With the body repair and repainting complete, the next phase in the restoration of the 1969 Alfa Romeo is the reinstallation of all of the exterior trim and chrome pieces that were removed prior to repainting. Following is a summary of highlights from that process as it took place in the body shop.
- The first step in the re-installation of the exterior trim is to remove all of the masking that was applied to protect non-painted surfaces during the painting process. The paper shielding and masking tape are carefully removed (figure A).
- Once all of the paper and tape has been removed, re-assembly and re-trimming of the body will begin to proceed from the back of the vehicle to the front. The process begins as new weather stripping is installed on the trunk (figure B).
- The ends of the stripping are cut with a razor blade (figure C), and the two ends are not cut flush. Rather they are cut so that they can overlap to form a reliable seal.
- With the weather strip in place, the trunk lid can be carefully positioned (figure D) and reinstalled. The hinges in the deck lid must be lined up accurately in order for the trunk to close properly.
- Once the trunk lid is installed, the original license-plate lights are carefully reinstalled (figure E), being careful not to crack the aged plastic.
- After the lights are installed, their original plastic covers are then attached (figure F).
- The next series of installations is the decorative Alfa emblems. Masking tape and grease-pencil markings are used to line the emblems up precisely (figure G ). The emblems are held in place with a specialized double-sided tape.
- Continuing with the re-assembly of the rear of the Alfa, the tail-light housing and lenses (figure H) are installed next.
- The chrome rear-bumpers are then installed, followed by the side and directional marker-lights (figure I).
- The weather stripping is installed around the doors (figure J), just as it was on the trunk.
- Next, the hardware for the door-latch and door-lock assemblies (figures K and L ). Phillips-head screwdriver and an Allen wrench are required for this process. The hardware is not tightened down fully until after the door has been installed, and all the parts are checked for proper alignment. Once proper operation has been established, the fasteners can then be tightened down firmly.
- The door is positioned and anchored on its hinges using a socket wrench (figure M).
- The door-mounted rear-view mirror is installed (figure N), along with the door-handle.
- The door-sill plates are installed next (figure O). These plates were originally installed with plastic clips, which were not obtainable for this restoration. The decision was therefore made to fasten the plates securely using stainless-steel rivets (figure P).
- Moving forward on the vehicle, the chrome trim at the base of the windshield is installed.
- Once the chrome base-piece has been installed, the windshield-wiper arms can be re-attached using the original nut and bezel (figure Q).
- The radio antenna inserts into a hole in the car's body. Lateral stabilizing fingers hold the antenna secure from underneath as the assembly is tightened from above using a nut (figure R).
- Once the headlight-securing clips are installed in the headlight openings, the headlights themselves can be positioned (figure S) and secured in place with screws.
- After all of the screws have been tightened down to hold the headlight in place, the headlight trim-ring can be installed and secured using a single screw at the bottom (figure T).
- The front side-marker at the corner of the vehicle is re-installed (figure U).
- The front grill-piece can then be re-installed (figure V), and the front emblem attached.
- With the front grill attached, the front bumpers can be installed. The side pieces are secured with retaining bolts that fasten from a bracket behind the bumpers. With the two side-pieces in place, the center-section of the bumper can be installed ( figure W).
In the segment that follows, restoration continues on the Alfa's interior.
RESOURCES :
Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
Model: 0837607078
Author: Pat Braden
Order this book from Amazon.com
Bentley Publishers
Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
Model: 1861261225
Author: John Tipler
Order this book from Amazon.com
Crowood Press
Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760311625
Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
Model: 1870979591
Author: David Hodges
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
Model: 0750919582
Author: David G. Styles
Order this book from Amazon.com
Sutton Publishing
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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