Alfa 147 - The Italian Project

With the initial diagnoses I found that I had driven all the way with only the drivers low beam working. I didn't do much night stuff, save a couple of hours, and the high beams were operational. So off to Supercheap to get a new light bulb (H7,12v,55W) which are common and a Narta twin pack with bonus Park globes on special $47.00 ; bargain. That was the easy part, removed the rubber panel off the back of the light assembly and tried to remove the bulb; note swearing words inserted. A funny wire retaining clip that would not budge. Finally half an hour later onto Dr Google and presto, slight twist and lift movement required at the same time and out it came easily. Replaced and working perfectly. Now to address the faded, yellowed headlights themselves as they are all plastic now, no glass to be found. Backyard Garage. To remove the headlight assembly is not as simple as you would think. First you need to remove both front wheels so that you can access the plastic inner wheel arche

 First thing up was a vacuum and clean. The interior seats are flithy and in an OK condition except for the tears on the drivers front. May keep a look out for a cheap replacement, or think about a race seat. I know the previous owner had a large dog ( from my brother-in-law, Liam, who collected it for me) but I was not expecting the amount of dog hair under the seats, boot, footwells etc; almost had me gagging when I lifted the rear seat. Lets just say the vacuum canister was filled a few times. Quick wipe of the seats but major cleaning to be left for another day.  Ground in dirt everywhere and other bits and pieces I have no idea of their origin, and don't want to know.. Removed all the wheels to 1. clean and 2. look at the brakes. The pads and discs all look in very good condition with heaps of life left in them. To clean the rims I tried Meguiars Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner ( Dr Google recommendation) in preference to the Bowdens Wheely Clean that I have been using on Renoir (a

 So after the 2000 km trip from Melbourne to Brisbane, Aurelia has arrived at her latest residence. I was very surprised how well she handled the long drive in less than 48 hours with no issues at all. Once here I have now assessed the cosmetic issues and some electrical/mechanical observations. The paintwork is not the best and will be dealt with down the track, however after closer examination there at least appears to be no rust. There are multiple dents, etc on various panels and like the paintwork will be attended to later. Very surprised however that the sunroof works perfectly, as do all the doors, windows, mirrors and most importantly here, the air conditioning. The only issue from an electrical perspective is the random 'Brake Light Failure' warning message, even though they are still working; maybe a fuse? The Front passenger headlight doesn't work  and the headlights themselves have yellowed terribly. The funny aerial on the windscreen appears to be an old mobile

 So why the purchase of a 2002 build Alfa Romeo 147, 5 door hatch?  Simple; I want something cheap with a bit of style and go that can be a project for myself and hopefully get into a small bit of motorsport activity. At 60, yes why not. Not being a motorhead over the decades, last year after purchasing a 2011 Renault Megane RS 250 in 2020, I joined the Renault Car Club of Queensland (RCCQ) which have some 'happy lap' events at both Queensland Raceway (Willowbank) and Lakeside. These consist of 30 minutes track time before the main stuff gets underway and is a max of 40 cars. All must be roadworthy (no helmets, roll cages etc) with strict rules re overtaking and a max speed. OMG how much fun, why the hell didn't I find out about this decades ago. I'm hooked. However as you would probably understand, there is no insurance, so if something happens, there's $20K down the drain and I don't want that. Hence the lookout for something cheap and fun which is where the A