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My new V6 Gt + interior freshen up.

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14K views 122 replies 32 participants last post by  56654 
#1 · (Edited)
My new V6 Gt + re-furb thread

I know this is a bit late (got it over two weeks ago), but here's my new car, and the start of the interior freshen up.
I've added new gear and handbrake gaiters in black leather with red stitching.
Sprayed the gear knob cap, radio, cup holder and air conditioning control unit in metallic black. I then hydro dipped them using a diamond cut pattern, followed by a couple of light layers of lacquer (so as not to make them too glossy)
I'm currently working on the door lever surrounds.
Removed the CD Auto changer from the boot (useless things)
 

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#9 · (Edited)
Thanks folks for your comments. Hydrographic dipping is very easy and inexpensive to do, once you've got the hang of it. You can dip most things, but I don't know about the rubberised grab handles.
I watched the "how to" video on the Dipthis website and thought "this looks too easy not to have a go", after a few false starts I'm getting the hang of it.
 
#18 ·
Today I have hydro dipped my steering wheel controls to match the dash and door pull surrounds.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d16f37ecvcr6ihb/DSCN1481.JPG?dl=0
Please don't take offense at what is only my opinion and, as you know, opinions are like ****holes.....everyone has one. I think the GT 3.2 is headed for classic status and one day your modifications will be regarded the same way as the plethora of aftermarket crap that ruined all those 1970's Escort RS2000s, Capris, and 1980's Sierra Cosworths and Golf GTis. Fake carbon fibre might look fashionable now, but give it a few years and it will be laughed at. For me, unmarked originality is the most desirable characteristic of any beautiful, iconic car which I think the GT will turn out to be, particularly in V6 form. I saw this trend on the Fiat Coupe forum years ago and it was one of the most depressing trends on that forum. People actually removed the beautiful, unique turned alloy fuel filler cap and replaced it with something that looked like it had come off a Citroen Saxo because they were trying to ape what was fashionable for that particular 15 minutes. I cherish my GT for what it is and I don't try and drag it into a contemporary style to which it isn't suited. You clearly see things differently and good luck to you but I think you're making a mistake. Grumpy old git rant over :soapbox::soapbox:
 
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#11 ·
Hydro Dipping is definitely the way to go!

Check my garage out and you'll see I have made similar efforts to my centre console using Carbon Wrapping. However using glorified sticky back plastic and a hairdresser is a right faff and very prone to faults. I am definitely inspired to try hydro dipping on my next Alfa project, whatever that turns out to be.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Been applying sound deadening to the boot area and the rear side cabin panels to improve the NVH and help audio quality for when I upgrade the stereo, it doesn't look pretty, but it will not be seen again. I used 2mm Silent Coat to stop the vibrations and then covered it with 3mm closed cell foam, considering I've only done the rear of the car there is a marked difference already.

Notice the buzzer for the rear park sensors.
 

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#17 ·
Been applying sound deadening to the boot area and the rear side cabin panels to improve the NVH and help audio quality for when I upgrade the stereo, it doesn't look pretty, but it will not be seen again. I used 2mm Silent Coat to stop the vibrations and then covered it with 3mm closed cell foam, considering I've only done the rear of the car there is a marked difference already.
Where did you get the products from? Is it difficult to instal?
 
#16 ·
Most of my noise is from the top of the front windows :depressed: tried a few things to no avail....
 
#21 ·
Do you have the mirror wind deflectors? My 04 diesel Gt didn't have them, so when I wanted to return to Gt ownership I wasn't looking forward to the wind roar at speed around the side glass again.
My 05 Gt HAS the wind deflectors and is so much better (notice I never said cured)
 
#24 ·
I have the wind deflectors on the mirror mountings and I don't know what its like without but the seals aren't good as even a light spray of water has it trickling down the inside of the glass! Have tried packing out the B Pillar seal and that seemed to make it worse....
 
#26 ·
Problem is, I know where its coming from more or less, its fixing it that's the problem... not sure if new seals would fix it or is it age related play in the glass frame in the door that's never going to seal properly.
 
#28 ·
Removed the Bertone badges from the flanks, then the Gt, 3.2 script and the Alfa Romeo one off the rear. Removed the rear spoiler and had the boot lid repainted, then fitted the new style Alfa boot badge.
I might replace the "Gt" script as I like the typeface.
Those Bertone badges are quite pricey for what they are, should keep hold of them.

I tried a few things with the wind noise in the car the other evening, strangely if I wedge my fingers between the glass and the top seal as i'm driving along it goes quiet, strange because I thought that would make it worse pushing the glass away from the car! Haven't had chance to look at it since as it spends all week in the garage..
 
#29 · (Edited)
Yesterday I removed the 3 brackets on the bulkhead in the engine bay, one holds some wires, the second holds wires and the fuel filter (I think) and the third holds the brake fluid reservoir, and ALL were rusty.
De-rusted, painted and then refitted them today.
I noticed this when I removed the front bumper that all was rust free except for the brackets either side of the radiator. Seems Alfa just lose interest when it comes to fixing parts to the body and use any old cheap steel with no corrosion protection. (I'm sure they regard such things as "not sexy" so don't bother)
 

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#33 ·
#37 ·
My switches are the same, are we sure they're not supposed to sit at an angle? Also I would think the handles can come off if the door card is off? If that's the case then aswell as fitting a precautionary new door hinge while the panel is off, maybe Royal Steering wheels could cover the handle in nappa with either stitching showing or behind.
 
#38 ·
Finally I've found a good condition heated red leather interior at last. (Thanks to ProAlfa Watford)
Had a repair done to the passengers seat base where the stitching had come apart. Then cleaned it all up thoroughly using Gliptone Liquid Leather Gentle Cleaner and finished with Auto Glym Leather Care Balm (looks almost new)
I will be fitting it next year, as I intend to continue with my sound deadening programme prior to fitting the interior, not keen on working outside at this time of year.
 
#39 · (Edited)
Well I fitted the red leather rear seats and side panels today. I wasn't planning on doing this until next year, but the wife wants the spare room back, so I complied (happy wife, happy life)
Still need to fit the front seats, but I need to solder a connector for the heated seats to match the cars lead and I have run out of heat shrink. The door panels will have to be done next year when I've finished the sound deadening.
 

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#40 ·
When you come to do the door panels, can you post a pick of how the handle attaches at the back of the panel? At some point in the future I want to have mine off and have the handles professionally covered.
 
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