Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 116 Series (Alfetta Sedan/GT/GTV & Giulietta Sedan) => Topic started by: bonno on June 03, 2017, 08:04:30 AM

Title: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 03, 2017, 08:04:30 AM
Hi fellow Alfisti
Does anyone know were I can buy a set of new external window trims for Alfetta GTV. I have attached a photo in which the trims have been identified by red arrows.
Cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: 105gta on June 03, 2017, 09:20:50 AM
A few years back, I tried very hard but infortunately was unsuccessful finding anyone in the world reproducing these rubbers.
Hopefully this may have changed. 
If you have the same luck I did and still want them. With enough interested parties I may be able to have a small production run made up.
See how you go
Ben
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 03, 2017, 11:21:47 AM
Hi 105GTA
I am after the trim assembly which includes the powder coated black metal trim and rubber wiper extrusion fitted to this trim. The units fitted to my vehicle are showing signs of ageing and the rubber extrusion have shrunk about 20mm over time. If it is not possible to get new ones my only option is to recondition the ones I already have. This involves disassembly of the metal trim from rubber extrusion and have them sand blasted and powder coated, then fit new rubber extrusion to the desired length of trim.
cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 03, 2017, 11:54:27 AM
Further to my earlier post, there is a manufacturer here in Australia that can produce any type of rubber extrusion (refer to link below). I will be sending them an enquiry on minimum order quantity (lineal metres) to run a batch for the extrusion profile or whether it is a stock item. I will need to measure my existing one up and take a photo of the cross section of the profile.
http://www.narmrubber.com.au/rubber-extrusions
Title: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GioGTVTS on June 03, 2017, 02:50:17 PM
Hi Bonno, I was told to swap the inside rubber trim to the outside and vise versa, if that helps.
John
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 03, 2017, 03:07:39 PM
Hi GioGTVTS and 105gta
Thanks guys for your feedback. I just took off the DS trim to see exactly what is involved and took several photos of the trim and weather strip. The weather strip slides along the metal trim track and not stapled as first thought. Additionally, there are 2 different extrusion profiles, one for the straight section and the other for the curved section. I will be e-mailing these photos together with a hand sketch of the both profiles to see what they can do. 
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GioGTVTS on June 03, 2017, 03:42:17 PM
I bought some new ones for the winding windows section about 5 years ago from The Italian Job in Oakleigh.
John
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 03, 2017, 04:01:53 PM
Thanks again guys. I will give The Italian job a call and see if they can supply for the winding window sections that contain inner felt liner. I will do some more investigation on line on new S/Steel trims, but more than likely I will need to recondition my old ones, ie; sand blast and powder coat.
cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: 105gta on June 03, 2017, 05:41:59 PM
The rubber strip isn't a regular profile. I found one that was close that had an extra section that I trimmed off with a razor blade. It was below the metal section so not seen. Only difference is it doesn't have the flocking on the side touching the glass which adds a little extra friction, something the poor old window mottoes noticed. Otherwise looks correct form outside the car.
I was going to go down the same path of a batch made in the correct profile with flocking but settled for the solution i came up with. With enough interest I was planning On eventually getting a batch made. From memory it worked out to be a few grand dollar wise but that was a couple of hundred metres. With 12mtrs per car, it could be cost effective.
Keep us posted if you decide to do it
Ben
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: tpalfa on June 05, 2017, 07:38:15 AM
You can purchase the original rubber weatherstrip from the Italian supplier here:-

