Black 146 ti - needs work... Options

[JeremyG]

So I've spent some stripping the front end of my recently-acquired 146 ti to investigate the accident damage - which seemed light on initial inspection.

(Frankly I wouldn't have bothered with it were it not for the fact that a) it's AMAZINGLY rust free b) it has a leather interior and c) it's not too far away from me.)

Here's what I've found, having removed the headlights (both toast, due to broken adjuster bars plus a broken casing on the left side), and the remains of the bumper and grille:



... and here's how it compares with Dante's 146 (hope you don't me posting these, D!)





(As a side note - look at that weird "shadow" in the paint on the front crash bar on both cars... I wonder what caused that - some part of the build process, I guess?)

In particular note how the thin plate metal sheet running above the crash bar between the bottom of the headlights is completely trashed on my car - it needs replacing as even if it could be beaten straight, it's now pretty rusty. This sheet provides the top mounting surface for the bumper on Phase 2 cars (and is different on the Phase 1).

Anyway, the front crash bar has been hit left of centre (so on the right in these pics)... but I *think* the left hand chassis leg has survived without being bent.

However - the bonnet shut lines tell a slightly different story... right side is fine, but left not so good:



Hmmm... close-ups of the left chassis legs below - there's some evidence of paint flaking at the very front of the chassis leg, but aside from that it looks OK - although I won't be able to tell for sure until I've removed the bumper top mount piece (only one bolt each side to go...)



So, what to do?

For now, I'll continue stripping it back - by removing the bumper top mount and the headlamp brackets (they're welded together into a single unit). If the front chassis leg looks OK I'll see if I can get a better fit for the left wing.

Next week I'll get the car over to a unit with a lift so I can get it up in the air and inspect it fully. Then I can make a call as to whether to continue fixing it or not.

If it's a yes - in terms of parts - I've already sourced a pair of used headlights and new headlamp brackets. The crash bar is also available - but I've yet to find a (new) replacement for that sheet metal upper bumper mount (although it may not be necessary, to be honest). I have a welder who can weld in the new crash bar, but I'll attempt to remove the old one myself - drilling out lots of spot welds each side...

I'll also need a replacement grille and bumper (although I could probably repair both as a temporary measure).

If it's a no - then I'll have a set of black leather seats in great condition to sell, plus a good set of teledial alloys!!!

(Note - the seats are actually from a 145, with the tilt mechanism on the front seats. That's going to annoy me if I keep the car so I might sell them anyway...)

Aside from the front end damage, the rest of the car seems to be complete and in great condition!!!



So let me know your thoughts, guys - is it worth saving???

This post has been edited by JeremyG: 26th April 2022 18:38

[dante giacosa]

Is it worth saving?

When did you last drive past one, on the road? There’s your answer!

That metal corrosion under the bumper on the NS is bizarre- how would that even get wet?

That paint shadow is a phenomenon of this chassis.
I’m sure it’s more obvious on the OS ‘round the corner’ and if you ever have the rear bumper off a FIAT Coupe; you really get to see it.
I guess the robots were optimised for external surfaces that were seen above ankle height?

What’s the mileage again, Dr G?

[SamQV]

Hopefully it can be saved! I don't think I've ever seen a black 146, even at national Alfa day last year there were only two or three 146s.

If you do decide to part ways with the 145 interior though I'd be interested in upgrading from my cloth!

PS. I have a spare phase 1 grille if that's any use to you. It's proteo red


This post has been edited by SamQV: 28th April 2022 16:42

[JeremyG]

Quick update on the 146 - the car has now been moved to the nice people at This Is Your Garage in Culham where it can be stored, and they also have fully equipped bays with lifts that can be hired by the hour.

So next Friday I'll head over for a couple of hours to give it a good check over underneath, and pull the wheels off to check the inner wings - that kind of thing.

I've also been amassing some replacement parts to fix the broken or missing bits from the front end... headlamp frames, front crash bar, fog lamp, fog lamp bracket, indicator:



These are all genuine Alfa, except for the indicator. I've also got some replacement plastic adjuster bars for the headlights on their way from eBay - I'm not confident they'll work, but for £12 it's got to be worth a try.

