"BlythBros." (blythbros)
04/25/2015 at 17:37 • Filed to: None
228
100|
"BlythBros." (blythbros)
04/25/2015 at 17:37 • Filed to: None | 228
| 100 |
All I had left to address was the 2nd gear synchro, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to fix that last trace of Alfa idiosyncrasy. Nearly two years into the most involving, frustrating and absorbing auto ownership experience in my 25 years, I lost my Alfa, my garage, and with them, my GTI and two of my brother’s cars.
I will be perfectly clear. Alfas are reliable; neglected cars are not.
I had purchased a neglected 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde two summers prior to bridge the gap between the BMW e30 I owned at the time, and the Ferrari 308 that I knew I shouldn’t buy. The practical exotic. 4 doors and a Busso V6 with an exhaust note that could embarrass any fuel-injected 80s Ferrari V8. A useable trunk and a rear-mounted transaxle with inboard mounted brake rotors. Room for human beings and a torsion bar front, DeDion rear suspension. And, under 3k RPM, you’d be hard pressed to turn any heads in traffic.
But, neglected cars demand attention. And, buying sight-unseen, it can be difficult to uncover neglect. I don’t buy sight unseen anymore, and I have a better eye for neglect now.
On the 500 mile drive home the night I bought the car, the cruise control called its own shots. Even fully shut off, I was surprised with a nice WOT acceleration courtesy of the malfunctioning cruise control unit. The car had a sizeable stutter at cruising speed as well, but I made it home, where the clutch hose burst.
Fully mended, the car was less merciful on our next attempt at 500 miles two weeks later. 300 miles in, it threw a rod. It’s hard to hear a knock on the highway, and I didn’t hear it in time. So worried about the failure, I spent that labor day weekend in a dizzy state; my first case of vertigo.
I spent the next 10 months rebuilding a replacement engine in my spare bedroom. Having smart friends is nice, especially when they help you through your issues.
The car was ready in time for a visit to my brother near the tail of the dragon. We whipped the car to NC, back to TN, back to NC, and then it shed 6 axle bolts and a brake rotor. Cue my second case of vertigo. The rotor was gone, but my brother helped get 2 axle bolts into the trans hub for me to limp the 500 miles back to Detroit. At 2AM in Toledo, the bolts finally yielded. Somewhere during the mess of loading and unloading the car onto the flatbed, the timing belt skipped and bent 3 valves.
The engine didn’t take nearly as long to pull the second time. In hindsight, a compression test would have shed light on the bent valves, but with only a knock to go by, and some bearing material in the oil pan, I went in whole hog. In the ensuing 8 months, I rebuilt the bottom end, repaired the head, rebuilt the brake calipers, rebuilt the axles, and repaired more threads than I ever care to again.
Engine installed, we got it started one night. I went back out later just to listen to it, but it wouldn’t turn over. The timing belt had skipped; a bad tensioner spring was to blame.
The next round of repairs took a month, during which I replaced and lapped in new valves. To prevent any more agony from skipped timing belts, I even modified the timing belt tensioner to Alfa Rob spec. This time the repairs took, and I took my girlfriend out for gelato at 10PM.
I drove my Milano to the local Alfa hive, where I lent the wheel to a trusted Alfa mechanic and driver friend. With the car loaded up for a hard left, the passenger torsion bar snapped right beneath my seat. He made the save, and we limped the car to his place. I was sent home with parts, tools, instruction, and a hurting Milano.
Torsion bars aren’t even positively retained to a single component in the car, but it took a solid week of hammering, heating, penetrating oil spraying, whining, pickle forking, and air chiseling to get the broken passenger side torsion bar out. The driver side bar was a write-off. Control arms would need to be replaced, as would the bushings and ball joints.
I ordered the best suspension bushing, ball joints, and tie rod ends available, and, with the help of Alfa Rob, installed them on a freshly painted set of control arms and caster rods. I grinded away any sign of rust on the chassis, primed, painted, and installed the new bits.