http://www.cicognaniguarnizioni.it/Alfa-Romeo-100/alfetta-gtv-100-a75
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 05, 2017, 09:11:56 AM
Thanks tpalfa. Checked out all 19 x products listed on their website and the profiles don't match the one fitted to my car, as they are missing section that slides in the S/Steel metal trim. I will make contact with them and send photo  and see what eventuates. Additionally, I have sent an e-mail to my Alfa Supplier in South Australia who appears to stock the weather strip. I will keep forum members posted of my enquiries.
cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 05, 2017, 09:42:30 AM
Thank You to all on your assistance
Further to my earlier post, the South Australian supplier advises that he does not stock weather strips for the Alfetta GTV. The product listed in the Italian suppliers website ref code 10075310 bottom profile appears to be the one to match. Will be making contact to confirm suitability and whether it is suitable for both curved and straight sections (only difference on my vehicle is no inner felt on curved section, assume cost cutting on factory fit product).
cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: Italian Supermodel on June 05, 2017, 12:26:26 PM
Hey Bonno thanks for your efforts to date in sourcing these rubbers.
I would definitely be keen to be part of a larger order if they can be determined they are of good quality etc.
Its staggering to think they are so difficult to make and supply.
Similar to the plastic horn buttons on the early Alfettas!
Surely the demand world wide would be enough to make them available,or maybe not.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: gtv6sv on June 05, 2017, 12:49:23 PM
Following this, if we can somehow get a batch made, I'm sure there would be a fair few Alfetta GTV/6 wanting to get a set!
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: Paul Gulliver on June 05, 2017, 01:17:33 PM
     Similar to the plastic horn buttons on the early Alfettas!

Have a look on the Highwood Alfa website.    http://www.highwoodalfa.com/133b202e-1698-47ff-b288-06aca62c4d23-9.html 

If your putting together a group order for the rubber I would be interested.

Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: carlo rossi on June 05, 2017, 02:50:11 PM
im in as well
perhaps Bonno you could start a new
parts supply company
Name
of course Alfa Mail
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: julianB on June 05, 2017, 02:58:33 PM
I wouldn't recommend sandblasting the aluminium trim- it can damage the trim by leaving a rippled indentation in the surface (partially due to heat from the sand blasting, partly due to
Impact).
I had good results with soda blasting and powder coating.

You'll definitely want some silicon spray to help guid the seals in.

The edges of the seals need to be cut at an angle that's either just over or under 45deg, and then glued with a specific loctite compound- think it's 406.

Hit me up if you need help
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 05, 2017, 04:07:41 PM
Hi Guys
Just got back home from picking up my latest acquisition a 2005 AR 156 JTS 2.0l manual and now have read all the recent posts on the subject. My comments are as follows
JulianB :
My metal trims are stainless steel which are powder coated black. The powder coating is showing signs of paint flaking in a couple areas and that is the reason for recondition. I agree that sand blasting is quite severe and the better option is to soda blast. I will be discussing this aspect with the local Powder coaters when I decide to get them done.
Carlo/Paul/gtv6sv/ISM :
The weather strips listed on the Italian suppliers website are available ex stock for cost of 90Euros plus Delivery to AUS. The profile shown for the bottom sketch for code  10075310 should be the one that is fitted to my 1983 Alfetta GTV4. There is no need for me to approach local manufacturer NARM rubber, based on the availability O/S.
cheers
bonno 
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GeeTV on June 05, 2017, 04:18:51 PM
Are these the correct rubber strips from Highwood Alfa?
8137 Main door window outer & inner 70cm
8138 Rear side window outer 116cm
http://www.highwoodalfa.com/627c5e7c-acf4-4fd7-8ed2-d10a1544c86b-9.html
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 05, 2017, 04:51:52 PM
Hi GeeTV
Looks like profile No3 on the highwoodalfa website would be suitable. There is a circular section in the profile that would hold and allow to slide along the S/S  trim. However there is no mention of the felt lining, which I prefer. The felt lining avoids scratching of the glass with the dust collected when raising and lowering versus the rubber surface. The weather strips are supplied in cut lengths, whilst the Italian supplier is in a roll and you cut to the desired length (matter of preference).
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: julianB on June 05, 2017, 05:55:02 PM
Try www.mrfiat.com
And also try
Www.okp.de

I had to put some TLC into getting my Mrfiat stuff to work, but it does so- you just have to be patient when you're cutting the strips to length.
I asked my nurse friend to get me a whole bunch of surgical blades for my hobby knife and these made the process much easier.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 05, 2017, 07:00:24 PM
Thanks Julian
Had dealings recently with MrFiat as a supplier of Alfa Romeo parts when looking for leather seat covers (lists weather strip material to OEM specification), whilst OKP is another I will add to my list of favourites for Alfa Romeo spares (does not list weather strip on their website). It is quite interesting what this exercise has been in simply sourcing a particular part which at first appeared no longer available, but with a little help from forum members and persistence, has revealed not only availability but a multitude of suppliers. I suppose this is a fact of life, that when owning a car that is over 30 years old,  the need to do your research is imperative in maintaining them to the highest standard possible.
cheers
bonno 
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: tpalfa on June 06, 2017, 01:07:50 PM
I'm pretty sure Mr Fiat and the others get the weatherstrip from Cicognani. (It even looks like Highwood Alfa uses the same supplier but I had been under the impression they didn't).