I've also dismantled a spare set of headlights (the originals were toast) - which are in great condition, apart from those freaking adjuster bars... three out of four are broken...

What’s the mileage again, Dr G?

It's 120k-ish. Maybe 123k?

But IIRC it had a replacement engine at some point - I vaguely remember seeing this from a previous Facebook ad. In any case, I guess I could always call Alfa Ragazzi to see what else they can tell me about the car...

If you do decide to part ways with the 145 interior though I'd be interested in upgrading from my cloth!

OK Sam, I'll bear that in mind. But please note that it will be the seats only - the door cards are fabric!

This post has been edited by JeremyG: 6th May 2022 18:21

[Ganz]

Good work Respect that you've decided to save it

[JeremyG]

Got the 146 up on a lift earlier this week to fully inspect it.

Here's why I bought it, despite the front end damage...



Aside from a small repair on the passenger side, the floorpan looks original and rust-free (although I know that's a contradictory statement...)

Elsewhere... rust has crept under the underseal on both inner wheel arches - I'll wire-brush fully these next time, but these may need a little welding:



Stripped out the old headlamp frames:



I didn't take a photo of this, but I also did a test fitting of the new headlamp frames - and the panel gap on the left wing returned more or less to normal.

Once I've finished my headlamp refurb, I'll put the front end back together and refit the bumper - and see how it looks. My plan is to take it for an MoT first and if it passes or is a near miss, I'll then replace the front crash bar.

On general roadworthiness it looks pretty decent... one of the CV joint boots looks a bit tired and the front pads are shot; but aside from that the brakes and suspension look OK.

Recent front lower arm:



and recent rear pads. TRW, too!



It feels like this car has been looked after!

[JeremyG]

Good session this morning.

Wire-brushed inner wheelarches and various other rusty spots behind the bumper and treated them with rust converter.

Fitted new front pads.

Then got on with the front end... fitted the headlamp frames, then the headlights...



... then, get this - a brand new genuine Phase 2 bumper (found this yesterday via Facebook!) - followed by fog lights.

Now looks a lot more like a car again!



Couple more things to check out prior to the MoT - then I'll be getting it tested!

I also need a replacement grille (the one between the headlights) - as mine is missing its left hand side... anyone got one?

[Ganz]

Looking good. Got the bumper in black too - happy days find

Definitely worth saving as its ti

This post has been edited by Ganz: 21st May 2022 22:57

[JeremyG]

Got the bumper in black too - happy days find

Yeah, really lucky - it came up at just the right time.

The bumper is brand new and in black primer…

[dante giacosa]

Ooh, Ganz!

How can you say that; they're ALL worth saving!!

no more ti elitism

[JeremyG]

Ooh, Ganz!

How can you say that; they're ALL worth saving!!

no more ti elitism

Unfortunately though, there IS a ti in elitism

[JeremyG]

Took the 146 in for an MoT today and it failed on a couple of items:

- washer pump not working (annoying, I thought I'd checked that...)
- front lower arm, offside (there is a knock from the front suspension, so fair enough)
- headlamp aim low (need to look at this again given I've just refurbished the headlights)
- rear offside trailing arm bush (I'll do both sides while I'm at it)
- handbrake poor (will replace handbrake cables and rusty discs and wind the calipers in and out a few times)

Plus an advisory on all the tyres being knackered (due to age) - I'd planned on replacing all of them in any case.

I've ordered the lower arms, rear discs and cables, a washer pump and trailing arm repair kit (all from Shop4Parts) and will hopefully get them on the car tomorrow.

Now - the only one of these jobs I have not done before is the rear trailing arm bush.

This article lists the how-to... but does anyone have some photos of this job? It sounds quite nasty...

This post has been edited by JeremyG: 30th June 2022 09:01

[dante giacosa]

Took the 146 in for an MoT today and it failed on a couple of items:

- washer pump not working (annoying, I thought I'd checked that...)
- front lower arm, offside (there is a knock from the front suspension, so fair enough)
- headlamp aim low (need to look at this again given I've just refurbished the headlights)
- rear offside trailing arm bush (I'll do both sides while I'm at it)
- handbrake poor (will replace handbrake cables and rusty discs and wind the calipers in and out a few times)

Plus an advisory on all the tyres being knackered (due to age) - I'd planned on replacing all of them in any case.