The resulting car left me so satisfied that I can’t imagine something more enjoyable at any price. I entered I-94, opened the sunroof, and proceeded to wring out third gear through every overpass. Even better, I nailed it through the tunnel under Cobo Hall – a dream that had eluded me up to this point. When I sat down for pizza, I picked a spot where I could see my Alfa on the street.
On the drive home, I hit a big Detroit pothole, and immediately lost ignition, so I got a free AAA tow back to my house. I pushed my Milano into the garage, called a friend, and set out to troubleshoot the ignition issue as prescribed in the service manual.
During an attempt to start, the engine backfired through the intake, blowing the intake off of the runners, and setting the fuel hoses on fire. By the time I had caught my dog, who had been sleeping in the garage, the entire engine bay was ablaze. By the time I had dialed 911, the garage door was on fire. The garage burned down, taking my 84 GTI, and my brother’s Audi 200 TQ Avant and Alfa 164Q with it.
There wasn’t much left to break on that Alfa. I really thought I had tamed it. The lost garage is manageable, and I can find more tools. I could even buy an actual sorted Milano and enjoy it. I could probably even bring a rough one back to health like I did with the last, and I think I will.
I’m a bit put off by columns I’ve seen lately that lament locking button position, or naming schemes, or a lack of third row seats. Maybe it would be easier to be so easily entertained by cars. But, I just don’t operate that way. When I got in my Alfa to drive, I enjoyed every second of the pre-flight checklist – oil level, oil temp, coolant leaks, fuel leaks, rattles, vibrations, etc. I loved getting it onto jack stands to double check the recent work; to get the torque wrench out and make sure that everything was torqued to spec. I loved the trips under hood to loosen the 13mm on the base of the distributor to dial in some advance. I loved that first WOT run through the gears once the oil was warmed up, and the double clutch on the first to second shift to avoid irritating the 2nd gear synchro.
I read reviews of the new 4C, and I see trite mentions of “flaws, character, and passion”. Well, any carbon composite car without a muffler is going possess those traits. That isn’t the Alfa speaking though. My Alfa was unique in any era, and a true performance car without compromise. More often than not, I’d spent 8 hours in the garage after a full day at the office, just to extricate any last flaw and to return the car to its original, uncompromised state.
My Milano was a car that made me want to drive 10/10, made me want to see how far I could make it, and even more, made me want to start an argument. I’m well aware of the character and passion inherent to the brand, but please, stop it with the flaws. If they bother you, then you don’t get it. Alfa owners aren’t ok with flaws, and we gladly address them when they come up. We carry on the development work started by the factory in the name of perfection.
I can’t believe how much I miss that fucker. And please, keep an appropriately-sized fire extinguisher at hand in the garage.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
505Turbeaux
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:40 |
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good lord man, I am super sorry to see this. But as always, all the non replaceable - more organic stuff like people did make it out okay.
$kaycog
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:41 |
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Oh, man, I’m so sorry! I really can’t imagine how you feel.
PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:42 |
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I am so sorry for your loss. My heart just sank man.
Hopefully you recover quick
71MGBGT Likes Subarus of Unusual Colors
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:42 |
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That’s just awful, I’m so sorry to hear that
MLGCarGuy
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:44 |
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Man, who’s chopping onions?
Feel so sorry for you.
Street Surgeon
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:45 |
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Sooooooooo sorry to hear man that sucks, my heart truly aches :(
Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:50 |
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Aawh man.. I’m actually crying now. I’m so sorry mate, I can’t imagine how this feels.
fhrblig
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:52 |
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My God, that’s so awful. I’m sorry for all you’ve lost, but I’m glad you were able to get the dog out.
Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:53 |
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Man, so sorry to hear this. Hits pretty close to home as I once had my Milano intake backfire on me and start a small fire that I luckily snuffed out pretty easily. Didn’t think a ton of it at the time, but after seeing this all I can think is how lucky I was.
