruct a new damproff membrane for the driver's door to reduce the water ingress from heavy rain, and we'll be set.
MJK 24 said:
Another great update!
Are you going to be affected by the proposed ULEZ extension next year?
Yes. Sadly the 164 is too good looking or something to qualify. Great stuff eh?Are you going to be affected by the proposed ULEZ extension next year?
Iamnotkloot said:
Always loved the 164, looks like a proper Alfa to me.
Great updates as well!
Thanks - yes its FWD but just so damn handsome and I have never really found anythign that would I want to replace it.Great updates as well!
DukeofBork said:
I have a lot of time for these as I've had two 145 Cloverleafs and a 166 V6 Super.
Excellent, that's a decent three-digit Alfa run. I am keen on a potential V6 166 as it bizarrely complies wiht the new London restrictions.164 continues regular service, I was worried the recent superfrostactular might be an issue, but after using the remians of my hot water bottle (warm, but not boiling form the previous night) to unstick the door, the engine fired up on first turn.
Sadly the water refroze at the bottom of the door, so it took me a good 15 minutes to get the car ready to roll!
A few hundred miles in the snow and salt untroubled, and the seat warmers, heated mirrors and decent tyres all making the experience quite comfortable.
It now needs a good bath given the salt picked up, but after all that work this year it would have been a shame to just let it sit. It prefers being used and I'm dead set on enjoying it as much as possible.
I've ordered a new oil pressure sender unit, as these often fail, and a few hoses. The suspension is not correct, any advice for a place in SW London that would take on coilover setup for me? I believe I have reached my limit!
mercedeslimos said:
No connection but I've heard that Yaash motors in Wembley are decent, it might be worth a buzz, I know they do a lot of engine stuff and certainly might be able to help.
Thanks - they seem to have a long history with coilover setups for older VW, Audi and Seat - that's exactly the kind of expertise I need! WIll give them a ring in the new year.I think the rears have settled too low and the rate is not correct for low speed - very harsh at low speed but perfect and a real improvment anoything over 30mph. Even on terrible roads, the car is now brilliant at speed, but noticeably harsher at low speed. I am sure it is sortable with the correct knowledge.
If the August 2023 deadline does come in, and does not get delayed (I believe it is inevitable...) we will be changing every car except the Alfa.
Scoobydrew95 said:
Well, i've just spent the best part of the last 4 days reading both this and your Saab thread. Have to absolutely admire the dedication involved. And glad to see the progression you've made through the years. However it has strongly reminded me that i need to have a gentle refresh of the PCV system on my shed.
Best of luck with both Alfa and Saab this year, will be keenly waiting for any updates.
Thank you - glad it is of interest. The Alfa is now my longest-tenured car ever, and I have no plans on selling it. When I bought it, the 'just above scrap' value I paid was a lot of money for me. In recent years I've spent that same amount to get the alloys refurbed, and more than double for the coilovers! Regardless, it still really doesn't owe me anything and gets better every year. I still say that this is the car that never lets me down, and it rides and drives better now than ever.Best of luck with both Alfa and Saab this year, will be keenly waiting for any updates.
The oil pressure sender had been intermittent for years - I actually used a part from a land rover but it never sent a cohesive signal. I finally cross referenced the correct part number and spend a frankly silly £25 on the correct unit. A quick unscrew and rescrew to the back of the block later, the needle is back on active duty.
It s here on the rear right of the block, behind a coolant hose:
Oh. It is the exact same part. Oh well.
Woo. Movement.
The 164 sauntered stylishly past the MOT requirements and probably self-certified yesterday. I gave it to Phil who fitted new exhaust gaskets to stop a blow we had while cold following all the subframe work, and also now control arms (Delphi) I sourced from Europe as I was unhappy with the deteriorated bushes of the set on the car.
Still looking smart. Needs a clean, like ever car after you use it for 4 seconds.
Next up - rear coilover raise for a cm, check a loose exhaust and intermittent bulb, then likely off to a suspension specialist to ensure nothing amiss. Then on to the summer shows!
