Re: More questions about Milano Verde

["Colin Verrilli" <verrilli@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Sam Shartzer" <shartzer@domain.elided> writes:
> I have been reading the Alfa Romeo Bible and have a few more questions.
>
> Is rust a big problem with Milanos?   In the Alfa Romeo Bible he talks in
> there like Alfas rust real bad but never specifies which model.  I know with
> Volvos the 200  series rust a lot while the 700 can't seem to rust anywhere
> and was hoping the same could be said about Milanos.  I have never had a
> rusty car and don't want to start.
>
The rust spot on Milanos is the rear wheel arch. Mine started to rust on
one side, and I live in a place where they don't use salt. Other than that,
I haven't seen a problem.

> Are they really that different to work on?  I work at a garage.  Mostly we
> get European cars but never a Alfa.  I consider my self very mechanically
> inclined but wonder why people (especially in that book) act like the Alfa
> is something only for specialist to work on.  I will definitely buy a few
> service manuals for the car but wonder if there will be many jobs that
> really require an expert (excluding rebuilding things like transmission,
> steering rack, etc...) because there are no Alfas around were I live let
> alone Alfa shops.
>
Not that different. You need a shop manual. I use the official one 95% of the
time. Braden's 5%. The shop manual procedure often appears to be the long
way around, but it's usually the method with the fewest frustrations and
difficulties. Of course it often calls for special tools...this is where
Braden's book can come in handy.

> Is gear shifting that big a deal?  I like to make my shifts fast and smooth.
> I hear stuff like you need to double clutch going to second.  Is that with
> the Milanos too?  Is it something that makes you feel like you are walking a
> tite rope and not driving fast?

You can't shift fast if you want it to be smooth for very long. The synchros
will wear if you do. This is something you learn to live with. Otherwise, the
car is very neutral and handles very well.

- --
Colin Verrilli     Raleigh, NC     verrilli@domain.elided
'84 GTV6        '87 Milano Gold         '94 164LS Auto
Mid-Atlantic Alfa Romeo Club (MAARC) Treasurer
MAARC Home Page:  http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/2380
164 Home Page:    /alfa/FAQ/164
NOS Alfa Parts for sale: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/2380/cbvparts.htm

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