The problem is the weatherstripping for the electric front windows - it needs flocking. You should confirm that the Cicognani stuff is flocked - their window channel is flocked so why not - but worth checking. The front stuff under the quarter window and the rear stuff don't really matter unless you like to open the rear side windows(!) and the front stuff wasn't flocked from the factory. The only problem with the front stuff is that a small amount is used on each car and Cicognani only sells long rolls of it so you will have plenty left over.

Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 06, 2017, 05:41:39 PM
Hi tpalfa
I am not so sure that I can use the profile identified in the photo "Front" as there is no section that will enable it to slide and retained within the S/S trim. My understanding is that only  one  profile be used for the particular trim design and in my case it would be the weather strip identified as Rear. Agree need to confirm if it comes with flocking/felt and that is something that needs to be confirmed prior to placing order.
Cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: tpalfa on June 07, 2017, 12:29:02 PM
I think you'll find that the "front" profile is the same as the weatherstrip in your "curved Sect profile.JPG" picture you posted earlier.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 07, 2017, 04:49:38 PM
Hi tpalfa
I will need to confirm when ordering, but the profile identified in my earlier post "Rear" is the profile for the straight section with flocking/felt, whilst the curved section is exactly the same, without the flocking/felt. Surely, the designers at Alfa Romeo are not stupid enough to have 2 separate profiles on the same trim section. You will probably find that the piece without the flocking/felt is simply a production cost saving decision.
Cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: tpalfa on June 08, 2017, 02:14:04 AM
As far as I am aware there are three different profiles used on GTV6s. The front door trim channel contains two different profiles, the simple one under the fixed quarter windows, the more complex one along the main windows. The rear trim channel contains a single profile for its entire length.

Here is a picture:-

Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: tpalfa on June 08, 2017, 02:16:17 AM
I thought your original picture with the curved section showed the simple profile which runs under fixed quarter window but I may well be mistaken.

Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 08, 2017, 08:53:56 AM
Hi tpalfa
Just sent off an e-mail to weather strip supplier in Italy to confirm.  An  extract of my e-mail is below and hopefully will get an answer shortly.
"Hi
I am from Sydney Australia and I need to confirm prior to placing order, whether the subject item will fit all glass section identified in photo attached identified window trims-1. The profile of the weather strip on straight section is shown on photo identified Straight section profile. This weather strip contains flocking on the inner surface, but the section on the front curved section (fixed quarter glass) of the same trim does not have flocking. Need to confirm whether the one profile can be used for both sections and from your website the profile that appears to match is the one identified on your webpage as bottom image  for product code 10075310.
Thanking You in Advance"
Regards
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: kartone on June 08, 2017, 01:12:07 PM
Cicognani in Italy is the way to go.
A few years back I removed and cleaned (caustic & wet bead blasting) ALL window trim & guides and proceeded to powder-coat them satin black.
Window wipers were sourced from Cicognani, window guides were in good shape; door seals to original specs source locally. 
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 08, 2017, 02:16:29 PM
Hi kartone
That is the company I sent the e-mail to this morning. I assume you replaced the weather strip rubbers on those reconditioned trims. Do you recall whether you required the different profiles for the front and rear sections.
Cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GTVeloce on June 08, 2017, 04:24:39 PM
I bought 12 metres of the stuff from Highwood Alfa (about 5 years ago) and it looks great and is the correct size (for the door windows but not the 1/4 glass as mentioned earlier) but it definitely didn't have flocking (assuming that's the felt like feel on the window side) and as mentioned elsewhere, it added friction to the window application. Which was not suitable for the drivers window but for some reason made little difference to the passenger window! So I had new on the passenger and an inside strip on the outside for the drivers side (from memory).

I still have the doors (car written off sadly) so can take photos if that helps.

Also, I asked a powder coater re coating the metal strips but he was very reluctant for fear of damaging the metal. He felt it was to delicate for the process so I just spent time painting them which I must say came up reasonably well.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 08, 2017, 07:51:53 PM
Hi Alfisti
Had a reply from CICOGNANI and copy of e-mail extract below.