Wow that two tone 3ltr looks great! Thanks for posting, sorry I missed it.
I have been negecting my Alfa ownership duties of late - since the MOT in Feb it was parked up, and when I next wanted to drive it refused to crank. I've been here before, chasing relays and starter issues, so I just locked it and used the other cars for a bit. With the excitement of the 260 and Saab 99 arrival it has fallen down my attention order.
Springtime pollen plus dust from nearby building works conspired to it looking almost abandoned, so last weekend I spent some time fault finding. Battery freshly charged, the issue was 'zero crank', with no solenoid click, so I knelt on the engine (see previous pages) and poked around the starter - aha! The exciter wire to the solenoid is a bit loose...
This photo has no relevance to the starter, its just for the atmosphere of this post.
A small bend with a screwdriver later and the wire clipped on with a satisfying snick.
I booked it in for Duke Of London's classic Sunday and yesterdaygave it a good scrub as the sun dipped. My goodness there is a lot of grime on this car... but no time to fret over clay bars and deep cleansers... some decent shampoo, elbow grease and Autoglym SRP will have to do.
Fortunately, the Duke is very close to me, and the suburban drive it actually enjoyable early morning. Sensing an outing, the 8V Twinspark excitedly burst into life and, with all dials working and my phone repaired to the new sound system, I was back in love the 164. The suspension refresh remains excellent at speedbumps and sharp lane movements, the exhaust a blarty joy and the sounds system actually plays music. You know those moments when it all comes together? Open road, bright morning, car behaving itself and the right song comes on? Yep, one of those.
Typically brilliant eclectic mix at the Duke, and to paraphrase every third EVO/Octane article 'the bacon butties were an excellent start'.
Oh this Zagato Gavia... never heard of it... Nissan underpinnings...lovely!
Of this parish...
After that little adventure I've ordered some water hoses that need replacing, as the level has dropped a bit and some blue crystals have been observed.
More to come this year before the 164 moves to semi-retirement outside of the ULEZ.
I have been negecting my Alfa ownership duties of late - since the MOT in Feb it was parked up, and when I next wanted to drive it refused to crank. I've been here before, chasing relays and starter issues, so I just locked it and used the other cars for a bit. With the excitement of the 260 and Saab 99 arrival it has fallen down my attention order.
Springtime pollen plus dust from nearby building works conspired to it looking almost abandoned, so last weekend I spent some time fault finding. Battery freshly charged, the issue was 'zero crank', with no solenoid click, so I knelt on the engine (see previous pages) and poked around the starter - aha! The exciter wire to the solenoid is a bit loose...
This photo has no relevance to the starter, its just for the atmosphere of this post.
A small bend with a screwdriver later and the wire clipped on with a satisfying snick.
I booked it in for Duke Of London's classic Sunday and yesterdaygave it a good scrub as the sun dipped. My goodness there is a lot of grime on this car... but no time to fret over clay bars and deep cleansers... some decent shampoo, elbow grease and Autoglym SRP will have to do.
Fortunately, the Duke is very close to me, and the suburban drive it actually enjoyable early morning. Sensing an outing, the 8V Twinspark excitedly burst into life and, with all dials working and my phone repaired to the new sound system, I was back in love the 164. The suspension refresh remains excellent at speedbumps and sharp lane movements, the exhaust a blarty joy and the sounds system actually plays music. You know those moments when it all comes together? Open road, bright morning, car behaving itself and the right song comes on? Yep, one of those.
Typically brilliant eclectic mix at the Duke, and to paraphrase every third EVO/Octane article 'the bacon butties were an excellent start'.
Oh this Zagato Gavia... never heard of it... Nissan underpinnings...lovely!
Of this parish...
After that little adventure I've ordered some water hoses that need replacing, as the level has dropped a bit and some blue crystals have been observed.
More to come this year before the 164 moves to semi-retirement outside of the ULEZ.
Not quite a 164 post, but I thought it would be of interest - I spent yesterday helping an AROC member getting a 2600 engine into his Spider.
