Front End Falling Off

getagrip · #1 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 03:40 AM

Hi Guys. I noticed an odd squeeking noise out of the front end of my '89 1.7ie the other day and following my nose has revealed a dirty big crack in the inner fender sheet metal around the front strut tower. Funny thing, I met a guy last week who said "Oh, you've got a 33. I had one of those and the front end tried to fall off!....". I figure it is not an uncommon problem, and given the state of my local roads, the way I drive it etc, it's not a big surprise. I am hoping that one of you sud/33 guru's will have seen this before and save me a bunch of time/heartache/money etc The repair doesnt initially look like a huge challenge, but I am keen to hear from anyone who might have delt with it before?

Thanks guys.

Getatgrip

gritsop · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 06:03 AM

Hi,

It is common for pre-nuova Alfa 33 models to develop a crack in the front rails; this is due to the high torque 1.7 engines.

You should repair that section and then install re-inforcement bars which were standard fitted in series 3 33s.

It will make much difference and the front end chassis will be much stiffer as a triangle is formed between the rails-bars-firewall.

Regards.

getagrip · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 02:09 PM

Thanks Gritsop. I bought a '92 16V last week (stonking little car as well!)and my next question was going to be 'how do I prevent this happening' on that one. Alfa have obviously already beaten me to it! Thanks for your help.

77SudTi · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 04:09 PM

Precisely, re-inforcing can make a heck of a difference.

evilgidget · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 01:30 AM

Got a photo so the rest of us can see where they crack? Mine has koni's & heavy springs all around, so i'm naturally a little concerned about what may happen...

getagrip · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 02:03 AM

Yeah sure. I will round up a camera and try and get it on tomorrow. I dont think it is a coincidence that it is the front left hand side, (outside edge of the roadway) which always gets a flogging on roads around here.

getagrip · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 12:32 AM

Urrrgh! Photo of the crack where it is most obvious. Ugly huh? I'll look around a little further tomorrow. Something tells me I might find more. Anyone seen this before?

dave33 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 12:43 AM

I purchased an 85 1.5 SL as a spares car after it failed its warrant of fitness test. It had cracks in both the chassis rails where they curve upwards at the front wheel arch. So its not just the 1.7s that do it that's for sure !!

Reinforcing - darn good idea IMHO !!

panther · #9 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 12:49 AM

A friend of mine and I were just talking about this the other day. His father's Series 2 racecar cracked in the same place. I believe this was after he upgraded to an injected motor. They repaired the crack but didn't add reinforcement. Anyone have a picture of a Series 3's reinforcement or a 33 with custom reinforcement?

77SudTi · #10 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 01:18 AM

Suds do it too, my 33 1.7 is starting to go that way aswell, and almost all the 1.5L cars Ive seen have some sort of cracking evident, I think they just arent that strong round the front. Re-inforcing with new steel solves all the problems though.

evilgidget · #11 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 01:46 AM

One thing i've noticed, is that some of the "later" 1.7 cars are actually using the same subframe as the early 1.5's, wheras some of the later series 2 1.5's use the gear from the series 3 16V. The difference that I noticed which is most evident is in the radiator support panel - ALFA modified that so that the 16V could get a larger, deeper radiator and they just fitted the 1.5's radiator (same as 'Sud) on extensions so it would all line up on top. There are other differences in the stampings too, as I found the old-style S1 33 washer tank won't fit where my S2 has it's rubber bag...

Face · #12 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panther

Anyone have a picture of a Series 3's reinforcement or a 33 with custom reinforcement?

panther · #13 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Face

Sud engine bay with 33 imola engine, end the reinforcement bars visible on both sides.

sydneysprint · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 03:10 AM

Thanks for pic.

Do you have any clearer pics that show more iof the supports?
Are they custom made or off another car etc?
Cheers
Dean

Spooty22 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 04:47 AM

This is a very common problem. I have 3 suds and have owned a Sprint and they all have cracks. The Sud I am currently driving has around 6 separate cracks.

Cracks occur around the holes for the steering arms. The ones that getagrip showed in the photo are by far the most common, but the more serious ones occur at the bottom of the steering arm 'holes' - in the front chassis 'legs'.

Make it a priority to check here!

I am looking to get mine welded up. Anyone know of a workshop in Sydney that could do this well / reasonably affordably?