Hi all,
Currently looking at a future project and am keen on the later model Alfetta GTV's (around 1983).
Is there any specific issues I need to look out for? Ie rust is certain areas? How difficult are they to get parts for both mechanical and trim pieces/panels?
Looking at the 2 litres and would seriously consider swapping a 3.0 from my spare 164 into it. Do the 2 litre transaxles handle the extra torque? I would use the factory engine harness with the bosch motronic ecu.
Sorry if I'm asking obvious questions, I just have little to no experience with this series of Alfas.
Cheers guys, Andrew.
A friend of mine put a 3.2 325hp busso ina 2.5 gtv
but as we know they have the more robust transaxle
you need a 1985 gtv with the thicker propeller
and tranny for a 2.0ltr i would think
Great idea Andrew - but it is likely to be fairly costly. You either buy cheap and spend a fortune on repairs, or spend a fortune to buy a fully restored one...
Rust, rust and rust is the thing to most watch out for mate.
All the usual spots - main sills, bottom of the doors, the corner behind the front wheel arch, boot floor/spare wheel well, rear shoulders where the upright centre window frame is, rear hatch, and rear valence.
I think the later models (+'83) were galvanised so possibly might be less crusty.
And if possible, get one that has the transaxle from a 75 TS (much stronger gearbox, and has the LSD).
Iv'e never had issues finding parts for the mechanicals - but interior trim is almost impossible to find. (Seats/upholstery especially)
I know this will sound like heresy - but my suggestion is go for the 2L. Little bit lighter and you can have lots of fun playing with the carbies and old fashioned tuning. You've already got enough V6s to play with, and we need as many people as possible to rescue the 2L versions...
+1 for what Poobah suggested. You could also consider a Twin spark engine. Everything just bolts up (exhaust etc) a lot easier conversion with the added benefits of extra torque you will never get out of a Nord engine . Plus electronic ignition , easier staring making an older car a lot more fun to live with.
Quote from: Paul Gulliver on October 22, 2018, 01:18:03 PM
+1 for what Poobah suggested. You could also consider a Twin spark engine. Everything just bolts up (exhaust etc) a lot easier conversion with the added benefits of extra torque you will never get out of a Nord engine . Plus electronic ignition , easier staring making an older car a lot more fun to live with.
This.
More fun could be a Busso into a Renault Fuego. It'll fit just fine, either adapt the factory transaxle face or bellhousing. Final weight should be similar to four-pot configuration but slightly better distributed.
Poobah's spot on with this one, they're great cars but also money pits.
I've got one with a 2.0L Nord engine and whilst its not as powerful as the V6 it is a beautifully balanced car.
Rust is generally a maintenance item, even if you can find a good one, and you're forever replacing things as they are quite old cars now.
Another issue is that previous owners don't always use the right parts or do the repairs properly, I'm constantly sorting out dodgy stuff on my car.
I've never had any issues sourcing mechanical parts, although at times you have to do a fair bit of detective work especially for some body parts. Mine was missing its front spoilers when I bought it, it took me nearly 2 years to track down some good genuine ones.
I don't want to put you off buying one but you have to be aware of what you're getting into. ;)
Thanks guys, exactly the type of feedback I want to hear.
Indeed I do understand it will be a huge project and a money pit, but I am looking to snap one up now before the price for these cars go up and restore it later on. Plus they have been a dream Alfa for me for quite a while now.
I guess seeing a mate of mine restore his HQ prem from the ground up makes me want to do something similar...
Agree with previous comments, but let's face it, if you want one, you want one, and you'll spend the time and money to make it right. I have an early steel bumper car which had been modified with an aftermarket EFI system and a supercharger (!) which I'm slowly returning to standard (sort of, incorrect interior from a later car had been fitted so thinking about Taking it out and going with a race interior). For mechanical work, advice, and second hand parts highly recommend Hugh and the team at Monza Motors. OKP, EB spares, and Highwood Alfa all have parts specific to the 116 series. Like others I have found mechanical parts not too hard to come by, body, trim, panels, and fiddly bits can be difficult. EB and OKP have repair panels but I'm not aware of any suppliers of complete steel panels - if anyone does let me know. Go for it and good luck!
Definitely get one while you can then Andrew - they have already gone up a lot in the last two years. They were always my dream Alfa too, which is why I got mine, so looking forward to watching your progress.
