Classic Alfa Forums

Hello all, it’s been a while since I’ve chatted on CAF but I’m glad to say I’m back. I’ve bought myself a 1988 Sprint 1.7 to fill my winter evenings! Wouldn’t start once I’d parked up (pushed)which was odd as it ran when I’ve viewed it. She guzzled 2 litres of water the night before. Took my dad around 3 mins to whip a plug out, crank the seemingly seized engine at which point we all received a soaking…head gasket! And so it begins…

Good luck with the project, looking forward to the updates. Do you have all the bits for it. Lights and grill ?

Ferdi will sort it all out!

It’s complete with lights, it’s all there. I’m currently getting a quote from a trusted body shop nearby, he’s reasonably impressed with how good it is.

Think my Dad has come around to helping me with the engine..it’s going to be an enjoyable project!

NB..looking for a 1.7 tweed interior if anyone has one?

I win!!
Only took a new set of mole grips and some determination but it’s small steps to begin with!

Love the car, mine is a very late 1988 (December) 1.7 of the same colour. Don’t think you’ll find a tweed interior though, I understand they literally fell apart at 12 months old. Mine got swapped out for an earlier green cloverleaf interior way back and I’m glad they did- looks much better.
Looking forward to seeing yours come back to life.

Nice to see another 1.7 being restored. I have been working my the car, off and on, for 23 years! Is that a record?
On my car the boot carpet and backing on the rear seat panel is missing. So some photos of how it should look would be useful, if you have not stripped it yet. Does the boot floor have a rubber mat or a carpet. Does this lie on a hardboard base over the spare wheel, or is it just draped accross it? Is there meant to be any backing to cover the rear panel that supports the back seat.
You may well find the rear side window winders are seized up. I was able to free mine up, eventually after leaving them in diesel for a few weeks and clearing the crud out bit by bit.

Hi Crank,
I’ll take some photos for you but the boot area is lined by a black felt-like material. It is just draped over the spare wheel but I’ve put cardboard over the spare wheel just to make the material more evenly spread. 23 years, that’s good going!

Well I need to buy some black carpet then, rather than a rubber mat. Is the back of the back seat lined with carpet as well ?
I think I will cover the boot floor with a piece of hardboard and put the carpet on top.

Yes, the black carpet is fixed to the rear of the back seats with button like studs. I guess you could have the material cut. I could take a photo with some measurements if that would help?

I will find some carpet which is similar and cut it to size. My car will never be concourse. As long as its solid and runs well, I will be happy. No need for measurements, but a few photos would be useful.