Hello all. I recently bought a 1974 GTV 2000 coupe in Sydney that's in absolutely amazing original condition. I'd been looking for one for a while including looking at a complete wreck in Perth and various badly restored ones in between. With whatever I bought, I'd always planned to do a complete overhaul - strip to the shell, repaint, rebuild engine and running gear, some slight Alfaholics-style tweaks. You know the drill.
But the one I have is so fabulously original, so lacking in rust, so untouched, that my original plan would be rude. It still has the original paint on both sides, mudguards (fenders) and bootlid. All the spot welds are there and it runs (albeit with a bit of drive train, steering and suspension slop) like a top. I'm only the 4th owner and it's done a mere 73,000 miles. It was beautifully home-maintained by it's last owner for 28 years.
Here is my question: what should I do to celebrate it and it's condition? My first instinct is to restore the drive train and suspension with maybe a bit of an upgrade, overhaul the steering and maybe rebuild the engine with perhaps some balancing and heads and new exhaust. A bit of trimming work in the cabin. But that's it.
I'd really welcome the forum's members thoughts. I'm not sure how to add a photo but will when I've conquered that bit of the message board. With thanks, Swifty2000.
I agree, a car is only original once, there is a lot more interest in 'preservation class' cars these days. Why not post some photos? A mechanical overhaul is well worth doing of course, especially the suspension and steering.
I'm not sure if you were going to do the work yourself or outsource?
I can recommend the following business':
https://www.qvae.com.au/ - Does everything from full rebuilds to in house machine work. Also does rebuilt steering boxes.
https://classicspeedshop.com.au/ - Does a lot of 105 racecar builds but does a fair few standard 105's, very high quality work.
https://www.berlinabodyworks.com.au/ - For any bodywork needs, have done many 105's.
I fully agree Swifty. Preserve it. Cavity spray and clean and clean again. Refurbish parts and get it perfect mechanically. Refurbish seats with the correct materials, if really needed and replace every suspension rubber you can find. I have done the same on two low use, few owner cars now that were just too good to "restore". It pays in value when or if you sell. Original paint is a gift.
Agree with whats been said so far by GCL & Merv ...
Its only original once, so refreshing and maintaining is the way to go if the car is sound.
But throw up some pics and lets see. Sometimes the 'battle scars' attained over the last 50 years just add to the patina and form
part of the cars story and provenance.
Cheers.
Agree with 'keep it original', preserved 105's are very rare. It would be great to see some photo's before commenting further.
Hi Swifty
From what you describe, a refresh rather than a ground up restoration is the way to go. The interior such as dash and seats can be re-skinned/trimmed, whilst the exterior that include weather strips and trim mouldings can be purchased and or reconditioned. The paintwork if in good condition (no chipping, cracking or flaking) can be buffed to bring back to it's original shine.
Some pics Swifty?
Hi Swifty
Find attached link on How to upload photos onto the forum. Please note that the photos need to be reduced in size and maximum of 4 x images/ photos per post.
http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=55.0
Cheers
bonno
I am definately in the preserve at all costs camp.
Thanks all. Exactly what I hoped to hear. Stand by for photos now I know how to put them up.
OK, here are some shots of said GTV 2000 .... Please excuse the radio out of position. I've just had it restored.
Original stickers and original tool kit!
No cracks on the dash and original boot lining. The radio's the original AWA Pressmatic Delux pre FM push button affair. Underneath it's all original including spot welds, etc.
Any further advice from club members, gratefully accepted.
With thanks,
Swifty2000
And in answer to questions, I don't plan to do the work myself. Too old and grumpy. Mastertouch in Leichhardt did a tune and installed a new clutch when I bought it but I'd be very interested in any recommendations of businesses who are more preservation/light restoration focussed.
Hi Swifty
The car is in immaculate condition and by the look of it very little needs to be done apart from what you described initially. With respect to seat repairs, you should look for a local trimmer that specialises with these cars and recommend inspecting some of their previous work. External paint job might just require a good buff to bring out the shine. Do not see any obvious defects, but after 50 years of road use I would expect at the very least some stone chips, etc, which I would not attempt to repair (leave to add to the patina and form as detailed in a previous comment). Again look at someone who specialises in this type of work and refer to AROCA NSW club sponsors that can assist you in this area. And finally after all this COVID-19 has passed and things get back to some normality, I look forward to catching up on one of our club runs or events.
Cheers
bonno
Thanks Bonno.
I've been to one event, but look forward to many more. Thank you for your advice and any more to follow.
Swifty
That's gorgeous! There will be very many jealous folks here looking at these photos, me included :)
Looks to be a great purchase Swifty. It makes life so much easier. I am still going through every nook and cranny in mine with no major problems identified. A few missing items such as the map pockets, fusebox cover, some SS trim bits, but original items all found locally. Your seats look pretty good in those photos!
Further to my previous comment on internal trim repairs (assume seats and door cards), if it only involves stitching and not tears then again get some advice from a trim specialist for the way ahead. In regards to mechanical condition, my advice is to have a compression test done to the motor and if good, only repair what is necessary (oil leaks). Have the driveline checked (gearbox, tailshaft joints and differential) for condition and unusual noises (syncros, leaks) and finally the hydraulics (brake and clutch systems). This approach will rectify any faults and be the most economical way to have it in tip top condition for many more years to come.
Thanks again. The trim is all good. One tear in a seat side panel and the parcel shelf vinyl has a hole, but otherwise it's sound. I'll spend some time finding matching vinyl.
There's a bit of chrome to be restored too. My plan is:
suspension - all bushes, ball joints, etc, shocks, lower (slightly) and get everything cleaned and powder coated.
steering - oil change and rose joints replaced.
drive train - new UJs and bearings.
engine and gear box - already had a new clutch to just oil leaks sorted and maybe electronic distrib.
interior - as above.
body - minimum intervention. So much original paint!
Anyone else's experience that they're prepared to share would inform my plan. This is a very useful noticeboard.
Swifty 2000
On original paint, I find that the DAS 6 random, orbital polisher is just magic for restoration and worth every penny. It comes with a range of products and when used according to the instructions makes tired old paint look new. So much better than you can do by hand.
https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/da-black-finishing-pad-6.html
If the paint is original as you suggest, I would be hesitant about hitting it with a buff. You're likely to get a lot of red on the pad. I would pick a spot near a corner and and hand polish it first to see how much paint comes off.
Progress with caution, originality Alfas are now rare and increasingly sought after, so carefully consider mods before you do them 8)
Good advice to check the paint depth. The DAS6 is very gentle and not at all like my other buffers. I did a 1960 car recently in its original paint and it came up beautifully. Low pressure, right pads and right materials.