Been to Monza Motors a few times now and they always seem to help me out with bits and pieces, also know of local Alfa wreckers so I don't think parts should be *that* difficult to come across.
Quote from: poohbah on October 22, 2018, 10:58:44 PM
Definitely get one while you can then Andrew - they have already gone up a lot in the last two years. They were always my dream Alfa too, which is why I got mine, so looking forward to watching your progress.
I can't guarantee anything, but I'd watch this space over the next few weeks...
Andrew.
Quote from: V AR 164 on October 22, 2018, 08:52:06 PM
I guess seeing a mate of mine restore his HQ prem from the ground up makes me want to do something similar...
So, you're both into Sadism? ;)
I'd restore an HQ over a late seventies or early eighties Alfa every time. Good parts support and easier to get shot of, should you come up short.
1980 GTV, all original including the stereo cassette!
1980 GTV, all original including the dizzy
All original including all the interior
Andrew, time for a road trip north:
www.facebook.com/groups/1489348214704573/permalink/1834289206877137/?sale_post_id=1834289206877137 (http://www.facebook.com/groups/1489348214704573/permalink/1834289206877137/?sale_post_id=1834289206877137)
Looks stunning, but at what price?
$5,500 up your way in Gympie.
The link only works if you've handed over your life's details to the repellent Mr Zuckerberg.
I'm ok CB - I've got my tinfoil hat on. ;)
Unfortunately, FB seems to be where a lot of non-club owners sell their cars/parts.
It's a bizarre environment that engenders weird/dishonest behaviour in too many people.
The job I'm on currently, is bring diarised on social media by an owner who is basically presenting it as their work, complete with my photos! I don't care overall; it doesn't affect my income or reputation as I do good work and never am shy of offers. But it's sad when people can't tell it how it is for fear of lessened standing - and I'm sure this applies equally to car projects and enthusiast groups on Faceache.
That said, before the days of online enthusiasts, I was royally shafted on many occasions by "fellow car nuts" - so maybe these are some who embrace such platforms...
Quote from: poohbah on October 23, 2018, 02:12:45 PM
Andrew, time for a road trip north:
www.facebook.com/groups/1489348214704573/permalink/1834289206877137/?sale_post_id=1834289206877137 (http://www.facebook.com/groups/1489348214704573/permalink/1834289206877137/?sale_post_id=1834289206877137)
I know the (facebook) owner personally, not only is he a bloody nice bloke - he's also the master metal artisan I entrusted my Duetto restoration (rebuild) to. If you've seen any of the pics (social media) you will realise in an instant that he's one of the good guys. He can hand form panels that look better than new/repro (or are just no longer available) and takes pride in it.
I expect the car will be exactly as described (whatever that is, I'm not a fan of 116's) ;)
Craig, I've been keeping a casual eye on that one for a while - definitely looks the best value GTV in the country, given its condition.
Hi Andrew
From my point of view, I would be looking at a car that is going and preferably road registered. The reason why I say this is that it would be considerably cheaper to carry out a refresh rather than a ground up restoration. When inspecting the car for rust in the places as identified above, the decision to walk away is totally a matter of choice as repairs can become costly if it has spread beyond localised areas. For example corrosion to the inner guard (mud trap) could have spread to the floor pan and other structural members that include A pillar and floor sill. Additionally, when taking the vehicle for a test drive, check the driveline for tailshaft vibration, noisy transaxle and bad synchros. With regards to the engine you have indicated a V6 transplant and I won't comment further (matter of choice/desirability). With regards to interior, dashboard and external trims you will find plenty of information on this forum.
Cheers
bonno
What about the red one that kartone posted, looks awesome.
that looks like a great car
very tasty have you driven a good 2ltr
with slight work to cams I would leave it stock
you dont need the v6
also injection is a pain
Carbs are the dark art of the past
and will be the future of old injected motors
QuoteWhat about the red one that kartone posted, looks awesome.
I didn't think Kartone was selling it - merely showing it as an example? The gold one is the only one I've seen for sale Australia wide in months that is below $10k.
PS: Just had another look, and of course there is another under $10k - in QLD.