Eventually I am targetting a 2600 Sprint, somewhere between retirement and petrol being banned, so any opportunity to learn a bit more about these cars and speak with knowledgeable owners is a must.
The gentleman is the registrar of the 2600s on AROC, and has two - a well-restored Spider that has just had the engine rebuilt, and a 'daily' rough and ready Spider that he has owned for many years.
The 164 go me there in good time, and I was ferrying some parts to him I had been handed by another member. Thereafter followed many hours of me being directed with hoist, spanners, socket set and most importantly a steadying hand to get the engine in.
The straight six is a real monster - only 150bhp out of this, but hey, it was a the 1950s design being wrung out while R&D budgets were thrown at the 2000, 1750 and 1300 four pots.
Target acquired:
A deceptively easy start:
Plus hours of tilting/swearing/removal of engine mounts, the engine oil filter (run-in oil everywhere and the gearbox crossmember to get it in.
I was on floor duty - guiding the gearbox in and bolt up the mounts and supports as we wriggled it all in place.
After a quick lunch, some more tidying up and the filter went back on... by 2pm we were done, my back was makign noises so we decided to head out for a rejuvanting blast in the other 2600...
The daily Spider sports a rather raucous triple Dellorto setup - power comes at high revs, as does an incredible rasping sonata!
A solid day's labour, I arrived home covered in oil, grinning like a loon and ready for a Swarfega bath. Great to have to opportunity to work on this rarity, although I am firmly in the hard top Sprint camp!
Eventually I am targetting a 2600 Sprint, somewhere between retirement and petrol being banned, so any opportunity to learn a bit more about these cars and speak with knowledgeable owners is a must.
The gentleman is the registrar of the 2600s on AROC, and has two - a well-restored Spider that has just had the engine rebuilt, and a 'daily' rough and ready Spider that he has owned for many years.
The 164 go me there in good time, and I was ferrying some parts to him I had been handed by another member. Thereafter followed many hours of me being directed with hoist, spanners, socket set and most importantly a steadying hand to get the engine in.
The straight six is a real monster - only 150bhp out of this, but hey, it was a the 1950s design being wrung out while R&D budgets were thrown at the 2000, 1750 and 1300 four pots.
Target acquired:
A deceptively easy start:
Plus hours of tilting/swearing/removal of engine mounts, the engine oil filter (run-in oil everywhere and the gearbox crossmember to get it in.
I was on floor duty - guiding the gearbox in and bolt up the mounts and supports as we wriggled it all in place.
After a quick lunch, some more tidying up and the filter went back on... by 2pm we were done, my back was makign noises so we decided to head out for a rejuvanting blast in the other 2600...
The daily Spider sports a rather raucous triple Dellorto setup - power comes at high revs, as does an incredible rasping sonata!
A solid day's labour, I arrived home covered in oil, grinning like a loon and ready for a Swarfega bath. Great to have to opportunity to work on this rarity, although I am firmly in the hard top Sprint camp!
Ha! Yes Alfa pretty much tried everything, and we remember the Busso, Nord and twinspark I suppose.
I am eternally grateful to Swarfega for always restoring me to a presentable status before work on a Monday! In the itnerim, I applied some of my Leather Restoration wipes and creams to the dry and shiny seats.
Before:
After:
Little to see but the leather is now a lot more supply and deshinified - strust me, it was worth the hour of effort front and back, especially as the back seat headrests were suffering full UV poisoning.
Recently I was asked to take the 164 to a open day at Fawley Hill railway that would have a fair contingent of Italian classics, via the gent I helped with the 2600 engine.
For that that don't know about Fawley Hill (as I didnt), its worth a 5 minute read on Wikipedia as it really is just the best representation of eccentric British railway enthusiasm. In summary, Lord McAlpine wanted a model railway, so he bought actual steamtrains for a 1:1 scale set.
Some highlights below for both train and cars. Great to see a few 1980s and 1990s Alfas out and about.
Excellent summer drive en route:
Alloy wheel vehicles:
Steel wheel vehicles:
At the risk fo this turning into one of those dull two page articles in car club magasines that end with 'it was a great day out', here's some signs.
