Alfa GTV 916 home spannering
Discussion
Hello,
GTV
I have hankered after a GTV since about, well, 1997, but I’ve just never got round to getting one.
What puts me off these days is the potential cost of repairs - it seems bills in the thousands are not uncommon and my previous Alfa experience would confirm this. So, I just wondered if anyone had any experience doing most of the maintenance on the driveway? I’m thinking of things such as the standard oil and filter, but also suspension parts, clutches, cam belts, exhausts. How easy/difficult are they to work on for an average home-tinkerer?
I’ve read a few things on the Alfa forums, but I can’t get a feel for whether these people are mechanics by trade or not, so any input welcome.
Thanks,
Sam
GTV
I have hankered after a GTV since about, well, 1997, but I’ve just never got round to getting one.
What puts me off these days is the potential cost of repairs - it seems bills in the thousands are not uncommon and my previous Alfa experience would confirm this. So, I just wondered if anyone had any experience doing most of the maintenance on the driveway? I’m thinking of things such as the standard oil and filter, but also suspension parts, clutches, cam belts, exhausts. How easy/difficult are they to work on for an average home-tinkerer?
I’ve read a few things on the Alfa forums, but I can’t get a feel for whether these people are mechanics by trade or not, so any input welcome.
Thanks,
Sam
They're not that difficult as long as you're not a complete newbie.
The front suspension is a bit tricky as there's lots of aluminium and steel components mixed, so some bits can be horrible corroded. If you buy one I'd buy a complete set for the front suspension - upper and lower arms, shocks, springs etc etc and replace it all.
Oh, I believe the cambelt is a tricky job due to access, but patience is key.
The front suspension is a bit tricky as there's lots of aluminium and steel components mixed, so some bits can be horrible corroded. If you buy one I'd buy a complete set for the front suspension - upper and lower arms, shocks, springs etc etc and replace it all.
Oh, I believe the cambelt is a tricky job due to access, but patience is key.
I do most of my own spannering on my Alfas, and as long as you take your time (and have a reasonable toolkit). Most things are do-able.
Phones with cameras make recording where everything goes much easier (especially electrical connections).
Would the GTV be a daily driver (i.e. necessary to get to work), or is it a fun/weekend car? The need to get everything back together does add a degree of pressure.
Phones with cameras make recording where everything goes much easier (especially electrical connections).
Would the GTV be a daily driver (i.e. necessary to get to work), or is it a fun/weekend car? The need to get everything back together does add a degree of pressure.
Thanks for replies. A weekend car for sure, so it could sit in bits for a while when I get to the "that will fit on there even if I have to hit the ****** with a lump hammer" stage. Takes the pressure off. I'm slow at fixing things but get there in the end.
I just hear these stories of fiats that needed the engine removing to replace the clutch and the like.
I just hear these stories of fiats that needed the engine removing to replace the clutch and the like.
Edited by sthodgson on Tuesday 22 May 11:32
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