[alfa] Mods to sell in USA : Was - 164 Euro Tail Lights

[JALFAjr@xxxxxxx]

I don't normally copy the messages I am replying to, but since this one is 
two weeks old I thought I would.   For those who wonder why Alfa (or any foreign 
car company) has trouble selling limited numbers of cars in the US, when they 
sell thousands (or even tens and hundreds of thousands elsewhere).  Just read 
the differences noted by Sonny in the brake lights.  Modifying the 
manufacturing process to make the changes in body, wiring, modules, etc cost a lot, just 
so Alfa could sell on average probably a 1000 164s per year in the USA.

John Justus
1995 164Q

In a message dated 8/14/2003 1:21:32 PM Central Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2003 11:16:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: Sonny <maxid@domain.elided>
Subject: Re: 164 Euro Tail Lights

Euro cars were designed for separate rear turn signals and brake lights. US 
cars (posibly due to Chrysler's intervention) got combined lamps. An electronic 
circuitry is inserted to "merge" the turn signal and brake light signals, 
located in the passenger side footwell. Thus, only one wire runs to the back of 
the car. Once at the taillight, there is no way to separate the two signals. On 
European cars, separate wires carry turn and brake signals. Thus, you will 
have to run an extra set of wires. A related problem is that the US model had 
dual brake lights (2 on each side) so with the Euro lamps, the computer will 
think you have a blown bulb on each side. Also, the turn signal will flash at the 
wrong rate unless you get a new flasher.

I was once very determined about making this conversion, so I assembled a 
whole kit with everything needed to bypass the brake light control module and 
make it entirely Euro spec: 10 meters of appropriate gauge European-made wiring 
in each of the four colors used in the European model, orignial terminals to 
interface with the brake light (not aftermarket spade plugs), the correct 
flasher for Euro tail lights and side repeaters, and of course Euro rear and side 
lamps. The tail lights are the no longer available ones with white turn signals 
as opposed to orange, and SAE/DOT stamps (in the life of the 164, they used 
three different designs). You will need to have a European diagram to really 
understand where to tap in to get your turn and brake signals.

I eventually decided not to go ahead with the conversion for the following 
reasons. The body cutouts for the tail lights are slightly different on US 
models; a set of "ears" are missing. The plastic piece covering the trunk side of 
the lamps is different; Euro ones are needed. When I take it to a mechanic or 
if I ever pass it on to a future owner, I would like it to be as described in 
the US Electrical Manual. The turn signals may actually not be all that visible 
in bright sun because the white (or orange) stripes reflect ambient light. 
The car is now so old that I want to go for a correct look. Lastly, if you look 
at Pininfarina's early sketches, the tail lights are just a monochromatic red 
stripe rather than the multicolored European one, so maybe we in the US lucked 
out and got something closer to Pinin's intentions.

Deespite all the above warnings, I will consider offers for the kit I 
assembled.

Sonny
'91 164 S
Baltimore
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