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Revive my 147 2L, or move on?

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147 move revive
1K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  NuovaApe 
#1 ·
My 147 TS has sat outside unloved and undriven for a few years.

03 plate, petrol, black, tan leather, "3 hole" alloys, 70k miles iirc, seat heaters still worked, not bad really.

It's still a good looking car considering it's a few years old, and the alloys are peeling, and the tires have rotted, and etc.

It cost me £8k+ yonks ago from Meridian Milano.
I'm looking at black shiny G's for around the same money - I'm nearly half way there.

So I'm thinking - if all I'm doing is getting another black grumpy Alfa hatch then why not re-love the one I already have. The money I've saved could be used for its rebirth.

It could be the best (only?) 147 in town. The cam belt break cost me £2k, the drivers window motor was dying, but apart from that it's been a faultless lovely gutsy car.

I don't have the technical know-how to do the work. The brakes will have seized, no idea about the state of the subframe, perishable hoses will have, etc. It's a project for an Alfa shop like Day and Whites. Not after concourse, but certainly a step above "it'll do".

I can't get embroiled in a never ending outgoing of cash.

I can't expect a knowledgeable Alfa chappie/girlie to give me a fixed quote.

What are the rules of engagement?

Would/have you engaged in such nonsense?

I've written/deleted this post at least 5 times over the last few months. I'm stuck in this logic/emotion cycle.

Logic; I'll never get my money back - don't care. G's have infotainment - don't care. G's have better emissions - do care but I'm a low mileage driver so...don't care. Parts are scarce - fair point.

Emotion; it's my Alfa and deserves better, but not at any cost.

"Smoke and mirrors" is fine but not for the frame/brakes. Ooh can I have shiny red calipers? And Kylie in the passenger seat? I'm getting ahead of myself.

Not interested in buying someone elses.

The engine is/was sound. No oil leaks, although the oil will have turned to coal.

Time to press "submit" and to hell with this indecision that's been bugging me....
 
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#2 ·
I would think your biggest problem could be underbody corrosion given the age and it’s been stood for a while outside.

I would suggest having a poke around underneath before making a decision on reviving it.
If it’s viable then like you say brakes and perishables like tyres,oil,filters and fuel will need replacing to start with.
 
#3 ·
If you want a set of 17" supersport wheels with two as new tyres and two part worn tyres you are welcome to them. You will have to pick them up or arrange collection from near Stansted.

If you don't want them but someone else does then the same offer applies!
 
#4 ·
After buying my 156 for a paultry £475 I have spent prob £1500+ on it since Feb.
It's a love affair thing.

If I'm being honest though....I think the best thing to do would be to get someone out to have a proper look at the 147 and see exactly what is required to be done. You may even be looking at an engine that's partially seized if it's not turned over in 3+ years.

Its interesting though as I've often thought I'm keeping the 156 no matter what. I'm thinking I'm saving up and the next time the timing belt needs done, the head is coming off and it's getting decarboned (it's a jts!).

Does it make sense..??...no!

I'll prob do it though!

I'm kinda hoping you go ahead and do the work but that's easy to say when it's not my money lolol (or my risk)

Keep us posted.......
 
#5 ·
You sound like a guy with Alfa embossed on his red leather heart.....best advice? At least know what you're dealing with before starting....go with your heart and then check the shell....I had a twinnie bought for the Ring...thrashed the poor thing for a year .... it loved every minute of it ... As did I :)

...bottom wishbone, brakes and tyres....and a steady proactive oil change over the months...just keep topping it up and it'll purr just right at 7k... As did I :)


Had to let it go in the end... :( when you know, then let it go....

go find another one ... you'll soon forget the 147 when you're hurtling about in a GT or GTV .. it'll be a distant memory... but if it's a good shell and the floor pan is good then you'll have the Roman Gods at your door if you dont save it from the scraper! You have been warned ...

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#7 ·
Given your car's problems, I think you should consider another car. If you would like an AR a used Giullietta would be ideal. I own a 2001 TS which I will keep for some years more, but it is in showroom condition (thanks to my 1998 Hyundai Atos for everyday use) and with only 65.000 kms. If it had any kind of problems given the high price of spare parts and the lack of technical support (which as I read is common in all countries) and ofcourse the high petrol consumption (at least 11lt/100kms without the aircondition working for which you can add another 2-3 lts) I would give it away.
 
#8 ·
Why not have it taken to Day and Whites for an assessment. Ask Mike or Gordon Spiteri who are the new owners, they took over a while back. See the GTV lounge for the pictures I posted of the work they did on a 916 Spider.
 
#9 ·
Why not have it taken to Day and Whites for an assessment.
I second that. Have it taken in for assessment, to see how it is.
Given that you don't have the means to do any mechanical work yourself, I would however be weary of how costly it actually is, to get the car back on its feet.
 
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#10 ·
Thank you all.

I was expecting "OMG don't do it! Get a Giulia QV/QF instead!".

So...I am not dissuaded from my little project. I'll poke around.

FesterII - 1st Alfa was a 33 1.7 years ago. Rusted to pieces. I gave it away to an Alfa specialist. Left my keys on the wheels. Got home from work and it was gone. I cried like a real man should.

I'm not joking.

Psircos - illogical maybe, but recycling is all the rage these days! I want my baby purring, growling once more. Golf GTIs just shriek because they're scared ****tless of their drivers.

armoore - thanks for D&W insight. The magic will happen there if I can summon the fairy dust (money).

I love my Alfa. I love my money. I'm sure balance can be found.

FesterII - all that luggage! Did you have the optional Italian ashtray?
 
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