Glad you’re okay, though, it’s all replaceable.
McMike
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:55 |
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I’ll pour out a Peroni for my homie.
I don’t know how I would handle losing something like that. I’m sorry for your loss.
scoob
> MLGCarGuy
04/25/2015 at 17:55 |
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Damn sneaky ninjas!
Tapas
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:58 |
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What happened was really unfortunate, especially to someone as passionate as you are.
....just :’( Damn fire! y u do dis?
Racescort666
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:59 |
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That sucks man. I’m sorry to hear. Blood, sweat, and tears lost in a blaze.
Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 17:59 |
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I’m sorry man, hopefully you have a much better time with the next one.
I’m just as sad about that GTI as the Alfa, that thing looked really clean.
unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:00 |
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I’m so sorry to see this. The amount of effort and time you put into your Milano is remarkable. Be proud that you got to experience this car like a true enthusiast with the repairs and flaws of a car.
Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:04 |
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Damn. That hurts. I can’t imagine losing my car like that, and I don’t have a fraction of the time put into it that you have with yours. Sorry about the cars and tools, but glad you got out alright.
SLR999
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:05 |
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I’m so sorry. When people talk about cars being alive, it’s not the problems inherent in schizophrenic Italian/Gallic/English metal they mean, but the reasons we stick around.
But you can’t escaped with your dog and your memories, and that’s all that really matters.
Salmanorguk
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:06 |
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Mate im so so sorry for you.
I cried for a week when someone dinged the door of my mx5, so i cant imagine how youd feel losing 4 flipping cars and a garage.
I hope the insurance covers your losses and it doesnt put you off buying classics.
Dsscats
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:19 |
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NOT THE GTI!!!!
dr861
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:21 |
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Sorry brother that really sucks. Sending good thoughts your way.
jkm7680
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:22 |
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Real sorry to heard it man.
desertdog5051
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:27 |
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Very sad. I hear ya on the fire extinguishers. Keep at least two 10 pounders in the garage and one 2 pounder in/near the kitchen. Sorry for your loss.
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Dsscats
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:28 |
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Legitimately tearing up. What’s going to happen now?
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BlythBros.
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:37 |
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Thank you everyone for the kind comments. The earthquake really puts things into perspective. Sad as this is more me, I’m absolutely fine, and that’s awesome. If that Alfa taught me anything, it was to keep on going or “If you’re going through hell, keep going”. I am going to rebuild my garage, buy new (used) tools, and start sorting a new Milano. Make sure you have a good fire extinguisher, and if you can, try to troubleshoot fuel/spark issues outside in the open.
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BlythBros.
> Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
04/25/2015 at 18:38 |
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It blew off and severed the cold start injector hose :(
Stay safe. Yes, it’s all replaceable. And, the knowledge will take more than a fire to deplete.
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BlythBros.
> Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/25/2015 at 18:39 |
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Well, the GTI hurts even more, and I’ve barely worked on that in the 5 years I’ve owned it. It’s amazing how you can bond to something mechanical.
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BlythBros.
> desertdog5051
04/25/2015 at 18:40 |
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I plan on that, plus a fire suppression system in my next older car. Good on you.
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BlythBros.
> Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
04/25/2015 at 18:41 |
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Dude, me too. That car and I had a better relationship: http://blythbros.com/6000-miles-in-…
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BlythBros.
> 505Turbeaux
04/25/2015 at 18:42 |
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Absolutely. That damn dog ran under the GTI. Had to yank him up by his neck. He’s the first thing and only thing I attempted to save.
thebigbossyboss
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:42 |
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Oh boy!!!! I am so sorry to hear that blyth. You are in a lot better spirits than I would be had this happened to me.
Again, my condolonces!
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BlythBros.
> Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
04/25/2015 at 18:43 |
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I couldn’t watch the fire, which sucked since the fire lasted over an hour.
