1969 1750 GTV KGB 260 - SEEKING HISTORY - history found

[giuliasuper]

What a journey! I've had a lot of 'fun' with this car.

I purchased the car back on the 29th of February. Regrettably, I broke several golden rules in acquiring the car, the most important of all is that I trusted the roadworthy. There were several minor body related items I wanted attended to and as I sussed out various body repairers, structural rust in the sills and in the front was identified. Boy did I feel stupid!  A further check by my mechanic found another half dozen unroadworthy items! Under threat of reporting to Vic Roads the RWC provider and the previous owner agreed to see to the repairs.

During this time I had been searching for the previous owner. Thanks to this forum, as you know the previous owner was tracked down. We had a terrific conversation about his car and he insisted that the books were handed over to the interim owner. Last week I picked the car up. Only when I fronted the 'gent' with my knowledge of his dealings did his wife remember that she had all the books in the back of her car! So at last I have the records and boy are they spectacular. From the original purchase through Clemens Sporting Cars, through every registration renewal notice, every Benincas Service, every journal entry of every tank of fuel purchased, they are an absolute credit to Mr. Hacche.

As it turns out, there were 3 items of the 11 left unrepaired by the mechanic providing the dodgy RWC so I am taking him to Vic Roads and perhaps VCAT anyway. Whilst this is occuring I was wondering about a couple of other things I'd like to have addressed.

Can anyone provide advice on -

Finding the original cross-hatched material or equivalent for the drivers seat
Replacement visors
Dash timbers - refurbished or replaced
Inside cracked A pillar repairs or replacement
Rear seat belts - where to purchase and have fitted
Where to purchase correct mirrors
Where to purchase correct wheels

Many thanks again to all who helped me!

Derek
 

[Sportscar Nut]

Derek

Hope your 105 is running well and good luck with pursuing the business who provided the RWC!

In reference to your advice:

- The cross hatched vinyl is available but expensive! I have considered upgrading on my vehicle as had a few 'cracks' but had them welded by a vinyl expert (who I can highly recommend but might be difficult to get to do the job).

Art on Wheels (formerly the 105 Factory) in Ringwood may have the vinyl but can also be obtained from a few specialists in Europe (UK from memory). The price was around AUD$1,500 but also came with new boot rubber (including Alfa insignia on base piece).

If vinyl is in reasonable condition, I can also recommend purchasing 'Vinyl Restorer' from the Dashboard Factory in Ringwood as have liberally used for the last 5 years and the original vinyl in my car including original dashboard and has come back to life. Ie soft and pliable rather than brittle and dry!

Vinyl should not have any product containing silicone applied which rules out just about anything you would purchase from Autobarn etc but the vinyl reconditioner actually contains compounds used in making vinyl. Have used on my Sud as well and door trims, seat bases etc are like new as well!

- Sun visors: If you hunt around at say, Milano Spares, you should be able to find good ones and then apply the vinyl restorer.

- Dashboard timber: Again, I think Art on Wheels or UK should be able to provide but be careful on finish. Ie Have seen many restored 105's with timber that is clearly too dark.

- In side A Pillars: Again, try Milano Spares or UK. Should not be hard to locate.

- Rear Seat Belts: To my knowledge, were not originally fitted and as I would not consider rear seat passengers in my car, have not considered fitting. Early 70's Alfa's came with nice period type seat belts so again, Milano might be able to assist!

- Correct Mirrors: Again, many Alfa wreckers should be able to assist.

- Original Wheels: Were steel, so are easily accessed. New hubcaps are also available (around $300 from Milano) and look a treat on 1750 GTV's!

Hope I am too over the top in 'advertising' Milano but have purchased many parts over many years from them and have always been satisfied (105, Sud & GTV). Also, plenty of 105 parts available globally pending your budget; just get on the net! All the best.

Regards
Paul

[Ash Gordon]

Hi Derek,

I tried to source locally, but what with the strong Aussie $, the overseas websites are hard to beat on price.

http://www.alfaholics.com  is where my mirrors came from aprrox $60 ( 27.50 pounds stirling) each plus postage. A selection of "new" old stock and plenty of new reproduction parts.

Shop around though, I have been out to Milano and they have quite a few 105s in various states out in the wrecking yard so you might get lucky. Quite good on prices too!

I have alo bought suspension parts at Benicas in Surrey Hills. They used to stock the mirrors, worth a phone call.

Theres a full list of suppliers on the alfa club website, by state & some O/S . mind you not all up to date.

http://www.alfaclub.org.au/supplier.htm