Restoring Alfetta Sedans?

[ossodiseppia]

Wow! Great job. It really looks good. Makes me think about doing my Alfetta!

[Echo Leader]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiatosca Engine box actually looks much better in person than in photos.

[fiatosca]

A few more detail shots. Notice how well crusty brake lines clean up with some 220 grit and a Scotchbrite pad.

[Del]

Do keep in mind that for the 75, 76, and 77 in the US, the Alfetta's had a real tendency to rust, but I guess you already know that. The problem is that many people don't check around the shock mounts, etc. These spotwelded in members rust under where they mate, and then the fender wells in the engine compartment fall apart. It's hard to see where the corrosion is until things start separating. Becomes rather dangerous. The 78's and 79's didn't seem to have this problem.

As well, the ugly corrosion around the windows is from galvanic corrosion with the stainless window trim or retaining clips. Alfa has had a tough time understanding this, as it has shown up in many models.

I owned both a 75 sedan, and a 78. The 75 was more fun to drive because of the rear end ratio, but the 78 was far more resistant to corrosion. We put 180k miles on that car, and it still looked pretty much show in it's light metallic brown with gold pinstriping color scheme. My wife still regrets selling it, as we know it wasn't going to be taken care of the same way. Sigh. She bought a new Milano Gold, and at 80k miles, it's still pretty pristine.

[fiatosca]

Wiring cleaned with grease and wax remover. Relay somewhat detailed.

[quadrifoglio]

Bob,

Nice work on the Alfetta! You purchased that car from my friend, damn thing sat in my garage for months before he sold it to you.

Very cool car. Had some rust issues and age issues but just about everything was there.

It originally came from texas and lived there for I believe most of its life before the original owner moved to Cincinnati. My friend bought it from him and drove it as you purchased it for a couple of years before you ended up with it.

Way to go on the restoration!!! I'm glad to see that car was saved!

[bshorey]

Hey All,

It's been a good 10 years since I've owned an Alfetta Sedan (I have two couples, amongst many others), but this thread caught my eye.

I've got a bunch of Alfetta Sedan sheet metal in my loft. Couple of hoods and trunk lids from the later ones, one hood from the earlier one ('76), and some doors.

I've got some basic pictures of them if anybody is interested, at http://www.shorey.net/Parts/SheetMetal/SheetMetal.html. I'm located in Mass, they're free to anybody who wants them, I need the space!

I'm best reached at bshorey@cisco.com.

bs

[Echo Leader]

Bob, are you repainting the actual engine bay or is that just really well cleaned original paint?

[ossodiseppia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Echo Leader Bob, are you repainting the actual engine bay or is that just really well cleaned original paint?

[fiatosca]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Echo Leader Bob, are you repainting the actual engine bay or is that just really well cleaned original paint?

[alfsedan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiatosca I am just curious - is anyone out there restoring an Alfetta Sedan besides me? As anyone who has driven one knows, they are an exceptionally cool car. I purchased a first Series '75 off of eBay and am well into the bodywork portion. I love the first "Small Body" version because of its forward leaning front end and cool instrument panel. There is another thread going on right now comparing GTVs to BMW 2002s but I think the Alfetta is perhaps a better alternative to the BMW. It's got sort of a baby 5 Series thing happening and the price is laughably low. If you have one, restore it!

[sfalfa]

Being the proud owner of a red '75 myself, I need to get in on this thread...

Mine was bought in Jan. 2004, after a long search for a '75 (last year of smog exempt here in CA). I found it in WA state, near the Canadian border, it was barely running, and had the usual tired gearbox, but I couldn't resist, as I love these sedans in a sick way. I've been doing a 'rolling restoration' on it since then, but after redoing the engine, Spica, transmission, and a billion other bits, plus new seats, wheels, Euro bumpers, etc. , I'm now down to the painting issue. I'm terrified of removing the front windscreen, as I have been trying to locate a 'backup' without much luck. Should that crack, I'm in trouble. I'm currently just enjoying the car 'as is' since it looks good to the untrained eye , but one of these days it'll be torn apart and redone with zero regards for my personal savings. I'm not too concerned as I do plan on keeping this car "till death do us part" (my death, BTW, I'll keep resurrecting the car as needed until then).

[73alfetta]

I'm wondering if anyone had any experience dealing the insulation materials in the sedans. Does the interior cabin insulation contain asbestos? And if so by leaving it alone does it pose a health risk? After 30 plus years, mine looks like it is getting loose around the edges.

[sfalfa]

Good question, if it does then I've probably shortened my life by a good bit. I ripped out the entire interior of my black sedan down to the metal, never even occured to me that it might be dangerous. Doh!

[italiansedanman]

Alo new to this thread, new to the Alfetta section actually!

I just picked up this '74 in Verde Olivo Met' over tan. I bought if for the value of the engine and the carbs, but I think its too good to wreck...

What to do?