Re: DeDion thoughts

[cubrr@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Hello!
        First of all let me say that I'm a new digester but have been observing  for a few weeks now
and it's great to find intelligent discussion by enthusiastic and (in many cases) known and
reputable alfisti about such a great marque.
       I'm writing my first post in response to Brad Porter's comments on the Dedion tube as
follows:

>  Where can I have my deDion tube
> modified?  It seems to me that this is a procedure which requires a high
> degree (no pun intended) of accuracy since there's no provision for
> adjustment - I think I'd like to have this done by someone who's done this
> before.  How exactly is the modification accomplished - is the hub cut off
> and re-welded back on to a newly surfaced tube, or is it heated and bent,
> or what?  How much should I expect to pay for the procedure?

I too have a GTV-6 (84 Maratona) and when going through the previous owner's records, I discovered
that the left and right camber readings for the rear wheels were different.  I asked around about
how to remedy this situation and was told that the dedion tube could be bent, but as far as the
method, (and its viability) who could do it and the how much, I don't know. So I too am very
interested in finding out more info about this procedure.        As to Brad's question:

>          And finally... are the all-metal deDion bushings still avaialable here in
> the States?  What about the ES30's Watt's linkage bushing (is it also all
> metal?)?  If someone could give me a lead to who I should talk to about
> getting either of these parts, I'd appreciated it.
>

Check out this Milano FAQ site:http://reality.sgi.com/employees/sikand_mti/milano.html

Under the "Suspension" heading you'll find some great info on the aluminum Dedion bushing from the
3.0 SZ that you can get (eventually) from Jon or Ruth Ann Yager at Alfa Parts in Berkley, CA. Their
number is (510) 525-9435. BUT BE WARNED! and you can ask Jon or Ruth, as I did, and they will tell
you candidly (which I'm very grateful for) that some people have had problems.  Seems that as the
ball rotates within the bearing that sometimes it will "snag" indicating that the surfaces of the
ball and race weren't machined properly and tend to catch on each other.
        They also told me that the parts are on a 7 month back order and there's no telling when
they'll get them. But if you're still interested, the part #'s you'll need are: 605-52102
       605-52378
       608-00730

On this same site you'll also find a nifty front suspension upgrade to replace the caster arm
bushings for a ball joint setup taken from the 105-115 Alfas.  I recieved these parts today and am
waiting for my GTV-6 to get out of the body shop so I can perform the modification.  I'll post
results and impressions once completed.

Good luck with your Dedion musings!

Enzo

The "A" List:
Mine -- 84 Alfa Romeo GTV-6
Wife's -- 98 Audi A4 1.8T (manual, with sport package of course)
Dog's -- 90 Acura Integra

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