We are on the Road .......

 Finally, finally, finally ..........

Well its been a bit of a long road getting Alonzo ready for the RWC, but we finally got there after a number of unforeseen 'issues'.

First was a new battery followed by the clutch which I knew about before purchasing and despite my immense mechanical knowledge and efforts; needed to be replaced by the 'experts' ( Master clutch cylinder, not clutch). How they fit those things in such tight places is beyond me. 

Then the new brake lines, went for braided as not a lot of difference in price and much better for the track. New gas struts for the rear hatch door, 4 new tyres, engine mount, roof lining replaced, new rear bump stops, brake pads, new rear discs, etc, etc.... Did a few things which was all new to me and thoroughly enjoyed it and left the more involved stuff to those that know.

BUT the thing that took the longest was the bloody drivers window.!!!!!! For roadworthy it must go down and up in single motions.

I recollect that when I collected Alonzo it worked, but now I'm not quite so sure. Anyway. I replaced the drivers door switch with one from the wreckers and the same issue persisted, it would go down in a quick single motion but it would only rise in steps, taking at least 8 go's to get it closed. I was informed it would need a new window regulator. So purchased and installed and F.. me dead, still not working; oops sorry did I just swear. Tried the recommendations on the web about holding buttons down etc but all to no avail.

So at a Renault car club meeting one night ( yes I know not Alfa Romeo ) , one of the older gentlemen offered a suggestion; does it need a proxy alignment? Upon checking the always correct Internet, this seemed plausible so got in touch with Barry, the mobile Alfa specialist ( highly recommended through the ARCOQ ). First question; have you replaced the switch A: yes, Q: Is the odometer flashing, A: yes. You need a proxy alignment !!!!!!!!

So Barry attended, ran the diagnostics and bingo window working properly. I had therefore wasted a new window regulator and soooooo much time, hence why I did not go back to the original mechanics to do the lower control arms as that should have been pretty bloody obvious to an experienced Alfa mechanic. @#$%%#!

So we are now registered and ready for the road. 

Backed Alonzo out of the driveway and as we went over the kerb (rather extreme kerbs here) the rear view mirror fell off ....insert more swearing ....@#$%%#!  Used some Permatex Rear View Mirror Adhesive and all fixed.

Now to do some more cosmetic stuff to clean him up a bit and looking to getting on the track in early 2023 to see how we perform.

As someone once said, owning an older Alfa Romeo is an "Adventure". Till next time.

Window Regulator

  

New Rego Plates attached


   

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