Confortevole "Restoration"

[davisfamily]

Reckon I can just blow into a Napa on a breeze and ask the feller behind the counter to come up with a Fram CH 993 filter?
Sorry, been reading a Louis L'Amour book per day for the past week.
Also, the oil pressure gauge works purely on the pressure from the line running into it, or does it need electricity? When "bench starting" the engine, there will be no power to any accessories.
Anybody out there have any thoughts on the quality difference of brake rebuild kits for the MC and wheel cylinders? Or, would IAP or Centerline or Alfastop have better parts included? That comes next...

[alfazagato]

Filter....yes Napa.
Gauge needs no electricity.
Don't rebuild...buy new...Alfastop.

[Subtle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfazagato Don't rebuild...buy new...Alfastop.

[alphil]

Quality new parts,excellent.My cylinders are sleeved with brass(apple hydraulics)and haven't had any problems.Check out brakecylinder.com (sierraspecialty).

[davisfamily]

Two questions:
What is so wrong with rebuilding the brakes? A quality rebuild kit with good condition parts?
&
I won't damage anything running the car with an external fuel tank and the block-mounted fuel pump and lines still connected, will I? I mean the fuel pump won't be trying to suck air or rust while it is being driven from the engine?

[PSk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davisfamily Two questions: What is so wrong with rebuilding the brakes? A quality rebuild kit with good condition parts?

[alfazagato]

The answer to the brake problem is simple...there will be some corrosion/pitting after all these years and by the time you have them lined....and I thought that brass was no longer favoured and stainless steel was the preferred lining.....rebuilding is, in the UK anyway, probably 50% of what is not a great deal of money for new cylinders in any case. I have no problem in rebuilding things, engines, gearboxes etc but brakes are, after all, the most important safety element. Liners also do have a habit of moving.
On all my rebuilds I replace the master and wheel cylinders and all the hard and flexible pipes....I would urge you to do the same.

[AlfistiSA]

Stuart is 100% correct, the cost of replacing brake parts with decent quality items, (Alfa Romeo car parts from AlfaStop: Brakes, Suspensions, Transmissions, Exhausts.) pales into insignificance when viewed against the insurance costs and that nasty crunch as your priceless grille whacks into the back of some SUV.

You can cut corners elsewhere during your restoration, but brakes, suspension and tyres are not the place to skimp. Don't risk your life, or that of your kids.

And yes, stainless is the preferential "sleeving" material for master & wheel cylinders today.

Ciao
Greig

[alfazagato]

Sorry, I forgot to ask you why you have a block mounted pump on a Confortevole. What has happened to your Facet pump?
In any case remove the pump from the engine and thoroughly clean out. I would make a temporary aluminium blanking plate whilst you test the engine. Remove all the fuel lines and blow them through and swill out. The tank should be taken to a specialist shop (usually a radiator man) who can pressure test for leaks and clean it out for you, and if necessary make repairs. Replace the gauze filter in the bottom of the tank....these tend to turn to dust after many years service.

[Mikes4C1300]

Dan, I'd recommend new cylinders for yet another reason. When I redid my brakes a few years ago I sent the cylinders out to be lined. When I went to reinstall them I didn't realize the male threads were trashed when I took the system apart. Rather than spend any more money on them I ate the relining cost and bought new (from Alfastop). Start the P'Blaster treatment now if you're committed to reusing the old parts.

Mike

[101/105guy]

I'll take the contrarian view and say freshen the brakes yourself.
Since you are just trying to get her up and running and not preping for a restoration. it makes sense. You sound capable of telling if a cyl. is bad and will need replacing and I've done quite a few of these with great results. Best to do it all and learn about everything.
Also I doubt that you will be putting too many high speed miles on in any case.

[davisfamily]

Stuart,
The 1300 Veloce engine was replaced around 1970-1972 by Paul Spruell of Atlanta for a Giulia TI 1600. That's what is in there now, and that is what I plan on running (once it is running!), because that is how my family has always known it (the four brothers bought it in 1968), and that's how it will be for years and years and years.
I have not checked to see if the electric pump is still under the trunk floor, but the fuel lines are hooked up to the the mechanical fuel pump on the block.
Any thoughts on the Eastwood gas tank kit?
My only needs for the brakes would be for turning the car around in the driveway, slowing it down going off a trailer, and stopping it going on to a trailer (that latter would be when it runs enough to appease my father-in-law and move it to my barn). The car will not see the road until all the other major systems (fuel, suspension, electrical) have been gone through and "debugged."
Greig, the nose is already bumped and the grill dented!

[alfazagato]

Know nothing of Eastwood's products, sorry.