Alfa Romeo 164 Twinspark Super
Discussion
Excellent updates, and really good to see it on the road, knowing the shiny lurking underneath! I love the catch can brake arrangement, truly inspired holding repair (and very effective too by the look of it).
It's looking very well indeed, hopefully see it in the metal on Saturday (if the AX is ready)!
It's looking very well indeed, hopefully see it in the metal on Saturday (if the AX is ready)!
It's always looked fantastic, but knowing that all the scabby bits underneath have been treated, and that you've got lots of good fresh bits fitted must be a good feeling. Here's to lots of miles of fun!
As for the coilovers, have you got any socks for them? Or any anti rust treatment?
As for the coilovers, have you got any socks for them? Or any anti rust treatment?
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Superceded by new...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
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!
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!
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.
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).
Always good to see an update of fantastic scenery and no drama.
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.
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.
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Monday 28th November 12:28
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.
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