Hello,

usually in one car goes only one type of profile, but it's happened there were two different profile, please check if in your car it's all the same.
We are sorry but of the profile you shown we have only the type without flocking  and with the product code 10075310 we give you 10 mt of profile.

Best regards

Albano
CICOGNANI s.r.l.
Societa' unipersonale
Via dei Fabbri,1
48011 Alfonsine (RA) - Italia
Cod.Fisc.Partita Iva e
iscr. Reg. Imp. Ravenna 01312750399
Cap.Soc. Eur. 98.800,00 int.vers.
R.E.A. C.C.I.A.A. Ravenna 135210
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on May 18, 2018, 04:23:10 PM
Well nearly 12 months from raising this post and completing the interior, I have finally began the task of replacing my tired looking and aging external window trims (chipped paint) and weather strips (shrunk). My research has revealed the unavailability of NOS trims and as such, decided to purchase a donor set to have these powder coated (locally) and fitting new OUTER weather strips Profiles 1,2 & 3 (cut lengths per Highwood Alfa website).
Cheers
bonno
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GTVeloce on May 18, 2018, 07:06:52 PM
Keen to see how they go with powder coating. I have always just painted them but agree they would last better if they could be powder coated.

I have replaced the rubber with new and are very happy with the result. Even though it doesn't have the felt backing (couldn't find that style of rubber new) the electric windows work fine.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on May 19, 2018, 04:12:24 PM
GTVeloce
The powder coater has expressed no concerns, just a requirement for holes (1 x trim) to hang whilst powder coating. Have stripped and prepped ready for delivery and will post pics of finished product on return.   
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on May 23, 2018, 03:52:55 PM
Got the trims back from the powder coater and very happy with result. Have attached shots of pre, during and finished product.
Now onto the supply of weather strips Profiles 1, 2 & 3. The OKP website lists the supply of felt lined trims for Profile 1 "AR 60 004 106"  and 3"AR 60 004 108" for the Alfetta GTV, but no listing for Profile 2, however I stumbled across their listing for the Alfetta sedan and they identify Profile 2 "AR 60 004 110", which looks identical.  Have sent off an e-mail to confirm whether this product is the same or if not what do they recommend for Profile 2.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: julianB on May 25, 2018, 09:56:10 AM
Get some silicone spray to help getting seals in.
I also used a small block of timber to widen the channels so I could get the trim pieces back into the cavity... still managed to scratch some powder coating off grrrrrrr
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GTVeloce on May 25, 2018, 10:42:03 AM
I also liberally sprayed silicon spray to all the channels where the windows move. Helps the glass slide more freely in the channel. Especially useful with electric windows. And wear gloves when putting the rubbers back in. I didn't the first time and had rubber 'stuck' to my hands for a number of days.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on May 25, 2018, 05:02:47 PM
Thanks for the tips guys. When these reconditioned trims are fitted, it will bring to an end a 2 year long refresh of the Alfetta GTV, which included the interior and exterior.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GTVeloce on May 26, 2018, 07:30:25 PM
Almost time to start again then...  ;)
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: Alfapride on May 26, 2018, 09:02:15 PM
I bought mine from high wood Alfa wasn't cheap still in the box been too lazy to fit them the quality look nice enough
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 23, 2018, 05:48:44 PM
Finally finished the external trims and weather strips. I ended up using profile Type 1 for front fixed window and flocked Type 3 for the rest. Find attached photos of before and after shots of the job (specifically weather strip shrinkage). This brings to the end of a 2 year refresh of the Alfetta GTV and it is now over to the O/H of Transaxle.
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: GTVeloce on June 25, 2018, 10:05:29 PM
Looking good bonno!

Now, best way to overhaul the transaxle is buy a TS one...
Title: Re: Suppliers of external window trims for Alfetta GTV
Post by: bonno on June 26, 2018, 07:08:32 PM
Thanks GTVeloce. The idea of using a TS transaxle has crossed my mind, but the dilemma is apart from the one currently in the car I also have a spare and unable to justify the extra costs in going down this path (PS : Pretty sure it should be a straight swap). Anyway this is a topic for a separate post and will be raised in due course.