I've ordered the lower arms, rear discs and cables, a washer pump and trailing arm repair kit (all from Shop4Parts) and will hopefully get them on the car tomorrow.

Now - the only one of these jobs I have not done before is the rear trailing arm bush.

This article lists the how-to... but does anyone have some photos of this job? It sounds quite nasty...

Ah, ooh,,,

A few things, but not a disaster. Essentially; good news. Well done.

I’ve had the NS trailing arm bush done, but I wasn’t there at the time- I understand the initial work is to angle grind off the hinge-bolt. I however applied penetrant to mine twice a day for a fortnight, in advance of the work- and they were able to undo it!

So, it might be worth doing that now.

Whilst we are ‘on’ rear trailing arms- if I just undo the 19mm at the bottom of the shock; can I lower the arm far enough to just pull off the old springs, for replacement?

There’s a place in Edinburgh that does terrific work on headlight refurbs- you should have gone to them!

This post has been edited by dante giacosa: 1st July 2022 22:20

[JeremyG]

There’s a place in Edinburgh that does terrific work on headlight refurbs- you should have gone to them!

Well, I've already fitted new handbrake cables (both were seized) and new rear discs, so that should be the handbrake fixed.

I've also fitted a new front lower arm on the offside (in less than an hour!) and ascertained that the washer pump was indeed knackered - as the new replacement definitely works when connected to the relevant plug.

Now I just need to fit the damn thing in the washer tank - which I now remember to be a PITA given that the output pipe from the headlight washers blocks access to the small hoses from the screen washer pump. Never mind, I'll get it done somehow.

For the rear arm bushes - I've wire-brushed the exposed nut and bolt head and soaked them in PlusGas, but will leave them to the MoT guys to fit.

Which just leaves the headlights - which are a mystery. Didn't have time to check them but I suspect I've confused things by leaving them on "continental" setting with the flat-top beam pattern. Hopefully...

This post has been edited by JeremyG: 3rd July 2022 18:20

[dante giacosa]

All good work-

have you got a re-test date booked yet, Dr G..?

[Ganz]

Ooh, Ganz!

How can you say that; they're ALL worth saving!!

no more ti elitism

Unfortunately though, there IS a ti in elitism

Well spotted

[Ganz]

Took the 146 in for an MoT today and it failed on a couple of items:

- washer pump not working (annoying, I thought I'd checked that...)
- front lower arm, offside (there is a knock from the front suspension, so fair enough)
- headlamp aim low (need to look at this again given I've just refurbished the headlights)
- rear offside trailing arm bush (I'll do both sides while I'm at it)
- handbrake poor (will replace handbrake cables and rusty discs and wind the calipers in and out a few times)

Plus an advisory on all the tyres being knackered (due to age) - I'd planned on replacing all of them in any case.

I've ordered the lower arms, rear discs and cables, a washer pump and trailing arm repair kit (all from Shop4Parts) and will hopefully get them on the car tomorrow.

Now - the only one of these jobs I have not done before is the rear trailing arm bush.

This article lists the how-to... but does anyone have some photos of this job? It sounds quite nasty...

Back in the early days I had the trailing arm bush replace but the independent garage done it. Looks a right B job!
On miine I replaced the cables from the actual handrake to the rear brake cables and that seemed to do the trick on the handbrake tension.

[JeremyG]

Quick update... not had much time to work on the 146 recently but managed to fit the new washer pump this week, and took a look at the headlights... I'd left the dip beams with the shutter on "continental" setting so the beam pattern was all wrong. That's all fixed now.

I then sent the car off to my local garage to fit the rear swing arm bearings... but they are not Alfa specialists and balked at the job. So today I've booked it in at A for Alfa in Amersham - who can't do the work until mid-September...

(sad face)

[dante giacosa]

hmm-

that's a shame on the bearing front. get the penetrant on now!

strange to imagine an 'ordinary' garage turning down the bearing job; it doesn't require specialist tooling or anything. They must have just been lazy...

good news on the headlights...

plus 'one' should never underestimate the power of an OE washer pump!

[aero_mati]

Hi!

Nice to see another 146 being saved . Great work