Description
I bought this Dedra turbo a few years ago to scratch the itch of having had one years ago as a family car, I now have too many cars (usual story!) so ideally I need to move one on.
When I got the car it had some rust evident around the rear arches and the odd dent or two, plus the interior was very poor on the original seats, drivers one in particular.
So the decision was made to tackle the rust and get the car resprayed. As is often the case with the Dedra (and identically the Alfa 155) the rusty rear arches are the tip of the iceberg and the rot had spread to the inner arches where the wheel wells meet. So all the rot was cut out and new metal let in so now there is no rust around either side of the rear end.
Once all that was done the car got a full respray so it all matched and looked great, no faded red!
The engine was also removed and stripped for inspection, all in great order internally but new piston rings and big end/ main shells fitted so it was all fresh. The turbo was also sent away to be fully refurbished, a new OE intercooler went in too. The clutch was also renewed using a genuine spec Valeo unit, new driveshaft boots, oil seals for the gearbox etc so nothing was left to chance.
When it all went back together new suspension arms, all bushes and links renewed, steering rack gaitors and track rod ends so all is as new.
Whilst the engine bay was empty it got sprayed to bring everything up nice and fresh. Various parts that were beginning to show wear and tear got blasted and powder coated, such as the radiator fan shroud and battery tray amongst many pieces, a new radiator went in too rather than fit an old unit. The slam panel which goes across and behind the lights was also blasted and done in the original black to smarten it all up.
The last and most expensive bit was to get the original seats retrimmed in very expensive Alcantara and cloth as per the original. All of the seats were redone including the headrests and the ski hatch armrest for the rears. They of course look fabulous and are very comfortable! Whilst the seats were out I also took the opportunity to remove the headlining and renew the material as by now most are starting to droop as the glue dries out.
The wheels were also refurbished and diamond cut by th professional people, new tyres refitted all round so they also look great.
The car is in great condition and I'd have no worries about doing a long run in it. If it doesn't sell I'd love to use it more and embark on some longer trips rather than just local shows, having such decent space and a very generous boot makes it a great car, plus of course the turbo engine means there's no issus with keeping up with modern trafic.
