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gwales · 15-01-2008

Originally Posted by 156GTASW

this is only 156 GTA's and they suffer because the GTA wings are "special" i.e. wider than normal 156 wings..... so we get special wider rusty wings

That is exactly it. The design of the GTA wings are specific to the model and these cars are only hitting 5-6 years of age now, where rust issues are becoming prevalent. The front wings rust because of the sanding action of the plastic liner on a poorly protected wing interior, this really is perforation from the inside out and should fit with the warranty small print.

The rears are rusting because corrosion has developed between the inner and outer wings. This appears to be through inadequate weather protection around the join but Alfa appear not to care about this one.

I think a permanent fix on the rears is going to mean a cut and weld job so I will save that until the rust puts in a appearance outside of the wheel recess.

Although all panels bar the roof are galvanised, the finish on the inward facing areas of panel appears to be a very thin layer of base primer only, and there is no galvanisation here either. The slightest scratch even from dropping a spanner and in goes the rust. Waxoyl etc would pay dividends if you thought to do it when new.

It does seem pretty poor that they did not protect the inside surfaces adequately.

Still it wouldn't be Alfa ownership if your head and heart weren't at odds.

15-01-2008	#88 (Post Link)
gwales AO Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 384 Member car: 156 GTA Sportwagon	Re: 156 GTA rust epidemic warning? Originally Posted by 156GTASW this is only 156 GTA's and they suffer because the GTA wings are "special" i.e. wider than normal 156 wings..... so we get special wider rusty wings That is exactly it. The design of the GTA wings are specific to the model and these cars are only hitting 5-6 years of age now, where rust issues are becoming prevalent. The front wings rust because of the sanding action of the plastic liner on a poorly protected wing interior, this really is perforation from the inside out and should fit with the warranty small print. The rears are rusting because corrosion has developed between the inner and outer wings. This appears to be through inadequate weather protection around the join but Alfa appear not to care about this one. I think a permanent fix on the rears is going to mean a cut and weld job so I will save that until the rust puts in a appearance outside of the wheel recess. Although all panels bar the roof are galvanised, the finish on the inward facing areas of panel appears to be a very thin layer of base primer only, and there is no galvanisation here either. The slightest scratch even from dropping a spanner and in goes the rust. Waxoyl etc would pay dividends if you thought to do it when new. It does seem pretty poor that they did not protect the inside surfaces adequately. Still it wouldn't be Alfa ownership if your head and heart weren't at odds.