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/victoria-point/cars-vans-utes/1978-alfa-gtv-classic/1187250504 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/victoria-point/cars-vans-utes/1978-alfa-gtv-classic/1187250504)
But for something really different (and to offer inspiration to Andrew) - a fellow WA forum member is selling his magnificent GTV6 with 3.2L 24v conversion: Phwoarrrrr....
www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Alfa-Romeo-Alfetta-1985/SSE-AD-5684909/?Cr=3 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Alfa-Romeo-Alfetta-1985/SSE-AD-5684909/?Cr=3)
As someone who has owned three GTV's, buy one with the best body you can get. Mechanical parts are readily available and reasonably priced. Interior parts are harder o come by but you can always get by provided you are looking for a concourse example. Body work is expensive and difficult on Alfettas.
A GTV with a TS engine and transaxle is a wonderful thing. It is just how they should have been from the factory. Good power and flat torque combined with a significantly better box plus LSD. You can genuinely use them as an everyday car if you want (I do) whereas I wouldn't want to use a standard GTV as an everyday car. I have done the TS install twice and it is very straight forward. No machining or major modifications required.
Pre 84 the chassis is slightly different and so to fit a TS transaxle is a little harder but by no means undoable.
Also the electrics are no fantastic but adding a few relays can make a world of difference to reliability and functionality.
You are always to come and take my TS powered GTV for a drive if you want (provided a reciprocal 164Q is supplied...) :D
Quote from: poohbah on October 23, 2018, 06:50:18 PM
But for something really different (and to offer inspiration to Andrew) - a fellow WA forum member is selling his magnificent GTV6 with 3.2L 24v conversion: Phwoarrrrr....
www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Alfa-Romeo-Alfetta-1985/SSE-AD-5684909/?Cr=3 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Alfa-Romeo-Alfetta-1985/SSE-AD-5684909/?Cr=3)
Christ I love those wheels.. whee can I find 18"s for a Giulietta QV please
While those wheels look stunning and well matched on the GTV6, do you really think they'd look good on the Giulietta QV?
I reckon they would seem as well suited on the QV as square wheels. ;)
Craig, if you message Mike (of GTV6 barn find fame) he should be able to tell you where he got the wheels.
They are Delta Integrale style, so if you know of one lying around in a ditch somewhere...
Do it. You'll never regret it.
People cross the street to come and tell you "I had a GTV6. I loved that car so much. I wish I never sold it"
The four cylinder cars need more grunt and it's not cheap to find, usually involving boost.
Must do suspension mos: 105 castor rods, torsion bars to suit the v6 and knuckle risers to put the front roll centre back where it belongs
QuoteChrist I love those wheels.. whee can I find 18"s for a Giulietta QV please
https://victoriaefaber.com/en/classic-alloy-wheels/409-alloy-wheel-montecarlocorse-8x17.html
Ahem, I have been drooling over these for a few weeks now...
The white GTV6 belongs to me. The wheels are a magnesium alloy wheel called Speedline corse. They have apparently been coming out of the same die in Italy since inception for Group A in the 90s. Done in batches of 50 sets so unless your vendor has stock, you can be in for an exceptionally long wait. Indeed I bought the last silver set that Walkers in the UK had. Im not sure if there are also knock offs. These weigh approx 6kg each.
I just checked Walkers and they are listed as not currently available.
http://www.walkers-garage.co.uk/shop/contents/en-uk/d18.html
They do a replica at 300 pounds also but they are a little different and in my view not as pretty. Not cheap unfortunately which is why I plan to hang on to mine.
For my 2 cents worth, everything here is pretty right. I would alwsys look out for the best I could find but respect that some folk want a project the challenge or cost reasons. Just be aware that the cheap car will end up more expensive in the long run than a good car.
Other thing to consider is that the 1.8 gt is the lightest of them all and the 1.8 is the sweet spot for a nord...just a lovely engine. Gtv6s have more grunt and a lovely busso note but are noticeably nose heavy by comparison, just requires a different driving style. Indeed a worked 1.8 will keep up with a stock gtv6. I love the Alfetta platform in all its guises. A truly rewarding car to own and seeminly still under rated which suits me just fine..it means we can still afford to own a couple!
You wont regret it, but avoid rusty examples.
Quote from: sportiva on October 28, 2018, 08:24:45 PM
Yes a worked 1.8 will keep up with a 2.5 but won't keep up with a 3.0 the twin-cam four is a brilliant engine, The V6 is spectacular has better torque and has a rhythmic sound like no other mass produced engine
My favourite "mass produced" engine sounds are different. Sidevalve sixes, flatties, the evenfire PRV, an H-D Panhead, a triple carb Hemi...
I do like the 24V Busso note, but it's not a siren's song to me like some of the others I mention.