With work complete on installation of exterior trim and accessories, the Alfa restoration project can move to the car's interior. Earlier in the restoration, the door-panels were pre-fit and the seats were re-covered. Following is a summary of the steps in the re-installation of these pieces, as well as the other interior components. The steps shown in this segment took place in the interior-specialty area of the auto body shop.
- The first step in the process is the installation of rubber plugs in the floor pan (figure A). These plugs are designed to prevent moisture or contaminants from entering the interior of the vehicle.
- With all of the plugs installed, sound-deadening panels are pre-fit throughout the lower sections of the vehicle interior (figure B). These panels help reduce road-noise, and provide a more pleasant ride. Once the panels have been custom fit to the various parts of the interior, they are secured in place using spray contact-cement.
- The metal sill-plate that covers a portion of the weather seal in the doorjambs is secured in place using screws (figure C).
- Next, the process of gluing down the carpet begins. The carpet is fastened throughout the interior using a spray adhesive (figure D).
- Installation of the carpet proceeds (figure E), with special care taken to work it securely into corner areas and tuck it neatly. This Alfa originally had rubber mats rather than carpeting. The carpet upgrade will improve both the look and feel of the car. Once finished, the carpet laid over the sound-deadening panels (figure F) will make for an interior that provides a quiet, comfortable ride.
- With the carpeting installed, the seatbelts can be reinstalled by lining up the seat belt bolt (figure G), and locating the opening for the bolt through the carpet using an awl. An "X" is cut with a razor-knive in the carpet to allow the bolt to pass through and attach.
- The original kick-panel beneath the side of the dash is re-installed (figure H). This panel had previously had a hole cut in it for a stereo speaker. The original speaker, which was tested to make certain it was still performing sufficiently, is re-installed and rewired in the panel opening (figure I).
- The shift-boot and linkage are re-installed. An awl is used to locate the holes for the securing screws (figure J). The boot is then bolted securely in place.
- A new, custom shifter knob with the Alfa emblem is installed on the gear shift (figure K).
- With the wiring for the cigarette lighter secured from underneath, the original center console is re-installed. Openings for the retaining screws are located using the awl (figure L), and the unit is then secured with the screws. The ashtray snaps in place in the center console.
- The dashboard is treated with a vinyl cleaner and restorer (figure M).
- The panel and gauges are cleaned and detailed (figure N).
- The pre-fit door panels are installed. Knowing the custom fit of these panels was important earlier for giving specific instructions for paint-lines during the body-painting process. The result is a panel that lines up accurately and gives a factory-finished look (figure O).
- The re-covered seats are lined up in the passenger compartment (figure P) and secured to the floor using Allen bolts.
In the segment that follows, the restored convertible top is installed.
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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