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BlythBros.
> Racescort666
04/25/2015 at 18:43 |
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Memories preserved. Thanks.
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BlythBros.
> dr861
04/25/2015 at 18:44 |
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Thank you.
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thebigbossyboss
> desertdog5051
04/25/2015 at 18:44 |
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Yeah. When I moved into my house, I was like “fire extingusher...I need one”....this proves why.
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BlythBros.
> Dsscats
04/25/2015 at 18:44 |
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We start over. What is the chance that my next Milano will have those issues?
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BlythBros.
> Dsscats
04/25/2015 at 18:44 |
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The worst part :(
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Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:46 |
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I understand the mechanical bond. My 4Runner has been my sanity at some points in my life. It’s been my punching bag. It’s been my mate on long trips. It’s simply been there when I’ve felt like others haven’t. And with the exception of the one time of me letting it down by not listening to it, it hasn’t let me down. It hasn’t ceased to make me smile. It would probably kill me emotionally if something happened to it. It’s taught me that contrary to some belief’s, Toyota’s can in fact have soul.
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Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:46 |
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I’m not so sure I’d actually would WANT to watch the fire in a setting like that..
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BlythBros.
> thebigbossyboss
04/25/2015 at 18:47 |
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Thanks, though I wouldn’t say I’m in any sort of good spirits :(
I can’t think of anything but how perfect it felt to have a bulletproof Milano in the garage for those last two days. I don’t regret a thing about the last two days. So much driving. Such hard driving.
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BlythBros.
> Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
04/25/2015 at 18:49 |
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Oh, I mean I could not bring myself to watch it, which meant facing away from the house for an hour while my neighbors watched. Super nice neighbors though. Nice firefighters. Even the cops were nice.
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Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:50 |
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Ahh... I should’ve understood that’s what you meant mate. My bad.
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desertdog5051
> thebigbossyboss
04/25/2015 at 18:51 |
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Yeah, they are cheap insurance. My reason is a long time ago, I was helping a friend get a car started and it backfired and we sat there helplessly watching as a lot of the wiring burned up. We were able to push it out of the garage but it still ruined a lot of wiring.
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Dsscats
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:52 |
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Between 99 and 104%
Blondude
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:54 |
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sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:55 |
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My condolences man. That really sucks.
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BlythBros.
> Dsscats
04/25/2015 at 18:56 |
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I can handle that!
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BlythBros.
> Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
04/25/2015 at 18:57 |
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Make sure you have that fire extinguisher, man. Your Toyota sounds like an awesome partner.
Rainbow
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 18:58 |
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I hope everything works itself out for the best.
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Dsscats
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:02 |
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At least the odds are consistent.
daender
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:03 |
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Well...fuck. Hopefully you, or the Jalop/Oppo community, will be able to find another GTI, Alfa, or something else to help you fill that void.
Dunnik
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:15 |
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Wilsonic
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:16 |
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I am so sorry to hear about your cars and the shop. It looks like you had a nice shop and I know all too well it takes years to build up the tools and supplies needed to do proper car work. Hopefully you had everything properly insured. Still, some tools are no longer made to same quality as their older counterparts and OEM parts can be very difficult to replace. Months or even years from now, you will be looking for that one medium drive ratchet you really like and after 20 minutes you’ll look up and say to yourself “oh yeah, that was in the fire.” I know I have.
You are still alive though and no living things were harmed. Not getting the dog would have haunted you way more than losing the Alfa. There are more Alfas out there and with all the knowledge you gained, the next one you build will be even better. Best of luck to you.
norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:17 |
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God damn that sucks. At least you made it out your, very cute, dog. I know losing him would’ve been a lot worse than the cars.
BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:19 |
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Noooo :( I know how you feel man. My firs tproject car was a £60 Jaguar XJ40 I rescued from my uncle’s back garden. Damn near nothing worked on it, not even the door handles.
