It begins...

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Well, nobody said it was going to be easy!
I'm trying to get a set of brand new Michelin tyres - that are currently in my garage packed and ready to go - up to Dundee to complete the project but there's no movement from local carriers around where I live at the minute and none of them seemingly wish to take the risk in collecting them while we're under lockdown and shielding restrictions presently. Much to my frustration, I can say that I can't really fault them.
The Pirelli tyres fitted to the Sprint at present have flat spots on them due to the length of time that they've been in storage so they need removing before the wheels can be refuruished.
Ah, well. Patience is a virtue - or so I'm told....
Last edited by Alfamet on Sat May 16, 2020 9:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

alfadave
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Re: It begins...

Post by alfadave »

Shiply seem to be operational.
Shifted something for me recently

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Thanks mate. I'll give them a try!

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Alfamet wrote:
Sun May 10, 2020 8:38 pm
Thanks mate. I'll give them a try!
At last. The tyres will be going up to Dundee next week via Shipley.

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

So now. This is indeed frustrating but can't be helped....
The new Michelin tyres are being sent up to Dundee next week which will mean that the wheels can at long last get refurbished.
I've still to decide on the Speciale's unique rubber rear spoiler. Should I try and get the thing restored and repaired for the sake of originality? Or should I try and get a replica made? Decisions, decisions, eh? In the end it'll be the finer details that'll make all the difference.
Just to compound my frustration, I received a photo yesterday from Euan at CP Garage Services.
For those of you who've been asking how the restoration's progressing, well the answers right there in the picture. That's my Sprint peeping out from beneath the grey cover looking gorgeous and so very nearly ready.
At least it's in good company while it's self-isolating up in Dundee. Euan's a dyed-in-the-wool Alfasud nut like most of us here and the two red ones are his, being pictured together for would you believe the first time in twenty years!
Onwards and upwards. Soon. Very soon....

In good company at Euan's place!
In good company at Euan's place!
Last edited by Alfamet on Sat May 16, 2020 8:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: It begins...

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

Hi Colin
If it was mine I’d get The original repaired and put it up in the attic safe and sound. I’d talk to Bob Wright about pulling a mould in order to make a fibreglass replica. Id then fit a fibreglass one. as it’s much more durable the rubber ones always split in the corners.
There’s no guarantee that the original wouldn’t split again in a few years and that would be a great shame.

That’s just my 2 penneth worth

Lou
Alfasud Ti 1984
Alfa Spider 2.0 Ts 916
Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

I think that's the way to go Lou. I'll check out Bob Wright before he retires!

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Re: It begins...

Post by Kegsti66 »

Nice photo Colin, as you say, good company there.
I also agree that a glass fibre replica is a good idea. It will be more durable, a bit like a Sud S1 ti spoiler, and to be honest, who would know it should be rubber. It is a rare model .
Roll on Summer when you can get her back.

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: It begins...

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

If Bobs looking to retire we need some one to continue doing what he does. It’d be shame if all those moulds for panels ended up never being used again. It’d be a good sideline for someone with a bodyshop.
Alfasud Ti 1984
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Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Because we're in the vulnerable category and shielding at the moment - and it looks probable that we'll have to stay indoors for at least another month according to the latest advice - we need a bit of cheering up.
So, to provide us with a much needed pick-me-up, here are some pictures of our Sprint Speciale from the previous owner.
Taken seven years ago after it'd passed its MOT, it was in very reasonable condition back then and in good company at Spur Garage.
It just makes me happy and sad at the same time seeing it in one piece here because, although it's been improved and restored in all areas since, it's likely to be some time before I get Alfie back in our hands from its self-isolation in Scotland.
If ever we've had something to look forward to though, this is it. We desperately want to have the Sprint home!
FB_IMG_1589992960783.jpg
FB_IMG_1589992966496.jpg

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: It begins...

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

No doubt It’s been a long time coming Colin . Stick with it Alfie will be home soon enough. That said also would it be worth paying to get it delivered ?? I appreciate You probably want to drive it home but id rather have the car home. A delivery firm would be “Working” and you can keep social distance whilst it comes off the trailer You could at Least drive it up and down the drive and polish it then sit in it and polish it again the. Back it out the garage and polish it then put it back in the garage and Polish it again
Or you could park it in the sun on the driveway and sit in a deck chair admiring the view............. after you’ve polished it of course
Alfasud Ti 1984
Alfa Spider 2.0 Ts 916
Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

alfadave
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Re: It begins...

Post by alfadave »

Shiply shift cars as well as tyres!
If you drop lucky, you might get someone looking for a return load from Scotland.

