Original Q4

[Helli]

The Q4 which I have is my very first Alfa. That does not make me an expert

The present exteriour has these Wheels




The lower body parts look like this




With this "understating" exteriour one does not know, what Alfa this is, except when I race them on the German Autobahn

In the garage I have a second set of wheels like this



Foir the lower body parts I have also "wide" front and rear spoilers and flashy special bands under the doors, of which I do not have a picture.

My question to the style experts is:
what is the "original and true" exteriour of the Q4, the one which I should mount for instance when participating in a Q4 rally?

[alfa east]

Definitely the lower ones (mag wheels), they also seem to be in much better shape) and, yes, the Q4 does have side skirts as standard. Do the Speedlines (standard on the V6 Super models) which are currently mounted have winter tires perhaps?

[164 TD]

It appears that yours is a "sleeper" ; a wolf in sheep's clothing!

With the Q4 wheels and the correct skirts, it's back to it's origin!!

[Helli]

Thanks for your comments on how to return to "original".
Although I have to admit that I like the wolf-in-sheepskin too.

Do the Speedlines (standard on the V6 Super models) which are currently mounted have winter tires perhaps?

Yes, you noticed correctly. That's why I did not yet go to the cutoff RPM in sixth gear

[alfa east]

It makes sense; the "Super" Speedlines have some damage and the previous owner probably thought that his original Q4-mag wheels were too precious to be exposed to salt in winter time. A wise decision as I have been following the renovation of those originals on the Dutch 164 sister site (and some comments here as well by the way) and it seems a laborious process, not in a small way caused by the "faux"-bolts (giving the impression of a 3-piece wheel) that usually have to be replaced.

[Helli]

The previous owner used it only in winter time - for the four wheel drive.
But I hope I will get eventually around to restore the Super-Speedlines to the old glow.

[Helli]

Tomorrow I will start to put a new A/C compressor in place.
In preparation for this, today I removed the "Right Front Gravel Guard".
This is the first time I took a wheel off.
I found behind the wheel a "spacer disk" app. 5 mm thick.
In all my documentation this is not mentioned. But I found a reference in the ABB-forum with a drawing (see item 12 below). The reference says that this is standard on all 164 front wheels.
Interesting!



You know from my earler postings here, that I use Speedline wheels from the Super. They have the little plastic center cover (item 5 above) with the logo in silver.
In the ABB-forum I saw several pictures, where this center cover has the logo in colours (see above).
Is this original or just a flashy American showpiece?

[164 TD]

Take the headlight out as well when you replace the compressor; you need a 3rd hand as well for this job.

[Helli]

Take the headlight out as well when you replace the compressor; you need a 3rd hand as well for this job.

That is a valuable tip, Arjen.
When I looked at things today (see my posting under "Projects") I started wondering about accessability.
I have the help of an experienced mechanic for "unusual cars", but without knowledge of the 164.
So don't be surprised when I start yelling here for help

[alfa east]

No, it's definitely not original (for the "Super" Speedlines). I think also not for the original Q4 Speedlines. So the single color grey logos are the right ones. Looks better too in my opinion.

[chaussures]

The present exteriour has these Wheels