I fixed it up to the near-driving, then decided it needed a manual gearbox so plowed £700 into parts and got cracking.
I had just got to the point where I was at the top of the project bell-curve (starting to put things back together, rather than take them apart), when this happened:
Christmas Eve as well. And it put paid to my bargain-find little X1/9 as well that would’ve been next on the list of projects to get on the road:
Will you at least get something from insurance so you can get another car? That was an extra kick in the balls for me. Not only had I lost time, effort and money but I wouldn’t get anything back to start again...
Sam
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:19 |
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So, have you bought a fire extinguisher yet? I keep a small one in the passenger floorboard of my Porsche 924, because I don’t trust the German electrics.
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Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:27 |
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Nice write up. Hopefully you get what the cars are worth from insurance and replace them with something cool.
Coty
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:29 |
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Glad this little cutey is okay. :)
kanadanmajava1
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:35 |
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Oh! That’s really horrible.
deekster_caddy
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:38 |
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What a sad tale. I am surprised at how many things you got to repair on that car, but the ending is just horrific. Which was your DD?
Right on about having a fire extinguisher nearby. I wouldn’t have expected a backfire to kick off such a powerful blaze!
Sorry for your losses. Glad you saved the dog though!
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deekster_caddy
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 19:39 |
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What about the GTI?
AM
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:04 |
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Oh man not the GTI!! That’s just terrible :(
On the bright side, you and the dog both walked away from this unharmed and that's all that really matters.
bryan40oop
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:08 |
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My condolences. In all seriousness.
KremerK3
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:13 |
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Tragic, utterly fucking tragic.
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scootergeek
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:14 |
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:(
Jesse
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:18 |
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Reading this, my heart hurts. May the terrible feelings pass, and may you find another steed that captures your passion as completely as this Alfa did. I salute your dedication, and mourn your loss.
Ladymopar
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:18 |
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Sorry for your loss, this makes me sad :(
We are all part of this community and have lost a friend.
Brickman
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:20 |
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Damnn :(
You will be back stronger than ever. Invest in a steel garage and have a fire extinguisher handy at all times. More than one if possible. :)
The cars may not be replaceable, but your life isn’t.
sklooner
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:20 |
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I has a sad for you, plus you have lived out one of my fears
Cavey
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:22 |
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My 2 year-old dropped his ice-cream cone today. This is the saddest thing I have seen since.
Reihen6
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:22 |
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:(
iFixPorsches
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:24 |
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Hats off to you sir. I think I would have thrown in the towel after the motor blew that second time.
SubaruBRZ-Driver
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:26 |
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I know it hurts... Take what you can and move on. Soon, you’ll have another project on your hands. :)
syaieya
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:27 |
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There’s a full sized extinguisher by the door and a travel sized one in the back floorboard.
Buying and finding a place for 80 dollars worth of fire suppressant is worth not having to live through another close call with an engine fire.
Bummer man, and goodluck going on into the future. I got mad respect for anyone that pilots an alfa.
WhiskeyGolf
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:28 |
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Very sorry to hear! It also hits home for me, as my first Golf went up spontaneously a little while ago, but it’s even worse to hear all of the time you invested in it. I hope you’re able to replace with something just as Jalop and get many years from it!
Open Rhoades
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:28 |
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Many, many, many condolences. Can’t even imagine. But I gotta ask: your brother- is he gonna shit, or is he gonna kill you?
Jonee
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:29 |
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Damn.
Thanks for telling the story so well. I knew what was going to happen, but not how it was going to happen. And, the how was a bit of a gut punch. No carbon based lifeforms were harmed, though, and there’s lots more Alfas out there! I’ll never forget watching my drunk neighbor crush my pristine AMC Pacer with his truck. It killed me and then I went and bought another one.
whoarder is tellurium
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:29 |
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My condolences. Beautiful cars...
Gavin S.
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:32 |
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Dang dude. That really sucks. You did the right thing sorting out the dog situation before anything else, though.
