Re: Weak jack points, & 116 structure generally, plus DIY

["David R Johnson" <johnsnd@domain.elided>]

In AD-746, John Hertzman wrote a detailed response to my comments on GTV-6
jacking point rust.  Thanks John for supplying an illuminating description of
how the 116 series cars gain their body strength.  This explains why my GTV-6
felt so solid when I was still driving it despite the extensive rust later
revealed.  This makes me feel somewhat better about having trusted my life to
this car, although I still wince when remebering finding a pool of brake fluid
next to a pool of fuel underneath it when it was parked after my first drive.

It also sounds like the rust on my car may be partially due to the accumulation
of salt and moisture behind the fender closure panels.  If so, I can either opt
to leave these panels out on reassembly or to regularly clean the space behind
them with a pressure washer.

John also mentions the usefulness of a parts book when undertaking the kind of
restoration work I have planned.  It seems that this would be a good time to
begin my AROC membership in order to obtain a copy of the book.  In a previous
post to Richard Welty regarding major bodywork on a 115 series car, John also
mentions a "Body Shop Manual".  Does such a publication exist for the 116
series?  If so, I would like to find out how to obtain a copy, as it sounds
invaluable.

Lastly, John commented on collision repair shops and their inability to
comprehend the scope of the work required to restore an Alfa.  As it happens,
the shop I approached specializes in total restorations, and is quite
experienced with Alfas.  They had a GTV down to bare metal in the shop when I
visited.  This probably explains the $15,000 quote I received for restoring the
bodywork and repainting; they were knowledgable enough to give a realistic
estimate and concientious enough not to cut corners.  I have no doubt I would
end up with a splendid example of a GTV-6 if I had the money to spend.  Here
however I will take the opportunity to thank Scott Fisher for his eloquent post
in AD-745 on soul and the satifaction of home restoration.  This post made me
feel good about the project all over again, and makes me feel a little less
crazy!  Not only will I save money doing it this way, but I will gain valuable
skills and a feeling of achievement that is difficult to match with a
checkbook.  No offence intended to checkbook mechanics, I'm just stating what
works for me.

Many thanks,

Dave J.
1982 GTV-6

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