Alonzo's Rebirth and the road to a RWC

  So its been a few months since Alonzo arrived in the family and the lack of a working clutch presented a few initial problems that I thought I would be able to fix myself. This however did not prove possible as without a workshop & hoist, I could not get the damn master clutch cylinder out (which I was told was the problem). So a little cosmetic cleaning was performed until finally he was hoisted onto the tray of a tow truck and taken to the mechanics. 

     

A trip to the wreckers provided a proper lockable fuel cap, a replacement drivers door switch and courtesy light along with a few missing screws/bolts.   

           

Cleaning of the leather seats came up a treat and a little TLC was performed all around without going too far, depending on the mechanical outcome and if we were going to proceed further with Alonzo. 

Once at the mechanics, a full inspection was performed with a view to getting a roadworthy and a number of items were required. Best part was that the clutch issue was the master cylinder, which was replaced and worked a treat. Whilst there I also had all the timing and accessory belts done along with the water pump and a service. Needed a few other things including new brake lines ( replaced with braided), rocker cover gasket, spark plugs and engine mounts. So after all this it was back home to get the final things done by myself for RWC and registration.

Exhaust hangers were first (simple $4 rubber items from Repco instead of the $30 originals from Alfa Romeo).

    

New tyres were required, no idea why as there was heaps of tread left on all and no damage except one that had a knick in the sidewall, just lucky me with a harsh inspector I'm guessing. Replaced them with Bridgestone Potenza ADR RE003 all round thanks to the Bob Jane 3 for 4 deal.

               

Then the new gas struts for the Tailgate as it wouldn't stay up properly, (which is a safety issue when driving apparently !!!!! ); another bargain from 'thegasstrutguys at $38 for the pair over the $70 each originals.

                    

and next was the sagging interior roof lining which had to be replaced for RWC as well, as yet again; VERY dangerous !!!!! Had a mobile guy attend who was recommended by a work colleague ( Jackson, son of a friend, thanks Uncle Ritchie 😎 ) and job completed in under an hour. Excellent job and we decided to change the colour from a light grey to a dark charcoal, which we all agreed ( including his colleague Emma), looked much better and will obviously make Alonzo go much faster.

       

Looked a simple process and quite intriguing to watch. I would 'almost'  have a go myself next time but as you know, professionals always make it look easy.

So now all that is left to do for the RWC, is the rear break pads and bump stops and the front lower control arms ( bushes are split but easier/ better to replace the whole arms). Picked up a unused new one on Marketplace, so saved a few dollars there, just waiting for the RHS one to arrive and hopefully off to the inspectors for approval.