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KevJTD
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Re: It begins...

Post by KevJTD »

I've used Shipley quite a few times for car collections, cheaper than travelling to collect sometimes when you factor in train ride to collect, or an extra to and fro journey if going by car to collect..
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alfadave
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Re: It begins...

Post by alfadave »

Several reasons for having it collected:-
1. Risk of travelling by train at the moment.
2.Cost of travelling by train.
3.Fuel cost of return journey.
4.Time taken to do all the above.
5. Its an Alfa, so will break down on the Motorway!

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

I was with you there until item 5!
Seriously, today the First Minister announced a relaxation in the lockdown conditions in Scotland from next Thursday so we'll see what we can do. It should all being well make it easier for me to get Alfie back home.
As always, thank you everybody for your encouraging messages. Appreciated! :)

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KevJTD
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Re: It begins...

Post by KevJTD »

If you need a lift up to fetch it Col I can offer my services, but due to the social distancing you'll have to ride in the boot :lol: or maybe attached the hatch if still not 2M away :roll: :lol:
Giulietta JTD 170
Lancia Delta integrale
Lancia Flavia coupe 1.8 1963
Lancia Dedra turbo
Renault Clio 197 RS

I'm bad with people things
But I should have tried more

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: It begins...

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

I’ll also take you Colin but as per Kev’s point. Due to SD rules you’ll have to sit in the trailer . I can offer a Brolly and a raincoat as protection.
Alfasud Ti 1984
Alfa Spider 2.0 Ts 916
Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

I'll wear my Dominic Cummings cut-out mask. I won't have to bother with Social Distancing then. :roll: :twisted:

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: It begins...

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

😷😂
Alfasud Ti 1984
Alfa Spider 2.0 Ts 916
Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

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KevJTD
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Re: It begins...

Post by KevJTD »

He could have nipped up there for you and brought it back on his way back to London :lol:
Giulietta JTD 170
Lancia Delta integrale
Lancia Flavia coupe 1.8 1963
Lancia Dedra turbo
Renault Clio 197 RS

I'm bad with people things
But I should have tried more

alfadave
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Re: It begins...

Post by alfadave »

It seems clear to me that Dominic Cummings should have listened to his Mother.

alfadave
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Re: It begins...

Post by alfadave »

.........She kept telling him he'd go blind!

junior
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Re: It begins...

Post by junior »

alfadave wrote:
Thu May 28, 2020 10:05 am
.........She kept telling him he'd go blind!
:lol: if only she had told him a better way to test for it.

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Re: It begins...

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: It begins...

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

Holy moly and it’s got wrong wheels on it !
Alfasud Ti 1984
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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Stunned. Wrong engine too. And the engine compartment is satin black. It didn't come with that as standard.

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Down in price. Grab a bargain.

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

I'm probably going to regret this, but with all the virus restrictions and family illnesses, it looks like we're on the final lap of this marathon restoration.

Truly final fitting and fettling now. The tyres have been collected from Yorkshire last week and they're now in Dundee ready to be reunited with the Sprint and the refurbished wheels.

I have a new old stock passenger door mirror to go on and new old stock chrome door handle thumb push plates.

A slight oversight by the painters is due to be remedied. They had inadvertently painted the gutter channels on both sides of the car in the body colour. They should be black so this will be seen to.

Interestingly, the set of five tyres were transported to Scotland on the rear seats of an early four door Alfasud. I couldn't have wished for a better way to get the tyres up there.

I hope to get my Sprint back home by the end of this year. Famous last words? We'll see ....

Perfect courier for the new Michelins!
Perfect courier for the new Michelins!

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KevJTD
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Re: It begins...

Post by KevJTD »

Final stages at last Colin, bet you never thought this would heppen after all the setbacks.
Hope it's all plain sailing from hereon in 8-)
Giulietta JTD 170
Lancia Delta integrale
Lancia Flavia coupe 1.8 1963
Lancia Dedra turbo
Renault Clio 197 RS

I'm bad with people things
But I should have tried more

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Alfamet
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Re: It begins...

Post by Alfamet »

Thanks Kev.

When I started out on this restoration, it was the fulfilment of a lifetime's dream for me. I had no clue that circumstances would transpire against me and that it would take so long to complete to my exacting standards but, do you know what? It's been so, so worth it.

I'm due to end up with an honest restoration that's not been overdone. In short, the Sprint has been saved and I'm very proud of that. Another one rescued to ensure that the legend lives on! So, it's taken longer than first thought. I don't really care. The car and I have won, albeit and arguably, against the odds.

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