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Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:07 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
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Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:05 pm
by MD
Amazing dedication Mike.
Hot air problem
A tip. In hot climates, there is a cabin heat problem from the large glasshouse. To compound the problem, the engine bay chassis rails carry the cavity heat into the dashboard and connect with the so called fresh air vents. Engine bay heat enters the holes in the rails and delivers this heat into the cabin, especially from the exhaust header side.
The fix is simple. Inject expansion foam into the chassis cavity as shown. This will ensure no blending of outside air with engine bay heat.
Air Conditioning
Down the track if you are not a total purist, avoid re-installing the useless original evaporator fan box. Alfa didn't understand air-conditioning systems then. By the time the 75 came along, they got it sorted. Install one from a 75/90 series and remember there is no actual face level ducting in these dashboards so you will have to make your own connections.
BTW. Don't listen to Kevin, his eyes are too close together.
Good on you Kevin
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:49 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
Thanks MD - useful tip on the engine heat issue!
At this stage I have left the aircon out altogether (on advice of Dawie) and will try and manage without it. Lets see!
I hope to get a lot more posts going forward now - been a LOOOOOONG journey!
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2024 2:31 pm
by KevinR
Good on you Mike to see your journey ! I think I used my A/C once in SA but then it was so poor I did not bother . The joburg heat and humidity is nothing close to what MDs feels there in Oz . I have spent quite a few months there and it’s honestly insufferable so I can see his need for it . Very good tip on tbe chaissis rail MD!
On very long drives in SA ( note my GTV was my company car for many years ) I used to soak a black wet towel and leave on dash board which made a huge difference and I still could get fresh air in .
Look forward to many more pics of your build Mike !
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:17 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:19 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
POWDERCOATING
And this is what I received back!
Believe they did an excellent job and at a very reasonable cost if you are looking for someone to provide this service.
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Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:53 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
ELECTROPLATING
Wanting to ensure a real nut and bolt restoration, I had invested in a sandblasting unit from Adendorff (yes the reason they are doing so well is because of me !!! - have spent a pretty fortune there over the last while!!).
Maybe for another post but the system is not as simple to use as you may think. MANY things need to work together to have a sandblasting experience that is both efficient and effective. The most important thing is LOTS of air volume and pressure. I have a 150l W configuration compressor and quite frankly believe you should have nothing less than 200-250l and even better on 3 phase.
I have been using aluminium oxide as the substrate for the tougher cleaning and very small glass beads for the more sensitive items like aluminium.
With items nicely cleaned up, it was time to figure out how to do plating myself. This would be ZINC plating with a Yellow passivate to create not only a robust coating but also that visually appealing gold iridescent colour.
I initially made us of Tshwane Plating Suppliers to get the chemicals and zinc anodes, but more recently go to Metalchem in Edenvale.
So here is an overview of the process. IT IS TIME CONSUMING but also very satisfying!
- Metalchem to get plating supplies from in Edenvale
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- Example of item to be restored
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- Rear suspension bolt stripped down
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- Sandblasted and really cleaned up
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- Ready for chemical cleaning
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Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 12:02 pm
by mikekath@iafrica.com
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 12:07 pm
by mikekath@iafrica.com
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2024 12:09 pm
by mikekath@iafrica.com
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:35 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
FRONT BRAKE REBUILD
The stripping and rebuild process for the brake calipers once removed needed to be done.
The calipers were removed, stripped down, sensitive parts closed off with tape and then components sand blasted, painted or plated.
The smaller rubber seals between the spacers were obtained from Summit Brake & Steering in Rivonia - contact is Frank!
I also elected to get them to strip and rebuild the brake booster - something I was not prepared to do myself.
- Brake caliper off, before stripping
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- Brake caliper split apart
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- All components of the caliper stripped, ready to be restored. I did land up getting new brake pistons from Caribiner parts in Bryanston (Doug Kirkby)
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- Sensitive caliper areas were taped off with strong duct tape before sandblasting
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- All parts nice and clean before painting or plating
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Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:45 am
by mikekath@iafrica.com
Re: South Africa - 1982 GTV6 2.5 Restoration (50/100)
Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2024 1:08 pm
by MD
Hi Mike,
Enjoying your work !
By the look of what you are doing and if you keep it up, this car will be worth a motza. The direction seems to be keep it original.
Along those lines, if you want to take some advice from an old fart, resist the temptation to deviate from that approach.
Collectors are impressed and value originality. Enthusiasts value effective modifications. Avoid the temptation to mix the two unless the end value of the vehicle is not relevant. No matter how well intended, finishing up with somediss and somedat is only of value to the owner and will plummet any resale value.
No disrespect intended but the presentation of the front brakes rebuild is the first example. Functionality is great. Presentation looks nice but is not original. Pads and rotors aside, the red calipers and gold hub reduce the effect of originality.
By all means follow your heart but if you can, decide what it is you want to achieve, a rare South African beauty or just a nice car.