Restoring a TwinSpark Super to its former glory

[Engine]

Just a quick summary of the work I'm performing on my 1997 164 TwinSpark Super (more extensivly covered in dutch at http://forum.alfaclub.eu/viewtopic.php?t=63016" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

I've bought the car some years back when it was in need of some TLC. It had not been moved for some time and it had it's share of dents and scratches. Also the electrical ghost was in the interior electronics. The first two years or so I used the car as the second daily driver and repaired some smaller things along the way. After that I've lived in Luxembourg for about one year and the 164 was left parked in the Netherlands. After my return I got the oppurtunity to drive a company car which relieved the 164 from it's daily duties. Time to take things to a new level. Basically I've started at the rear and inch by inch I'm moving to the front repairing, cleaning, painting, etc along the way.

Starting point:


Replacing the gear box (after I lost the gearbox oil and didn't notice it in time):


Work on the rear bumper:


Work on the rear axle:

[Engine]

The rear wheel arches can contain rust behind the inner plastic parts. Happened to my car as well and it has even spread to the bottom.

[alfa east]

Thanks for sharing/posting!

[fasani]

Nice job Engine, looks very nice and she's worth to give back the glory.

[Engine]

Work is progressing:

[Engine]

Had a lot of troubles with a stuck bolt in the rear wheel hub (the long one that connects the suspension arms from the subframe).

Rearaxle finished apart from the brakes (will be done later since they will only rust again when I mount them now)

[Alfan]

That is looking good

[sportston]

You're doing a good job. I note how they all go rusty in the same places. I had to do all the same things you have done a couple of years ago. It is about time I did some of it again. Damn the english weather and salty roads! If only I lived in a warmer climate.

[Engine]

Yes, they clearly have a couple of weak spots. Still this is after 15 years operation in weather similar to the UK (or Denmark). Also this 164 had a rich life with many PO's and not all of them took the best care of it. Mileage is not outrageous though. My former 156 at 10 years (with many more miles) however showed more rust and even required some welding. Also on the 156 it was just a couple of weak points but they gave in earlier than the 164.

As long as finances allow for it the 164 will become a car for touring in the weekends with limited use in snow/ice conditions. That should keep it fresh for many years. BTW; I also own a VW campervan (LT) from 1979. On that van rust returns within 3 to 4 years....

[Engine]

Work is in progress again. Bootlid finished with new paint, freshed up rear light cluster and locking system and a new Alfa logo. Also first paint is applied to the body panels of the rear section. Bit more care here as it had minor accident damages in this area. Also the drilled hole for the antenna is removed (now using the antenna in the rear window). Tank filler flap also reconditioned and with new paint.
While "watching the paint dry" I've used a steamcleaner and a brush on the rear seats. Makes for a huge difference and, judging from the smell during steam cleaning, will probably smell a lot better in the car later on.

[AlfaWhiz]

I also own a VW campervan (LT) from 1979. On that van rust returns within 3 to 4 years....

That is a solid, regular, German rust. Not a lazy Italian counterpart.

Very good job on the rust treatment. I have to say I've had my former 156 done in a similiar way, plus the floor pan. Here it looks much better.

Work is in progress again. Bootlid finished with new paint, freshed up rear light cluster and locking system and a new Alfa logo. Also first paint is applied to the body panels of the rear section. Bit more care here as it had minor accident damages in this area. Also the drilled hole for the antenna is removed (now using the antenna in the rear window). Tank filler flap also reconditioned and with new paint.
While "watching the paint dry" I've used a steamcleaner and a brush on the rear seats. Makes for a huge difference and, judging from the smell during steam cleaning, will probably smell a lot better in the car later on.

I applaud your patience and precision. It really makes the difference to have the job done properly. This should be a very good example of a well maintained 164.

[Alfan]

This 164 is getting back to former glory

[Engine]

Wow, I could get shy of the compliments here.

Well, this car had a rough life and now it deserves better. Still a long road to go (and many mistakes and lessons learned along the way) but someday we'll get there. And another thing; everyone is busy saving the 1st series, or the QV, or the Q4 or a top-of-the-line V6.... I seem to be the only trying to save a (what used to be) middle of the road late model 4 cylinder. These ones are getting rare already.

[Alfan]

And another thing; everyone is busy saving the 1st series, or the QV, or the Q4 or a top-of-the-line V6.... I seem to be the only trying to save a (what used to be) middle of the road late model 4 cylinder. These ones are getting rare already.

I think that goes for all car models, that the top-of-the-line models will create more interest, but the 164TS is a true gem and a very solid car with the original Twin Spark engine. So what you are doing, will for sure let you have the car for many years to come

[alfa east]

While "watching the paint dry"

Yes, sometimes, "watching paint dry" CAN be interesting!

[Engine]

Struggling with the pictures a bit again. Anyway the trunk is except for some last polishing ready. Rear bumper and boot lid are back on. Now working on the interior.




climate control display rebuild by Porto

[Alfan]

So are you now ready to drive into the summer in this 164?

[Engine]

No, engine still needs to come out. Overhaul of the engine bay, not the engine. So another year at least..

[Engine]

[Engine]

[Engine]

Prep for paint!

[Alfan]

You are getting there

Very thorough job, I am sure you will enjoy it big time, getting behind the wheel again!

[Engine]

[164EVER]

FULL RESTORATION is a love story
RESPECTS XXXL

[Alfan]

(Also) Looking forward to photos of the painted version