Re: [alfa] Al Capone, the GTV6, and You

["The Baylys" <dabaylys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Timely reminder Rich.

On my 4cyl Alfettas I've always cut the lower 2 inches or so off these
splash guards to allow rocks and dirt to fall out, or at least get flushed
out when I wash the car.  First I remove the panel completely and thoroughly
clean, dry, and then rustproof the area.  Cut the panel and if you wish,
screw on a sturdy rubber flap to replace the portion of metal you've
removed.

This method requires regular visual inspection/maintenance but it's 30
seconds well spent at each wash.

I'm not a fan of trying to completely seal off cavities as the water and
dirt will inevitably get in, but you won't know about it 'till it's too
late.  This is particularly true of the area to the rear of the front wheels
as the pressure of the water coming off a wet road at speed is considerable.

On a 116 coupe I wouldn't remove the panel completely.  It allows extra road
noise to the cabin and on one of my cars the factory panel sealing was
deficient resulting in a leak from the bottom of the A-pillar when water was
forced off the front tyre into the upper rear section of the guard cavity.

Beatle
Oz
'67 Duetto
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rich Wagner" <drsavage@domain.elided>
To: "Digest Alfa" <alfa-digest@domain.elided>
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2004 3:58 AM
Subject: [alfa] Al Capone, the GTV6, and You


> Hi Gang:
>
> I just pulled the alumin(i)um cover off of the mystery vault at the aft
end
> of the right-front wheel well on my GTV6 and, just as our friend Bernie Z.
> found, mine was also full of dirt (about 3 inches worth).  My car has
lived
> in the desert for its entire life and luckily, I found no trace of rust.
> Your mileage will likely vary dramatically, however.  If you've never
> checked yours, put it on your "to do" list.
>
> Thanks Bernie!
>
>
> Rich Wagner
> Montrose, CO
> '82 GTV6 Balocco
> --
> to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
> or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided