Well I realised that I didnt have a thread about my Giulia Super on this forum, so I figure I will give you all a short rundown on where the old girl is at.
I bought it about 5 years ago. It has had a hard live after spending 25+ years in Nimbin. First thing I did was check behind the rear seats for unusual stuffing. Anyway I went and visited the PO down there last year and he told me he used it as a 'work ute' to carry building supplies up the side of the mountain he now lives on! He also swapped parts onto it from any giulia models he could get his hands on.
So I drove it for a couple of years everyday to get to work, heaps of fun and it performed admirably in traffic. Fixed various small bits and pieces as I went and was going to keep doing this without taking it off the road for any long period of time. When the clutch went I thought I'd pull the engine and well one thing led to another and you know how it goes, here comes the engine rebuild and bare metal respray!
These first few pics are on my first day of ownership.
First thing I needed to do was replace the windscreen and rear window rubbers as they were shot and leaking. You could push the windscreen in and out! Made it easy to remove...
While I had the glass out I welded and reinforced the A pillars that were cracked, probably from the stress of the bumpy roads near Nimbin. Better than the bits of galv plate covered the cracks and were screwed each side of the crack :o
Another 'while I'm at it', I replaced the front windscreen with a new one (not the best fit though as it was a bit short on the lower corners), and took the roof,pillars and cowl back to bare metal to get rid of the sky blue roof that the PO said "made it look more European". It was like texture paint that he had done from a can.
Well after a few good years of driving a banger Super to work and just doing the basics my clutch went. So as I figured I was pulling the engine I thought why not fix a few other bits...
Pulling the engine was actually pretty easy once I found all the nuts under 40 years of crap. Gotta be on of the filthiest engines Ive seen! One thing that nearly got me was that the chain I had on the hoist hook was a touch too long and I nearly didnt clear the front radiator support because I hit the limit of the hoist! It is definitely a good tip to have the rear of the car up high.
I never intended to 'restore' the car as it had many odd bits and weird things going on with it but it has headed in that direction. Notable non-original bits, some of which can probably be seen in the pics are - wrong grille,wheels, door cards, rear seat, 1750 head, 1300 rear end, etc.
Since the paint was reaally shabby I decided it had to come off, and since the engine is out why not do the engine bay too :-\
I had the doors, boot and bonnet soda blasted, and it was nice to see the rust was pretty minimal. All holes were cut out and new metal added.
By far the worst part of my bodywork is the front right corner, with some pretty solid bog sculpting going on.
A mate spotted this grille on the wall of a metal plating shop in Melbourne. Couldnt believe my luck that the centre lower heart wasnt broken. It will be nice to put the correct grille back on my Super. Got the kids working on it and hey-presto!
Bear in mind this project is going slowwwly due to funds, new babies, time etc. A month or two back a friend had a 'longer term' space for me to put my car in his body shop , Adrian at Impact Panel Works, Moorooka if anyone is interested. He is a very thorough guy who used to work on all the high end prestige stuff but started his own shop a year or so ago. Great facilities, I have to take a photo of the new spray booth, its a beauty. Anyway he is letting me do the grunt work(to save me money) of stripping the paint and his crew does the skilled stuff.
The front lower panel was completely stuffed so that is getting replaced and I was pleasantly surprised the lower radiator support has no rust. I attribute that to the 1 inch think grease encapsulating it!
I thought they would have to replace the front corner but their metal guy is a maestro and was able to reform the metal beautifully. Still needs a bit of work but very close. I will get back into it in the first week of the new year and post some updates then.
Oh, and here are a few of the NOS bits I have tracked down over the last couple of years from all corners of the globe.
Original door rubbers are just so much better than repros!
The only non-standard bits I am considering are these marchals, undermounted on the front bumper like the Polizia and Carabinieri Giulias of the day, some triple Maserati airhorns maybe, and the wheels are widened steelies so that I can keep the original caps.
I will try and keep this thread updated. If I am slack you can always watch progress on my new personal site www.alfa-male.com (http://www.alfa-male.com)
Fantastic shots Derek! 8)
Quote from: Derek Entesano on December 30, 2010, 04:54:31 PM
...some triple Maserati airhorns maybe...
Ooooh - let's do a bulk buy !
Quote from: AikenDrum105 on January 04, 2011, 10:42:28 AM
Quote from: Derek Entesano on December 30, 2010, 04:54:31 PM
...some triple Maserati airhorns maybe...
Ooooh - let's do a bulk buy !
Ahh, but they are already sitting in my drawers at work! 8)
Here is how I want to mount the marchals
Quote from: Derek Entesano on January 04, 2011, 10:51:35 AM
Here is how I want to mount the marchals
Admit it - what you're really after is that uniform ....
Actually I must admit
I do have a carabinieri uniform with the dress hat, the one with the big feather plumes! Cant wear it in a car though unless its a convertible! (My grandfather was a detective in the Carabinieri, pre Alfa though- his ride had one horsepower...)
Quote from: AikenDrum105 on January 04, 2011, 10:56:01 AM
Quote from: Derek Entesano on January 04, 2011, 10:51:35 AM
Here is how I want to mount the marchals
Admit it - what you're really after is that uniform ....
Where is that photo from? All the Carabinieri cars I've seen were dutch blue with white markings. The polizia had that stealth grey (which I reckon is seriously ugly).
Just one of many I have collected over the years off the net. Check this thread out I started on the AlfaBB a while back
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/sedan-1963-1974/145954-foglights-carabinieri-super.html
This might fancy your tickle then - (you've probably seen this already)
Ti Super chasing the Carabinieri ... well, briefly.. On the Ring too...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPqTmiWV89A&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPqTmiWV89A&feature=related)
Thanks Scott, cool clip. Just watched it with my wife. Interesting how narrow the track gets and how loooong that straight is in the last minute of the clip!
Well after a bit of a break after Christmas & New Years its back into the bodywork. The front end is coming along nicely. The engine bay has been stripped to bare metal and primed, the front left corner repaired, and the lower valance replaced with a replacement panel from Germany. Most repair panels seem to originate there. Check out the old lower panel! I remember when I first bought the car and was cleaning it up a bit, I found a butter knife caked in dried body filler behind it! :o
Things are progressing well, I am moving around to the back for a while and hopefully not too many nasty surprised under the paint.
It might be a while before I can get back across the river to where the car is if these crazy floodwaters keep rising. :(
Great stuff Derek! It's a nice arrangement where you can do some of the work yourself. Making great progress - hope the floods don't affect you or any of your friends and family.
I'm a bit slow reading this thread - your car is coming along really well.
I like the Giulia Supers and TIs - they were miles ahead of their time. There can't have been too many sedans in the mid60s offering a twin cam alloy engine mated to a 5 speed gearbox with 4 wheel discs and aerodynamic to boot .....
For interest, I've attached a recent photo of my wife with one of the Carabinieri (? Carabiniero) taken in the piazza in Mantua (Mantova), the home of Tazio Nuvolari. Their cars were Landrovers rather than Alfas.
Chris
Gerek, you didn't remove that butter knife I hope - very important in time to establish provenance! In any case it was probably an important part of filler reinforcing.
I think the Super, and the TI, represents the most pure of all modern Alfas (that should stir up some discussion!) and yours will be a worthwhile restoration.
Thanks guys for your interest. Well its still slowly, slowly coming along up here on the Super. It is progressing but I'm having a bit of trouble finding time to get over to the shop to finish the stripping. Still cheaper for me to do it this way so I shouldnt complain!
I'm also still waiting of some metal from Europe - lower right repair panel because as you can see in the pics there is some nasty rust there which was covered by a massive piece of bog that came off in one slab! and a NOS battery tray because mine had rusted away. Its the early one with the metal side guard that they dont reproduce, yet.
The rear panel looks pretty good. A bit of damage around the bumper mounting holes and a touch of rust to repair but the lower edge is perfect which is nice to find. I also had a win finally getting the last of the hinges and door latches off the B-pillars. Hopefully next visit will be just getting some of the last fiddly bits stripped and then its all in the hands of the pros!
Sorry for the phone photo quality but in the last pic you can see my car lusting over a beauty that just arrived for some minor repairs.
Nice work Derek!
Where do you source sedan panels from?
Edit: never mind I read on your blog :)
My metal bits are from
http://www.classicalfa.com/shop/category33_1.htm
http://www.highwoodalfa.com/43dad3b1-bac3-42d9-8029-85e56d08dc26-9.html
http://www.classicalfaparts.nl/
And one of my favourite ebay stores
http://stores.ebay.com.au/tstrettberg
Beware if ordering stuff from Germany and it is sent by DHL as apparently Australia Customs are making packages come by sea...
Derek,
Congratulations on the fantastic work you're doing to bring the Giulia back to its former glory - you'll never regret doing so and if all the suspension and mechanicals are carefully attended to at the same time you won't believe how it drives ....I can't help but smile everytime I take my Giulia Super 1300 out for a run (25,000klms only from new) - it's hard to believe the quality of the drive ! Keep the standard high - you really only want to do this once !
I've seen those wheels before, have I not? ;) How are they Derek? Did they fit without roling the rear guards? They didn't seem to be a problem when fitted to my Ti.
What colour do you plan on painting the car?
Thanks Mark, I will do the suspension soon too. I have two spare sets that I have pulled apart to get blasted, painted and rebushed for each of my cars. The diff in the Super is currently a leaky noisy 1300 that is good in traffic :) but I have a 1600 rear end on my bench at the moment getting cleaned up. Hopefully the speedo will be a bit closer then too. Engine is getting a full rebuild, bottom and top end.
Nigel, the wheels seem to fit well, although I will wait until I have the car fully loaded with full and passengers to see it at its worst. I will change the tyres to 195/65 though I think as I want a reasonably comfortable ride with koni reds.
Quote from: alfa75gta on February 01, 2011, 11:08:28 PM
What colour do you plan on painting the car?
It will stay Biancospino, but the interior is still up for debate. I am looking at getting leather seats but inkeeping with the original stitching pattern
It will stay Biancospino, but the interior is still up for debate. I am looking at getting leather seats but inkeeping with the original stitching pattern
[/quote]
I suggest you go for a red interior. Black is boring, brown/tan is nice enough but nothing special whereas a red interior really sets off the car, especially if it's white! Red with grey carpets, I suggest, as all-red can sometimes look a bit porn-star.. ..and if red is too garish, you could go for ox-blood. My Berlina is white/ox-blood and its very appealing. I agree that its hard to choose but seriously, you couldn't go wrong with white on red..
Yep I'm definitely leaning that way. I have an 'ox blood' sample of vinyl from Re-originals that looks fantastic, but it wasnt an available colour for my year Super. Red was, so I am leaning that way since this car is going to come across as pretty close to stock.
Quote from: alfa75gta on February 02, 2011, 03:54:15 PM
as all-red can sometimes look a bit porn-star..
Mine is all-red and I was having a similar thought - dark grey carpet / door cards with red seats would work well I think - but perhaps leave the transmission tunnel carpet red :)
Although I'm aiming for a darker metallic blue on the car - the red still works and is a little different.
Quote from: alfa75gta on February 02, 2011, 03:54:15 PM
you could go for ox-blood.
Excellent colour :)
Derek - when I redid the seats on my 1750 gtv many moons ago - I used leather on the fronts and a faux leather on the rears (admittedly you don't really use the rears on the gtvs...) they looked identical - and the faux leather had brilliant UV resistance - handy for the top of the rears under the back window. Most importantly, it was almost half the price / metre. Might be worth a look - you still get the nice 'mmm leather' smell off the fronts :)
Cheers,
Quote from: AikenDrum105 on February 02, 2011, 04:17:05 PM
Derek - when I redid the seats on my 1750 gtv many moons ago - I used leather on the fronts and a faux leather on the rears (admittedly you don't really use the rears on the gtvs...) they looked identical - and the faux leather had brilliant UV resistance - handy for the top of the rears under the back window. Most importantly, it was almost half the price / metre. Might be worth a look - you still get the nice 'mmm leather' smell off the fronts :)
What would be the breakdown of cost involved in re-trimming seats in a 105?
I would of thought the cost of materials would be less than the labour involved. As I'd expect the labour required to trim seats in leather and faux, would be pretty much the same.
Quote from: AikenDrum105 on February 02, 2011, 04:17:05 PM
Mine is all-red and I was having a similar thought - dark grey carpet / door cards with red seats would work well I think - but perhaps leave the transmission tunnel carpet red :)
Nice idea! Here is an example: Its a GT but essentially the same effect..
+1 to red, especially with the Biancospino paint.
+2 or is it + 4 or 5 for red seats with white. However, to disagree brown/tan is anything but boring or dull with a dark Navy blue car, which is what mine will be. On the contrary it should look superb. I still need to decide on the carpet colour to finish that part of the Super's restoration.
Well that is what I think given I have had my interior completely redone (seats in Connolly leather with original stitching pattern) and door cards in matching colour but in vinyl in this colour. I previously used the same leather colour for the seats and door capping etc for my '69 Fiat AC 124, and the Fiat is painted bright red. To my eyes red seats in a Navy blue car would be too much like a bordello !! ;D
The cost to have my seats completely rebuilt for the Super including two hides was approx $2400, while new door cards, recovered long grab handles, plus a new rear parcel shelf $1400. For me this represents nice value given the superb quality of the work done.
I love the red interior and with Biancospino, silver or the light grey/grigio it looks fantastic. Really sets it off
The black carpet would break it up nicely too.
My interior was brown/tan but the car was resprayed resale red and the brown didn't suit and never looked right.
I bought Gt Junior seats in black and was planning to go that way, however now that its Navy Blue I had the old rear seat sitting in the
car next to the black seat, and its a done deal the browns the go looks really good, black interior just doesn't do anything.
Derek and Scott your Super restos are travelling along really well seems like you'll be on the road in no time just like the chicks in
the Maltesers ad
Quote from: Davidm1750 on February 02, 2011, 10:16:18 PM
However, to disagree brown/tan is anything but boring or dull with a dark Navy blue car, which is what mine will be. On the contrary it should look superb.
Fair comment David, and I don't disagree with you, I guess it just depends on the colour combination of the car. I've seen some very tasteful brown interiors. I think Maserati Biturbo's have one of the most luscious interiors on offer - with those wonderful brown leather seats..
I recovered my Ti's interior in Black - the black that I bagged earlier, but its because I intend to spray the car in duck egg blue and therefore, I don't think red, brown or any other colours would compliment the exterior as well. It's quite a difficult task to decide on the most desirable combination, and the wrong choice can really influence a car's appeal..
here is my interior, but i'm yet to respray the car:
+ 1 million times for the interior of the Maserati biturbos ;D Such an inviting place to recline I am sure.
Hey guys please don't misunderstand me, for I think in truth so long as the interior looks as good as the exterior you have to be on a winner, but yes colour choices can be both so personal and difficult to get right in some instances. A red interior with Silver or Grigio to me says $$$$$, definitely a perfect choice Pep and Alfa75gta I know exactly what you mean with duck egg blue, for it is such a soft colour. The seats in your TI look fantastic. BTW duck blue looks wonderful on Tis and early GT Sprints. Top choice.
Your Super Derek is going to look so good when finished.
Here are a few interior pics I had collected.
What was the original paint/interior colour for your car, Derek? (e.g. archivio storico records). Not that it makes any difference to what you choose, just interested.
Archives say Biancospino with black skai interiors. But I am pretty sure the interior was never black. All the door cards had been replaced with later ones but the seats are original and are a greyish brown colour. Not overly inspiring.
I figure since the archives cant even get it right, why not have an interior colour I want!
Absolutely.
Totally different era, but I absolutely love the red leather interior on our silver 159 - it's the perfect combo with silver or white.
Hi guys here is where I am at with the Super at the moment.
I am doing the odd trip to the shop just to strip some of the fiddley areas of the car. I am now confident the engine bay is pretty much done, I cant wait to put a rebuild engine into a clean bay, just have a look at the earlier photos in this thread to see what a difference it will be!
Found the chassis type stamped in the groove at the top edge of the boot/trunk space.
I also figured I might as well do the tray under with windscreen cowl even if it isnt seen, nice to know it is clean.
Last but not least, I am pleased to announce my NOS battery tray has finally arrived from Germany after a 3 month wait. Apparently Aussie Customs is making packages from Germany go by sea since November. That at an $9 surcharge on items over 450grams being sent to the US are my current postal gripes!
One other thing of concern, my car has a definite lean to the right side. Now I know it will have a tank of fuel to balance it a bit more, but I think it is more than that, what could be broken that I should look at?
Quote from: Derek Entesano on March 01, 2011, 01:56:36 PM
One other thing of concern, my car has a definite lean to the right side. Now I know it will have a tank of fuel to balance it a bit more, but I think it is more than that, what could be broken that I should look at?
Nothing need be broken. At the front, there are many components that make up ride height. Have a good look at the diagram I've included. It shows a rubber and metal seats above the spring, as well as a rubber and metal seats below the spring and spring spacers. Not only is it very unlikely that all of these were ever put back in during the life of the car, there are also many variations. Please remember that the spring is more or less mounted midway, so every 1mm change at the spring will equal 2mm of ride height. Other than missing parts, spacers come in different thicknesses and spring pans come in a variety of depths.
The rear is much simpler, but of a similar arrangement of spring with rubber and metal seats.
With both ends, spring could be stuffed. You'll soon know once you remove them by comparing static heights. You could take them a suspension place to have spring rates checked.
That is a good point and a reminder for me to make sure I blast and paint the right bits and not different depth spring pans etc, although there is a difference left to right? Will have to look that one up. I am basically rebuilding a 'spare' set of suspension and will fit with new springs, shocks etc. There has been much bastardization of my car over the years so if I can tidy it all up I hope the ride levels rectify themselves. Things like a 1300 rear end with a sway bar(not usually on a 66?) and no limit straps must do something awry.
Last bit of the body to get some love is the sills. I left this til last as I didnt want to demoralize myself too early in the game! I was a bit scared as to what lurks beneath given the dodgy metal repair to the rocker that the PO had done. Pretty sure he wasnt a trade qualified welder...
The good news is the middle sill is actually quite good. A bit of repair required at the front but nothing too nasty. I started with a blunt spot weld drill bit but thankfully found a better one, boy does it make a difference. I just have to cut the lower front guard to access the front of the rocker now, but from what I can see now it isnt terrible either.
Well, its nice to see the sills nearly done on one side. The repro outer sills are nice but not perfect. Where they fold near the bottom edge of the door doesnt have a consistent radius to it so it will be hard to get a perfect looking bottom door gap. It might be better once the SS sill trim is on.
I'm looking forward to seeing the doors all hung. Turns out the doors, boot and bonnet were by far the best bits of the car with the least dodgy repairs. Ah well. I think I have nearly got all the bits I need for the car as my ebay purchases have waned a bit! Got some NOS window scrapers, NOS front top of heart, and boot seals. Pretty much all the door, bonnet and boot rubbers are NOS as I get jittery reading about all the problems people seem to have with the repro stuff and I am sure there will be other things for me to get frustrated about during the reassembly other that door fit etc.
Quote from: Derek Entesano on March 01, 2011, 01:56:36 PM
One other thing of concern, my car has a definite lean to the right side. Now I know it will have a tank of fuel to balance it a bit more, but I think it is more than that, what could be broken that I should look at?
Huge progress on the bodywork - looks great !
After finally making some time to check the ride height on the Super for you - it seems mine has a decided lean towards the drivers side as well...
There were no spacers in the spring pans when I rebuilt the front suspension - I'll dig out a tape measure and take a couple of pics showing the difference when I can. Perhaps both cars sit the same - pointing more to missing spacers / uniform spring sag than any suspension damage.
Cheers,
Thats really interesting. I do want to get a closer look to see if I have the spring pans on the wrong side as that seems like it could make a fair difference. BTW I havent forgotten those bits for you, just have to get myself organised :-[
Looking seriously good Derek, well done. Nothing like getting rid of the rusty bits and having nice new metal. This car is going to be one really well restored Super.
Must get down to my mechanics now that Easter is well and truly past it and make a start on the engine which I have for mine, with huge thanks to Scott. BTW Scott, I haven't forgotten the red I will be sending you. I just need to grab it from the shop who stocks the good Tassie stuff. I take it you haven't moved yet to your new place?
Soon as the house renno major ticket items are done with (ie. solar hot water system etc), it is back to getting some more parts for my project Super, like you have Derek, and especially while the Aussie is so good against the other currencies.
How soon before you get to see some colour do you think, for that is when it all starts coming together.
Quote from: Davidm1750 on May 21, 2011, 09:39:05 AMHow soon before you get to see some colour do you think, for that is when it all starts coming together.
Not sure Dave, I've given up on trying to set a timeline for the resto :( The stars don't align for me when it comes to getting this done swiftly. I did manage to get my account up to date at the panelshop so onwards we go.
It looks like all the metal work is just about done now. The sills are repaired and replaced, as well as the dog legs at the front of the rear wheels. In the end we had to replace all of the lower panels except the back panel which was nearly perfect surprisingly. From what I have seen and been told it looks like the door gaps will be quite good which is pleasing. Next time I visit should be to check to fit of the front grille, and getting all the holes drilled that are needed for lights, grille, rocker SS spears etc. Bodywork has to be on the home straight yes?
I'm starting to prepare some of the bits to go back on, I'll post some photos over the weekend.
Your Super is looking really good there Derek. I am looking forward to seeing it in paint, though I imagine you are even more keen!
It looks like I have finally managed to find someone I can have confidence to rebuild my Super's bodywork. I had a contact from my brother and so today with a couple of mates who also have classic cars we visited his workshop. He specialises in restoration work only. So having had a look at the quality of work he does and listening to him, his attitude etc. I am confident he is precisely the sort of guy I would want to work on my cars. Phew !! now I just need to find the $$ to commission him to sort my car out.
First though a quick ski trip to Hotham, than more house rennos and then finally the Super !! Well that is the plan (though don't tell the missus).
I'm progressing at a snail's pace compared to Speedy Gonzales Evan but getting there slowly. We began test fitting some parts this week. Bumpers fit great, and around the front grille is getting there. The tolerances are pretty minimal with these early full width grilles and having a two piece centre heart adds a bit more complexity when it comes to bonnet alignment and adjusting the bump stops. Because the PO had fitted a later 5 bar grille he had removed many of the fixings for the grille so I have to make up a few tabs and screw fixing points.
Will put some more pics up soon of the bucket of bolts I got zinc plated. Boy it makes a difference compared to the filthy pile I had before!
Nice work Derek, doesn't matter how slow...as long as its getting done!
I really love the early bumpers. They look so dainty and suit the lines of the Giulia better
than the later ones IMO.
Cheers,
Paul.
Yes as long it is getting done is important. Especially as I have kept it registered, being the optimist I am that it will be done sooner rather than later.
To help with the fitting part, I got a bucket of bolts zinc plated. What went in as a filthy pile of screws, bolts and washers, came back in lovely, clean and shiny condition! $60 well spent. They charge by the barrel full, so I was lucky that all the ones I have had plated were spares from a couple of parts cars I have had in the last couple of years. I have the ones I had taken off the Super in labelled ziplock bags so I can match them with the clean ones on reassembly which will make the job much easier. Couldn't find a local plater that did the black zinc so its all silver for now. Employed the cheap labour again for the sorting.
How much are you hiring the labour force out for Derek ? They look like there's a good amount of life left in them.
The project is looking great, soon you'll be cruising the roads with the crew onboard and that will be a good feeling I bet. I'd liketo get my hands dirty more but time is just not a friend of mine at the moment.
I'm going to up skill them in all things Alfa so I can charge them out at a higher rate. Nick, my eldest was asking what each of the different fixings were for. He has a fantastic memory so I might cultivate that and get him to read my parts manual!
Ah time, yes not having much of that myself. My only option to do anything on my car is to take it out of my sleep time. Actually Pancho, you wouldn't be getting much of that with a newborn either :D
Getting soooo close to paint now. Very exciting ;D Bit more sanding and the like to go and on goes the paint! I doubt the body was prepped as well as this out of the factory so it is nice to know that this should last me for a while hopefully. All those years of neglect in Nimbin have been reversed. I am still glad that my car has an interesting story to tell though.
Still a few holes to drill and cutouts such as the front indicators but Adrian assures me the doors hung well with nice gaps. Its keeping good company next to Daryl's turbo Alfetta which looks like it might be departing soon.
Some more pics
Looks great Derek, between you and Evan I'm getting resto envy :P
Mmm looks very nice. How long until the paint?
Having driven my in-laws new '65 Super, I'm very jealous.
They really do look great in white, don't they - fantastic !
Thanks guys. Paint will probably happen in a couple of weeks. I want to get involved with the final sand as well. I'm using this resto as a learning exercise as well. Once its painted I'll get all the door glass and hardware on, boot and bonnet, and bring it home to start the rest of the reassembly.
Hey Derek, that is how we like to see them, dead straight, no dents, rust and crappy paint. With its new clothes on (paint) she is going to look superb, then for fun but tricky part, putting it all back together with no scratches. And finally then the first drive. That is when all the hard graft will erupt into one huge grin ;D.
Yeah Dave, I am particularly worried in the engine bay, Not an easy place to repaint if I make a meal of it when I drop the engine back in. I am hoping with all the NOS bits I have collected that I won't be wrestling with 'fit' of the parts as much as I have in the past with repro seals, etc.
Looks great Derek!!
btw - I dont think the pictures are big enough for my 24" monitor. ;D
Quote from: pancho on September 28, 2011, 02:31:14 PM
Looks great Derek!!
btw - I dont think the pictures are big enough for my 24" monitor. ;D
haha! Sorry about that. They look good on my 30" monitor though. My 24" is just for reading email.
Hey Derek,
The Supers looking great, exciting times ahead, are you planning to put the engine and box in seperately or as one unit ?
More of a PITA to do it seperately but less chance of scratching the engine bay.
Cheers
Pep
I'll do it as one unit, just have to make sure I get the back up nice and high. The engine still has a way to go. The head is rebuilt, ported and polished and matched to the intake, I have a fully rebuilt gearbox, and the carbs are somewhere in Sydney in my brothers storage and slowly making their way to Manning Motors for Robert to rebuild. The bottom end was a problem though due to corrosion. I found a replacement block off Tim Doyle that is within the right number range so I will build that one up rather than forking out money to reseat mine. I have all the goodies to rebuild it including new pistons and liners so it should be pretty sweet.
Its been a long journey to get to this point but my car is finally getting painted! ;D I haven't been over to see it myself yet. There area still a few bits to do and a couple of holes to cut but its nearly there. They will paint the engine bay in the next couple of days once I take over a few of the loose bits I have at home that need to be painted. Then first thing I will do is get all the door hardware and seals on.
Now to try and make some ground on Evan's resto :P
My car comes home next week! All painted and ready to assemble. My night reading at the moment is my Parts Manual. So many bits and pieces to inspect, clean and replace!
Derek looks like Xmas has come early for you! (ok by a few weeks).....
Looking good...... you are definately over the hump now along the 'restroation' road... but ahead waits the long straight that reaches to the horizon!
My first super was white (a 66' model too) and they look awesome in fresh paint.
Cheers,
Paul.
Car looks great Derek
Now the fun begins, Santa bringing any nice parts
Cheers
David
Thanks Paul. I am hopeful to move it along quickly from this point(its still registered!) and I should have most of the external bits on it by the end of this weekend. I'm like one of those bobsleders imagining their course ahead and practicing my moves!
Weekend task is all doors/glass/handles/seals assembled, boot & bonnet with various latches and seals and hopefully all the lights. That will get my car to 'lock up' stage. I am itching to get in that engine bay though!
Yes David, the receptionist just made a joke about 5 minutes ago that she reckons she has transported about 2 1/2 cars to my desk. Probably not to far off! I have a large Classic Alfa box that just arrived as well as a lovely freshly made mech fuel pump block of plate from a Canadian Alfisti off the AlfaBB and I got a beautiful pair of rebuilt Webers from a Giulia Super owner in Melbourne (the one with the turbo fitted!) last week. I was going to get mine rebuilt but I couldn't pass these ones up.
OK a bit of a catchup for the AROCA forum! I have been busy reassembling the Super. Well actually I am a bit time poor at the moment but its getting there. Externally it is pretty much done. Just a couple of small trim bits to go.
On the weekend I moved on the the interior. The carpet is now in. I also needed to install some sound and heat proofing on the floor pans since I had removed the factory stuff in able to coat the floors with a sufficient covering that would give me piece of mind with rust protection. I used POR-15 a couple of years ago and it is doing its job very well. It is extremely hard, almost ceramic, non-porous, has a bit of flex to it, and is self-leveling so you can brush it on and it will give a nice shiny finish.
If you do want to remove the factory bituminous sound deadener don't just try and scrape it off using a heat gun. Buy a bucket of dry ice pellets (very cheap) and sprinkle them over it, leave for 10 minutes, the sound deadener subsequently hardened to brittle level and I just chipped it off to the factory primer. Floor pans were squeeky clean 30 minutes later! Best not to try and grind this stuff off for another reason, and that is that it more than likely contains asbestos...
The Dynamat went down very easily. It is an easy product to work with and is so shiny! Its a pity to cover it up. I sorta think Dynamat is as much about the branding as it is to have a little polo player embroidered on your pocket. I had a look at the local Jaycar electrical store and you can get a very similar product for a lot less. Hard to see that there could be heaps of difference between their performance when they use the same materials. You just miss out on all that Dynamat branding all over your floorpan!
I got some underlay from a moulded carpets place in Underwood which went on top of the Dynamat and then put my carpet on that. I'm just reusing the non-original carpet I had in the car previously as I plan to get the good stuff down the track when I get the seats and door cards retrimmed. All the miss-matched seats and door cards will be vinyl painted black. Gotta keep to a budget, which is next to nothing!
Hi Derek, looking nice and shiny with all the underlay, re the carpet, when you can afford it, I believe Classic Alfa have the correct spec Italian grey carpet for 105s. At this stage for the GT/GTVs but it could be worth asking if they are going to have carpet sets made for Giulia Super's in future.
On a completely different but slightly related note, I just got back from Bryon Bay late yesterday, and just wanted to note we managed to check out both Targa and St Elmo, with their Italian sedan (Lancia Flavia and Giulia Super frescos). Nice places to relax and have a drink/meal.
BTW, where did you buy the POR 15 from, as I should get myself some of this for my cars floors ? Do the normal car shops stock this or do you need to go to a car paint place ??
Hi Dave,
For the carpet and maybe seats I am going to go with Paolini in Italy as they have accurate templates. I will see what Classic come up with though as I have used them for a lot of parts to date and am very happy with their service.
I got my POR-15 from a car paint suppliers but I have also ordered from www.ppcco.com.au (http://www.ppcco.com.au) in the past. There is a comparable Australian product called Rustseal by KBS Coatings. It is also very good. I have a can of that as well as the Tank repair kit that I am about to use.
Thanks Derek, as ever, most helpful advice, will follow up on these.
QuoteI had a look at the local Jaycar electrical store and you can get a very similar product for a lot less
Derek,
I had a quick look on there web site and couldn't find anything . Do you know what it is callled ???
Gully
Looks like the label says 'Mat Sound Dead Butyl Foam', though I can't make out the code. Not sure how much is in each tube though. It comes in 1.5mm foil backed butyl(like dynamat) or 5mm butyl/foam combo.
Quote from: Davidm1750 on February 21, 2012, 01:12:43 PM
Thanks Derek, as ever, most helpful advice, will follow up on these.
Dave, The Fibreglass Shop in Argyle St are stockists.
Derek, as an owner of a white Super a long time ago I enjoy your thread.
Cheers
Quote from: David Mills on February 21, 2012, 02:26:23 PM
Derek, as an owner of a white Super a long time ago I enjoy your thread.
Thanks David, I can use all the encouraging I can get! Its funny how many people used to come up to me and say they/their dad/uncle etc used to have one and they had fond memories of it.
I know its not a sensible thing financially to fix up this car but I hope I get a few years of enjoyment out of it. Sometimes you just feel like cutting your losses but I think I am getting close-ish to the finish line.
Quote from: David Mills on February 21, 2012, 02:26:23 PM
Quote from: Davidm1750 on February 21, 2012, 01:12:43 PM
Thanks Derek, as ever, most helpful advice, will follow up on these.
Dave, The Fibreglass Shop in Argyle St are stockists.
Derek, as an owner of a white Super a long time ago I enjoy your thread.
Cheers
Thanks David, will grab some from them. Derek, I know the feeling re the cost of it all, but given how close you are now, it would be maddness to stop. Enjoy the process of finishing it and then let us know just how great it feels when you have that first drive. Of course we will be envious as hell.
Time for an update I guess. I've been sorting a few smaller bits out as I get ready to fill the engine bay back up. I had the Bonaldi booster rebuilt. A few little tweaks there that I will post about later. But as for some more photos, here are my engine components looking lovely and clean!
I had them vapour blasted by Jason at Rust Busters. I felt confident to go with him as he and his father-in-law are very familar with Alfas, Fiats etc. http://www.ardelve.com.au/services.php#Abrasablast
Taken from their website:
The process is applied using graded spherical glass beads in our Vaqua high performance aqua-blast machine, which simultaneously degreases and provides rust inhibition.
With the Vapourblast process there is NO IMPREGNATION of the surface and no damage to sharp edges and precision surfaces
I am very happy with the results. The block isn't in the pics as there was a bit of corrosion on the #1 cylinder liner seat that is getting rectified. Also attached is a before photo!
Here are a couple of pics of all the goodies for my engine too. NOS piston/liners, full gasket kit, Reinz head gasket, etc. I had also heard the aftermarket rear seals can squeal a bit when new, so was happy to see I have an Alfa one in the kit.
Quote from: Derek Entesano on May 15, 2012, 02:08:43 PM
I had them vapour blasted by Jason at Rust Busters. I felt confident to go with him as he and his father-in-law are very familar with Alfas, Fiats etc. http://www.ardelve.com.au/services.php#Abrasablast
I want/need to do that, just because I like shiney things :)
Was it expensive (like, who's counting anymore!!)
Are you going to clear coat them with something to stop future corrosion/dulling. I remember s thread by daron/akitaman on the BB where he mentioned clear coating Al parts with some motorcycle clear paint, I think.
Yes it's all about shiney things for me at the moment.
I'm gonna stay au naturale. The blasting was well priced. It's dependent on weather the part needs to be degreased first etc. My block was about $100 to vaporblast after it was degreased.
Wow, been a while since I updated this thread. Well I am slooooowly getting there. I know I will get more motivated once the engine comes home.
Bottom end was first. I was going to bring it home after that was done but have opted to have an experienced guy sort it all for me.
I had some NOS pistons and new Total Seal 3 piece rings but I found out my liners had vertical grooves that required too much honing for my liking. So I bit the bullet and bought a new set of pistons and liners. I'm at the part of the resto where every extra dollar used hurts! Anyway this pretty much means I've replaced everything in the engine so its good peace of mind.
After having to get new pistons and liners, it was then new bearings as the ones I had bought were standard and I found out my crank had been ground so I needed to get some 0.10 oversized ones. Rods had to be balanced, shot peened and rebushed. Crank linished etc.
I had a head that I had bought that was supposedly rebuilt and ready to go. I have the receipts for the work done as well. It had been sitting for a long time. IT had some corrosion and my mechanic wasn't comfortable putting it on without knowing it was properly sorted so he sent it off to his 'head' guy. He's been using him for 30+ years for his Alfa heads and he is also the appointed guy for Nissan warranty head repairs so he has all the good gear. Anyway, I am very happy with how the head has come back. Just getting shimmed now.
Looking good Derek! Just engine installation & you'll be good to go?
Quote from: werdna on February 14, 2013, 11:47:25 PM
Looking good Derek! Just engine installation & you'll be good to go?
Ha! I wish. I guess once the brakes are bled, (still need to get a new master) and radiator is in I could take it for a test drive, but ideally I will swap out my suspension beforehand. I have most of the parts, just need to get a few bits blasted and painted first.
Isn't that head missing something Derek ?
*cough* intake camshaft variator *cough* blanked off upper dizzy mounts *cough* ?
nyuk nyuk nyuk ;p
You are speaking to a simpleton here Scott. I am guessing you are speaking TS talk... All in good time brother, I hope to learn the lingo soon ;)
Nice work Derek, nothing like putting an engine back together knowing everything's been done. The moment she starts for the first time I'm sure you won't regret spending those extra few dollars.
Better get it into the car ASAP though or we might not see the 'first drive' post until next year!
Can't believe it's been a year since I bought my step nose, time flies when you've got a highly strung Frenchy blocking the driveway.
Big milestone for me, my engine is home. Granted, it was at the mechanics a long time but I did say to him to 'take his time'... Norm is 75 now so he's no sprinter but he has been doing these engines for 50 years so I was glad to get him to build it for me.
Apart from the greasy fingerprints, that looks horn.
Crikey I must be blind, for I can't see any fingerprints, greasy or otherwise. Sweet looking donk Derek, now it just needs to hop into the Super to look even better still. Cool as 8)
Just out of technical curiosity I take it, it is a 1600 and if so what specs did you build it too. Original or perhaps nicely warmed ;D
Yeah Dave I'm still waiting on my NOS Alfa shop embroidered white cotton gloves in the mail! :P Pancho and I rib each other about our different approaches, I plan on keeping the underside of my car dirty!
As for the build, bottom end is bone stock but with all new components except for crank which was polished and rods were shot peened, balanced and little ends rebushed. Head is warmish with 10548 cams, ported and polished, new valves etc. will talk about all the other rebuilt parts as I bolt them on!
MACLEANS BRIDGE MR ENTESANO????CMON
Do they still make the Macleansbridge (lakeside) show hard for me by putting it on Mother's Day?! And no, not a chance!
Quote from: Derek Entesano on April 08, 2013, 09:59:54 PM
Yeah Dave I'm still waiting on my NOS Alfa shop embroidered white cotton gloves in the mail! :P Pancho and I rib each other about our different approaches, I plan on keeping the underside of my car dirty!
As for the build, bottom end is bone stock but with all new components except for crank which was polished and rods were shot peened, balanced and little ends rebushed. Head is warmish with 10548 cams, ported and polished, new valves etc. will talk about all the other rebuilt parts as I bolt them on!
Heh heh ;D know the feeling all too well Derek, I too want mine to look nice, but I am equally at home with the concept of SNO (eg Gary Williams and Co - AlfaBB) or even Andrew Watry's Squadra Patina !! am a fully non-paid up member of both, have the stickers to go onto mine one day.
In the end I am totally happy about getting mine dirty, no concours queen it will be. But a nicely warmed 1600 will be good. I too will eventually go down the route you have taken.
Look forward to seeing the next instalment on your project.
Whoops, look like it has been a while since I updated this thread. No surprise really considering the snails pace I am moving at :)
I got sick of staring at my engine on the stand for the last few months and decided to do something about it. The hoist was languishing nearby so I got the engine hanging and bolted on a few extra bits.
Due to the fact that I am still very time poor at the moment I lined up a mate to come around after the kids had gone to bed and we slotted the engine in. I am amazed at how tight the fit is and you have to get the angle just right. There really isn't much breathing space. I pulled it by myself a couple of years ago and I remember that being much easier than the refit. I guess I wasn't as worried about scratching the paint then :o
Engine bay is a bit scruffy at the moment but I will endevour to route all the wiring etc correctly as I proceed.
I now just have to find all the little bits and pieces I have collected over the years to piece it all back together...
Wow, lovely !
Is that curved battery tray (pop riveted in!) available anywhere, i need one of those?
And how susceptible to greasy finger marks and oil is the vapour blasted metal, is there a temp proof clear coat?
Ha! Are you spotting all my greasy prints in the pics?! They seem to clean off ok. I thought about a clear but heard of a few going badly. I figured I'd go au naturale and let it oxidize as nature intended but these bits were done over a year and a half ago and still look great.
As for the battery tray, yes pop riveted! Will be easier to remove when I fit the supercharger, aircon and musical horns. That one was NOS and cost a few dollars out of Germany about 3 years ago. They dont reproduce them. It is usually only the tray that gets shagged so if you can find the guard I am sure you could find a suitably sized generic tray to weld it to and no one would be the wiser.
Actually the head was hot dipped and gets dirty a lot easier so I think there must be a less porous finish after the vapour blasting.
Hmmm, so it seems its been a while since I've updated this thread... :-[
I have been heavily distracted for a while but I figured I better finish this car to a point where I can at least enjoy it! I'm pleased to say it is now on the road. I still have a few things to sort but I they hopefully won't delay me too much. Inability to bleed my brakes sufficiently caused a large stoppage but a friend came through for me and troubleshot that.
Lots of other two steps forward one step back scenarios that I won't bore you with.
Latest thing I did was that I had the widened original 15" steelies powder coated with new tyres and off I went! Pleased that I got all my electrics working well too!
A couple of quick pics from yesterday's drive. Lens was greasy on my phone so I wasn't really trying for the 70's glam shot!
Beautiful example Derek-well done to you looks awesome
great job Derek - well done, looks lovely
EZ
Thanks 17fitty and EZ, its nice actually having it back on the road. Its been waaaaay too long.
Another shakedown session. Sorted my driveshaft shudder. A few new problems to solve now... Drained battery being the main one.