Headlights are specific for the GTA, so good luck tracking them down - xenon or non-xenon. I had the fortune of coming across a modestly priced pair a couple of years ago (part of bought up stock), but already back then the only other option was paying serious cash to some scalper. As for the coilovers, I don't know if you've got adjustable ones? I got Bilsteins with 9 different settings and was able to find a good setting. Made remarkable difference in terms of handling.
Oh that's good info thanks for that. I'll have to have a search about. Yup I believe they are adjustable I'll have to have a look at the setting and see what I can learn about them.😊
You really don't have too much to worry about. Yep the rubber stops on the pedals do get really slippery once worn down, especially if you have just got in from wet tarmac. But you can buy replacements (here in Oz, there's a fella who makes the rubber stops in a kit ... way cheaper than buying new pedals). Get onto the wiring mess in the engine bay promptly - that is in the worst possible location for an errant short. My first V6 156 went up in flames in 2015 after the fuel line developed small leak at the connection to the HP fuel rail, right above the coil packs and hot exhaust manifold. In addition to tidying up those wires, I'd also change the fuel-line to the fuel rails - it is a known failure risk - with upgraded fuel lines (plenty of premium choices out there for not much money). My "cheap" GTA (paid ~£4k two years ago) needed about £2k spent to pass inspection for registration here, which included everything - rego, insurance, temporary movement permits, inspection fees, servicing/repairs/parts and a full set of tyres. Work wise I needed to clear the headlight lenses too - no cost, just a quick wet sand and buff. Also needed to return the braided brake lines to factory - though they were in great nick and better than factory, they didn't have any markings or part no to prove they were ADR compliant (ie local regs). New O2 sensor, tighten and reset the airbag connection in boot to cancel warning light, one of the headlight level control arms was busted (cheap fix), I needed to steam clean old stains on the underbody from past fluid/oil spills (no recent leaks), and refit factory orange side indicator lenses (PO fitted smokey clear side lenses). My main "fingers crossed" issues were getting the various modifications approved - Zeatek Azzurro adjustable coilovers, stainless exhaust (volume just under the threshold...) sway bars, stut brace. All mods passed with no changes, they are just listed on my rego as approved modifications. Had also had the Q2 and 330mm Brembos added (mine is May '02 build) but they were no issue being factory spec on later cars.
Hi, nice video 👍I went the opposite way to you and bought a £20,000 GTA needing no work and in perfect condition and with only 44,500 and a full history. I wonder how much you will spend getting all the work done and will it be reflected in the re-sale value? I am absolutely not a person with practical skills so I take my hat off to you for your bravery 🙏
Where are you based? I'm in South Devon. Mine is currently for sale on Autotrader - it's the one on at £15750. I'd be happy to feature it with your car.
Great looking Miro Red Alfa 156 GTA Sportswagon, still looks modern today, sounds a bargain to me.
Thanks mate :D
Headlights are specific for the GTA, so good luck tracking them down - xenon or non-xenon. I had the fortune of coming across a modestly priced pair a couple of years ago (part of bought up stock), but already back then the only other option was paying serious cash to some scalper.
As for the coilovers, I don't know if you've got adjustable ones? I got Bilsteins with 9 different settings and was able to find a good setting. Made remarkable difference in terms of handling.
Oh that's good info thanks for that. I'll have to have a search about. Yup I believe they are adjustable I'll have to have a look at the setting and see what I can learn about them.😊
You really don't have too much to worry about. Yep the rubber stops on the pedals do get really slippery once worn down, especially if you have just got in from wet tarmac. But you can buy replacements (here in Oz, there's a fella who makes the rubber stops in a kit ... way cheaper than buying new pedals).
Get onto the wiring mess in the engine bay promptly - that is in the worst possible location for an errant short. My first V6 156 went up in flames in 2015 after the fuel line developed small leak at the connection to the HP fuel rail, right above the coil packs and hot exhaust manifold. In addition to tidying up those wires, I'd also change the fuel-line to the fuel rails - it is a known failure risk - with upgraded fuel lines (plenty of premium choices out there for not much money).
My "cheap" GTA (paid ~£4k two years ago) needed about £2k spent to pass inspection for registration here, which included everything - rego, insurance, temporary movement permits, inspection fees, servicing/repairs/parts and a full set of tyres. Work wise I needed to clear the headlight lenses too - no cost, just a quick wet sand and buff. Also needed to return the braided brake lines to factory - though they were in great nick and better than factory, they didn't have any markings or part no to prove they were ADR compliant (ie local regs). New O2 sensor, tighten and reset the airbag connection in boot to cancel warning light, one of the headlight level control arms was busted (cheap fix), I needed to steam clean old stains on the underbody from past fluid/oil spills (no recent leaks), and refit factory orange side indicator lenses (PO fitted smokey clear side lenses). My main "fingers crossed" issues were getting the various modifications approved - Zeatek Azzurro adjustable coilovers, stainless exhaust (volume just under the threshold...) sway bars, stut brace. All mods passed with no changes, they are just listed on my rego as approved modifications. Had also had the Q2 and 330mm Brembos added (mine is May '02 build) but they were no issue being factory spec on later cars.
Thanks for commenting and also pointing out the fuel lines and also the importance of sorting that wiring 👍👍 much appreciated 👍
I taped the airbag connection to the bracket that it should be in. That solved it on my 147. Less play is better
My lights are way worse than that! Not even had an advisory, you must have a very picky tester.
Yup could be but I don't mind that 😊
Hi, nice video 👍I went the opposite way to you and bought a £20,000 GTA needing no work and in perfect condition and with only 44,500 and a full history. I wonder how much you will spend getting all the work done and will it be reflected in the re-sale value? I am absolutely not a person with practical skills so I take my hat off to you for your bravery 🙏
Oh it would be cool to do a video comparing our cars 😊
Where are you based? I'm in South Devon. Mine is currently for sale on Autotrader - it's the one on at £15750. I'd be happy to feature it with your car.
I'm in the Peak District 😊 a nice road trip but not sure when I could do that. Let me have a plan 👍
Just had a look at it on Auto Trader 😍 beautiful colour
Thanks. Ironically I think if it was red, it would have sold by now.
Airbag light: solder the connections.
Wear on tyre inner edge: you've got worn suspension or a previous owner has pratted about.
😂😂😂🙄.
Some small expenses, but it will pay up in the end! So start working and enjoy the car after! And no offense, you payed 3000 quids on that!