Dionisios' Resto/Mod GTV

[darth dino]

what started out as a paint job/mechanical repair project evolved into a ground up, fix everything rebuilt.

this has been a decade long project. almost to the day.

i had the sell the GTV6 i owned and raced in the '80s, after my first stint in college, to pay for educational costs. bought this 73 GTV as a college graduation present to myself after my second college, once i saved up the money of course. it was beautiful in Alfa red with a tan interior. drove it around awhile, but i wanted even more performance, having been bit by the racing bug 10 years earlier. installed lots of go fast parts from Shankle for the engine and suspension, and went autocrossing.

unfortunately, i had no garage to store it in. it stayed outside rain or shine. years of environmental exposure (especially that harsh California sun), frequent canyon romps, autocrosses, and oblivious parking lot people took their toll on the paint, body, mechanicals, and interior.

after one big failure, i figured it was the last straw, and parked it for big repairs. the rest is history. i did everything myself except most of the big bodywork, paint (actually did some of that), engine machining (well, i did some of that too). i did have an upholstery shop recover the front seats, but i had to go back and redo them. if you want something done right . . . heck i even rebuilt the dash, steering wheel, and center console.

i don't think a single stone was left unturned. everything has been fixed, rebuilt, de-rusted, repainted, or replaced. much rustproofing on hidden and exposed bits and many screws/bolts are now stainless. lots of modifications to the engine and suspension. lock-tite & anti-seize abounds, and every electrical connection has been cleaned and coated with dielectric grease. most trim has been backdated to '69 style.

for the same amount of money, i suppose i could have gone out and bought a nice new BMW, but where's the fun in that. besides, the Alfa looks so much better, is way more fun to drive, and is a timeless classic.

so here's pictures of the now finished project. there are still a few bugs to sort out, but Sophia is very presentable.

i have a billion pics of the whole process if anyone wants to see . . .

[James1750]

you should definitely try to share the entire process with us all becuase the results look off the charts!

great job, well done!!

what've you got as you rear suspension set-up?

[maxludo]

More pictures and info please! Restoration looks top notch

[Super1600]

Superb restoration, I am, like all the other guys have said totally impressed. Please do post more details as it is not only helpful to all of us, but also totally encouraging that our GTVs can look like yours, with the dedication to excellance. Mine too has suffered the ravages of time spent living outside and not as well loved as it should have been. At least I know have it in a dry garage under covers waiting until I can afford to restore it. Good also to see you name you car. I think its nice to recognise their personalities. All my cars have names. Cheers.

[lowmileage]

Good job..................

[darth dino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by James1750 you should definitely try to share the entire process with us all becuase the results look off the charts!

[darth dino]

here's how she looked when i first bought her.

classic combo AR501 red & tan interior. looked beautiful. ran well enough. i wanted a car that needed no cosmetic work, but being a gearhead and self wrencher, i didn't mind the prospects of doing mechanical repairs/upgrades.

i preferred the looks of a 1750, but wanted the mechanicals of a 2000. so i shopped for both, and settled for this one. it really was a mistake. the amateur restoration from the PO seemed good at pre-purchase inspection . . . the cracked windshield, half installed rear window trim, and dented fuel filler door should have clued me in on the attention to detail.

look at that stock, tall, tippy suspension. when i first autocrossed it like this, my best friend said it looked like i was dragging the door mirrors on the asphalt, because it leaned over so much !! if i actually had nice sticky tires, maybe i could have.

keen eyes will notice the red starter button under the dash, above the hood release. i installed that. immediately after purchase, the ignition switch failed. probably because, as it turned out, the motor was virtually impossible to start up when cold. started perfectly fine when warmed up . . .

[Super1600]

Sophia looks a 100% better over what she was when bought. Its wierd how for the US market the cars always seemed to be slightly different to the Euro versions, which we also got here in Australia. Am glad to see you got rid of those horrible side indicators, and especially the one on the rear panel, as well as fitting a proper 1750 Grill. So much better. I also like the burgandy colour, a good change from 501 Alfa red. Dave

[maxludo]

Very brave of you to go from 501 to 509. Most people go the other way.
My bella is dressed in 509 and I'm sure you'll agree its a fantastic colour.
What are those red alloy bars in the rear?

[darth dino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxludo Very brave of you to go from 501 to 509.

[classicalfas]

Who's watts link is it? I'm thinking about installing one too. Peter.

[smestas]

How is it you are local in TO and I have never seen this car?

It looks awesome!! Cant wait for more pics.

[maxludo]

Great thread with lots of interested onlookers. Keep the updates coming!

& Thanks for the informative posts thus far.

[1750GT]

Dionisios...I'm reading your thread (and story) with interest. I'm hoping to bring back my car to life as well much like you have with yours.....of course yours had some life to begin with. Thanks for sharing this.

[Peter]

whoa!!! That looks really nice..congrats!!!