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Kempston Joystick
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:33 |
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A heartbreaking loss, but it sounds like it had being trying to kill itself from the moment you bought it. It’s like the opposite of Christine.
Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:33 |
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Oh man that would be my worst nightmare. I can’t stand car fires, they make me die a little inside every time I see one. I feel for you man, good luck trying to find something to create more memories with.
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505Turbeaux
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:34 |
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as it should be, good on you.
Driver
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:34 |
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Racekar
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:35 |
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I know it's too late but four 10 Lb fire extinguishers, one mounted in each corner of the garage if you ever work on a car in the garage.
zetec duratec ECOTEC
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:38 |
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Man, I thought I was having a rough day after spending 6 hours and getting yelled at by old ladies in my apartment complex for “breaking community rules” by working on my car all just trying to get a single damn bushing replaced in my transmission linkage.
Heart goes out to you man.
Schroedinger's gay uncle
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:39 |
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Dude, I’m sorry. I’m sick to my stomach just thinking about it. Did your insurance at least cover it?
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gc8foreva
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:40 |
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There’s so much pain and anguish in that picture. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
RedPir8Roberts
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:41 |
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Well, if you bring that sort of diligence, perseverance and acceptance of flaws to your personal relationships, your GF has chosen well. Of course one can’t “fix” people, but relationships can be worked on. And you clearly had your priorties right saving your awesome little dog. I will add my sympathy for your loss to everyone else’s. I am kind of amazed by all of the things that went wrong with the car, and I am struggling to see how they all could be the result of neglect—the torsion bar and axle bolts just giving up the ship, for example. How does one properly care for an axle bolt or a torsion bar? Was rust the issue? I didn’t even know it was possible for a car to backfire through the intake and cause a fire, at least, not a car intended for the streeet (Lambos and Ferraris excepted). It really seems like this car had a deathwish, despite all your efforts to fix everything on it. Keep up the good work of saving Alfas—I hope the next one appreciates the effort as much as I enjoyed reading about it as to this car. Also, well written post, the quality of writing on Oppo lately has been great with posts like these from you and others.
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BlythBros.
> Driver
04/25/2015 at 20:41 |
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Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
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Big Russ
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:41 |
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My condolences man... I will pour a quart of 0w40 synthetic out for the fallen motors
shop-teacher
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:43 |
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Oh man. That is terrible news! I’m glad you and the dog are OK. You have a good attitude about it.
Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:45 |
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That's horrible. I'm sorry this happened to you.
ljksetrightmemorialtrophydash
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:45 |
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On the next one, I would consider deleting the cold-start injector entirely. It’s main functions seem to be:
leaking fuel into the engine compartment
flooding the engine on cold starts
Sethism
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:45 |
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Damn, man. That was a fine, fine fleet. Sorry for you and your brother, glad nobody was hurt.
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ljksetrightmemorialtrophydash
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:47 |
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Was the broken torsion bar OE?
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Sethism
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:50 |
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I have an ‘84 GTI myself. If there’s anything salvageable or restorable parts-wise, I’d be happy to put it in my car so that, in some way, that GTI lives on. PM me if you have any ideas.
skeffles
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:50 |
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Ouch, that sucks dude. I don’t know what to say, other than I hope you and everyone are okay. Having a garage go up is a horrible thing. May the insurance companies pay up swiftly and without too much drama. And I hope you eventually find another car that grabs you in the same way the late Alfa did.
DrivenChannel
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:51 |
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Eal4fe…
jip3000
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:51 |
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Brutality thus transcribed, many apologies brother.
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skunkxracing
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:52 |
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This car repeatedly attempted to commit suicide, you kept interrupting.
It is now victorious.
interrogator-chaplain
> BlythBros.
04/25/2015 at 20:52 |
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Sorry to you and your brothers. Glad your dog is okay, and I am in deep awe of your knowledge and skill of wrenching.
Good luck on the next one!