I am eternally grateful to Swarfega for always restoring me to a presentable status before work on a Monday! In the itnerim, I applied some of my Leather Restoration wipes and creams to the dry and shiny seats.
Before:
After:
Little to see but the leather is now a lot more supply and deshinified - strust me, it was worth the hour of effort front and back, especially as the back seat headrests were suffering full UV poisoning.
Recently I was asked to take the 164 to a open day at Fawley Hill railway that would have a fair contingent of Italian classics, via the gent I helped with the 2600 engine.
For that that don't know about Fawley Hill (as I didnt), its worth a 5 minute read on Wikipedia as it really is just the best representation of eccentric British railway enthusiasm. In summary, Lord McAlpine wanted a model railway, so he bought actual steamtrains for a 1:1 scale set.
Some highlights below for both train and cars. Great to see a few 1980s and 1990s Alfas out and about.
Excellent summer drive en route:
Alloy wheel vehicles:
Steel wheel vehicles:
At the risk fo this turning into one of those dull two page articles in car club magasines that end with 'it was a great day out', here's some signs.
Sorry I missed this - I used the Dr Leather wipes after a few recommendations from PH members. I was skeptical but they are quick & easy, and definitely are just the job for dirty leather.
For the seriously dry items I think dedicated potions will be required, but for an 'instant lift' they work well.
The 164 has now entered official retirement outside of the dreaded ULEZ 'Iron Shower Curtian'. A friend with enough storage is kindly hosting it in a dry bubble. I can't bear to part with it, and its not really worth much; with all the jobs done it really is in the best condition I've had it, so a little bit of effort and spend to keep it for Alfa meets and Italian car days is my decision for now.
Hilariously it has been trouble free of late but threw a tantrum after I left and wouldn't start. It turned out to be a damp starter relay, and after a good talking to over the phone it fired up and has since snuggled itself into a cocoon with the battery disconnected.
I think the best solution will be to plan some decdicated trips in it - like Italy, back to its place of birth, for a holiday next spring, in order to keep it on my mind. The suspension coilovers still need a proper setup by someone that knows what they are doing, but otherwise its all in good order for the next trip!
For the seriously dry items I think dedicated potions will be required, but for an 'instant lift' they work well.
The 164 has now entered official retirement outside of the dreaded ULEZ 'Iron Shower Curtian'. A friend with enough storage is kindly hosting it in a dry bubble. I can't bear to part with it, and its not really worth much; with all the jobs done it really is in the best condition I've had it, so a little bit of effort and spend to keep it for Alfa meets and Italian car days is my decision for now.
Hilariously it has been trouble free of late but threw a tantrum after I left and wouldn't start. It turned out to be a damp starter relay, and after a good talking to over the phone it fired up and has since snuggled itself into a cocoon with the battery disconnected.
I think the best solution will be to plan some decdicated trips in it - like Italy, back to its place of birth, for a holiday next spring, in order to keep it on my mind. The suspension coilovers still need a proper setup by someone that knows what they are doing, but otherwise its all in good order for the next trip!
I went to check on the 164 yesterday - nicely preserved in a carcoon for the past 5 months.
Sitting in it again really made me smile - I made the right decision to keep it, and the extra payment each month to keep it in this environment was worth it.
The car started on the first crank after letting the fuel pump prime - some steam/smoke cleared quickly and we brought it up to temperature, moving it around the yard.
More to come in the springtime, but for now the 164 continues to enjoy a little rest. I'm aiming to be at the Auto Italia Brooklands event, and perhaps the Bicester Scramble in April if anyone is going.
Sitting in it again really made me smile - I made the right decision to keep it, and the extra payment each month to keep it in this environment was worth it.
The car started on the first crank after letting the fuel pump prime - some steam/smoke cleared quickly and we brought it up to temperature, moving it around the yard.
More to come in the springtime, but for now the 164 continues to enjoy a little rest. I'm aiming to be at the Auto Italia Brooklands event, and perhaps the Bicester Scramble in April if anyone is going.
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