SPRINT RESURRECTION

[Crank]

I think its only early cars that had the dreaded foam. I presume Alfa stopped using it when they realised it was a rust aid.

[Alfaoldgit]

I agree with Crank that only early cars had the foam. My X reg Sprint didn't have it. As for Envirostrip, their process removes everything via Pyrolosis followed by dipping in rust remover (which maybe dissolves ally spacers.
There's a product called Envirostrip Pro on the market but it's nothing to do with Envirostrip, being a paint stripper made by an unrelated company.

[alfadave]

My 1980 (built late 79) Sud has foam.

I wondered if there was a way of dissolving it?

Petrol doesn't work!

[Alfaoldgit]

Oh dear.... I think the foam is Isocyanate based Polyurethane in which case no solvent in the solar system will touch it. Pyrolosis is the only way to get rid of it in box sections (basically, burning it away)

[Alfaoldgit]

I've got drive shaft bother.......someone changed the boots both ends (clue - plastic cable ties!). Both have failed; no problem getting the inboard one off, but the outboard is bad news. I wanted to take the CV joint off the shaft so I could thoroughly clean it out as the boot was split half way around. Not happening! The "ears" are broken off the ends of the C clip so there's no way the CV is coming off the shaft. So, I'll do my best & if the joint knocks Ill be looking for a complete shaft. Fingers crossed.......

[rsfruitbat]

I gave up trying to get outer cv,s off years ago. Struggle to figure out whether the circlip needs compressing or expanding. Always do it from the inner end.
Never had much luck getting hubs off cv,s either.

Regards rsfruitbat

[looloosud1984]

Ade. There’s a special tool (yes i do have it ) for pressing the drive shaft out of sud hubs as they were assembled with a green loctite style compound and could be a real PITA
Lou

[rsfruitbat]

Thanks Lou

[Alfaoldgit]

Engine & gearbox reunited. Wiring going in. The target is to have the car ready for display at Goodwood Revival, albeit incomplete & not moving under its own power. Inner CV joint covers away for plating. Seats back from trimmers at last.

WA0001.jpg[/attachment]

[justsuds]

Looking good Chris !

[alfadave]

I can see your reflection in the paintwork!

[Kegsti66]

Wow !! that is looking stunning.
Beautiful attention to detail. Love it.

[Alfamet]

Beautiful!

[alfadave]

Cover those wings over when you are working on it!

[Alfaoldgit]

Gentlemen, thank you for your kind words. I have completed the filthy task of refurbishing the drive shafts. One of the joints decided to liberate its ball bearings, which was "interesting" to reassemble. As you can see, I indulged my fetish for yellow zinc plating

[Alfaoldgit]

The Sprint is finally ready to venture out from Prestige Paintworks for the first time since May 2022. It'll be on their trade stand ar Goodwood Revival 12th to 14th September to show that there are cars other than super expensive ones that are worth restoring. I have a "looks like new" air filter box lid to take over tomorrow. There won't be time to install the seats unfortunately.

[Kegsti66]

She is really coming together now.
Lovey.

[alfadave]

I had a near side drive shaft detach itself at the inner end a bit back.

Luckily at low speed.

Since then, I've used longer cap screws with nylocs .

But I have outboard brakes.

[Alfaoldgit]

Eeek!!

So I went over to Prestige with my son (RR tech). The Sprint was up on the 4 post lift. Comment was made about having to drop the brake discs to get at the bottom engine stud & nut (I can get at it with a thin wall 3/8 drive socket & long extension). Sprint was lowered to the floor & slowly rolled. Chris reached in and lifted the handbrake - no change. I couldn't understand it! I had set the brakes up so they wouldn't need messing with post engine gearbox refit. My son & I peered down at the brake caliper levers while Chris operated the handle.......yep the levers were moving to just over half travel, but still the car moved. The combined brain power of the three of us couldn't understand why no hand brake.

Meanwhile on the shelf behind us was a pair of driveshafts that I had taken over with me

[alfadave]

I did notice the driveshafts were missing on the underside shot!

I was going to remind you, but thought that wasn't necessary!