Most mechanics has a few things to say about the car that they have worked on. More so if the car is unique or rare or difficult to work on. Many has confidently told me that they are car doctors and they know what is best for my car. There is no reason to doubt them, especially when they are being honest about it. Usually, no harm is intended since they would most definitely welcome loyal returning customers.
Here are the top 5 tips that I have gathered from my mechanics who have worked on my Alfasud.
Here are the top 5 tips that I have gathered from my mechanics who have worked on my Alfasud.
1. Take care of your rear window
My mechanic, Ah Fatt, once told me to take really really good care of my Alfasud's rear window. If broken, no one can help me. While I believe that it is possible to source globally for an Alfasud rear window using the internet and get it shipped to Malaysia, I also believe that there is some merit to his advice.
Unlike running parts like brake pumps or carburetors that are stocked by auto suppliers, the windows of a out-of-production classic car like the Alfasud is considered a car accessory. No auto supplier will keep stock of these accessories unless they are specialized. Since Malaysia is not the home of the Alfasud and Alfa Romeo/Alfasud manufacturers are not Malaysian, then likely there are no such specialized Alfasud supplier in Malaysia as well.
From that point, I became extra careful and be wary of where I park the Alfasud. Just in case something might drop from the sky and damage the rear window!
Unlike running parts like brake pumps or carburetors that are stocked by auto suppliers, the windows of a out-of-production classic car like the Alfasud is considered a car accessory. No auto supplier will keep stock of these accessories unless they are specialized. Since Malaysia is not the home of the Alfasud and Alfa Romeo/Alfasud manufacturers are not Malaysian, then likely there are no such specialized Alfasud supplier in Malaysia as well.
From that point, I became extra careful and be wary of where I park the Alfasud. Just in case something might drop from the sky and damage the rear window!
2. Pick up the pieces
When I first started using the Alfasud, there were times when I was rather clumsy with the car. Nothing wrong with the car, I was an inexperienced driver. Scraped the car against a pillar.
Asked the mechanic for contacts on body works to fix it up. The first thing he asked me was, did I pick up all the pieces?
That was the last thing on my mind. Unlike a outstation trip where we pack our luggage to go and pack our luggage when we leave, the first thought when your car is damaged is not to pack up anything that comes off.
Again, the logic is sound. We pack our own things in our luggage because we may not be able to get those things in a foreign place. For an Alfasud or any classic car, any parts that come off the car, you pick it up in the hopes that it can be repaired or fixed since it *will* be difficult to find those parts.
Asked the mechanic for contacts on body works to fix it up. The first thing he asked me was, did I pick up all the pieces?
That was the last thing on my mind. Unlike a outstation trip where we pack our luggage to go and pack our luggage when we leave, the first thought when your car is damaged is not to pack up anything that comes off.
Again, the logic is sound. We pack our own things in our luggage because we may not be able to get those things in a foreign place. For an Alfasud or any classic car, any parts that come off the car, you pick it up in the hopes that it can be repaired or fixed since it *will* be difficult to find those parts.
3. Wet brakes make Loud sounds
The Alfasud's front brakes are located in the most peculiar position. Modern cars have disc brakes for the front wheels, the Alfasud's brake discs are located near the engine.
The improved the design by moving the brakes closer to the tyres in the Alfa 33 and you can find guidelines on the internet for modifying the Alfasud's brakes using the Alfa 33's brakes.
It rains frequently in Malaysia and when it rains, it really pours here. Roads get really wet and the Alfasud will tremble and make loud sounds when braking. This is normal according to my mechanic. Keep braking until it is dry. The sound and shaking will go away.
If you have experienced this behaviour, you will understand that it can make any driver and the passengers nervous. But knowing that this behaviour is normal helps to calm everyone down.
The improved the design by moving the brakes closer to the tyres in the Alfa 33 and you can find guidelines on the internet for modifying the Alfasud's brakes using the Alfa 33's brakes.
It rains frequently in Malaysia and when it rains, it really pours here. Roads get really wet and the Alfasud will tremble and make loud sounds when braking. This is normal according to my mechanic. Keep braking until it is dry. The sound and shaking will go away.
If you have experienced this behaviour, you will understand that it can make any driver and the passengers nervous. But knowing that this behaviour is normal helps to calm everyone down.
4. Keep Cool
The Alfasud, especially in Malaysia, have a knack for getting way too hot. In fact, this seems to be true not only for the Alfasud, but for the Alfa Romeo 155 and Alfa Romeo 164 as well. The cooling system seems to have reached the max.
It becomes obvious when running on the highway, the wind and the car's cooling system keep the temperature under control but the temperature will gradually go up when trailing a large vehicle.
Ahmad, another one of my mechanic, suggested to take out the fan switch and let the fan run whenever the car is running. It will take longer for the car to warm up in the morning but it will reduce the risk of overheating. None of my mechanics suggested an additional fan simply because the engine compartment is so tight, it is impossible to fit another fan.
It becomes obvious when running on the highway, the wind and the car's cooling system keep the temperature under control but the temperature will gradually go up when trailing a large vehicle.
Ahmad, another one of my mechanic, suggested to take out the fan switch and let the fan run whenever the car is running. It will take longer for the car to warm up in the morning but it will reduce the risk of overheating. None of my mechanics suggested an additional fan simply because the engine compartment is so tight, it is impossible to fit another fan.
5. Run Hot
The Alfasud runs best when it is hot after warmed up fully. Leave it running awhile in the morning before driving it out was the advice given in a casual chit chat with my mechanic.
Unlike modern cars that can drive off immediately after starting up, older cars do run better when it has fully warmed up. This is very true for the Alfasud as well. In fact, the previous owner actually took the time to warm up the car before I came over to have a look. I understand the reason for that now - he wanted to show what the car can really do and the car performs best when the engine is warm.
Hot and Cold - confusing, isn't it?
That's it for today. Please leave a comment if you have any tips to share.
Thank you.
Unlike modern cars that can drive off immediately after starting up, older cars do run better when it has fully warmed up. This is very true for the Alfasud as well. In fact, the previous owner actually took the time to warm up the car before I came over to have a look. I understand the reason for that now - he wanted to show what the car can really do and the car performs best when the engine is warm.
Hot and Cold - confusing, isn't it?
That's it for today. Please leave a comment if you have any tips to share.
Thank you.