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[RFlower]

A few days ago the 33 was sitting out in full sun, as it had not been put back inside the garage.

We had a builder working on the roof, and the car had a lot of gritty material on it which I didn't want to wipe off and scratch the paint, so I moved it where I could reach it with a water hose.

I started to wash the windscreen from the bottom, where there was a lot of rubbish, but as I moved the jet up the windscreen, "PING", and a small crack appeared, starting at the top, in the centre, where there is a large black area, which must have become much hotter than the rest.

The crack was originally about 2 cm long, but has now spread down to eye level, turned towards the right side, and continues to spread. The windscreen is now definitely illegal.

Has anyone else seen this happen?

As I don't want to pay out for a new windscreen, this will probably precipitate the demise of the 33 as engine donor for the Sprint. I will probably also keep the newish shocks, some suspension and exhaust parts common to both cars, and the newish fuel tank, although the Sprint tank is OK as it has spent its life in a dry climate (Spain) or in the garage here.

When I do take the car off the road, is anyone in France interested in any parts? - I think shipping to UK would probably be too expensive.





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Dick Flower, Nr. Carcassonne. '94 Trofeo 1.4 ie (F), '93 Imola 1.3/1.4 ie (now for breaking) (F), '91 1.7 ie (GB)(spare car), '86 Sprint 1.5 QV (F). '87 VW Syncro camper (F), '73 NSU Ro80 (F), '99 Fiat Seicento (F)

[john 33_16v]

Seems a shame to break it. Can u get a new screen on insurance. Whilst i would never normally be in favour of bending the truth, perhaps that builder knocked a roof tile off??

I have pmd u

Cheers,

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[RFlower]

Unfortunately I don't have windscreen insurance on this car, as it's an option on the "collection" policy I have. I didn't intend using it much when I bought it, and didn't think of increasing the cover when we began using it as our regular car.

We have used it for 3 1/2 years now, I have fitted a lot of new parts, also many parts from a near-new car in a nearby breaker's, but most of these are common with the Sprint.

It does seem a shame to break it, as it's in pretty good order (apart from a little crease I put on the LH front wing), but it's not saleable here and cost to drive back to UK+ferry+MOT is probably more than it's worth.

I can send parts back to UK fairly cheaply via www.loadup.co.uk . If several people there want parts I could consolidate them into one shipment to be shared out there.

Does anyone know if these windscreens can be re-used if taken from another car? There are at least two in the breaker's.
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Dick Flower, Nr. Carcassonne. '94 Trofeo 1.4 ie (F), '93 Imola 1.3/1.4 ie (now for breaking) (F), '91 1.7 ie (GB)(spare car), '86 Sprint 1.5 QV (F). '87 VW Syncro camper (F), '73 NSU Ro80 (F), '99 Fiat Seicento (F)

[gritsop]

Hi,

The windscreen can be removed and reused. A tool looking like a needle is used to cut the windscreen glue; the needle is passed through between the window frame and winscreen and by pulling the steel cable it actually slices the bonded glue.

These tools are widely found in auto parts stores with cost no more than 3 €.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

[RFlower]

Thanks, I'll ask the breaker to remove one for me - if I try I'm bound to break it!
_________________
Dick Flower, Nr. Carcassonne. '94 Trofeo 1.4 ie (F), '93 Imola 1.3/1.4 ie (now for breaking) (F), '91 1.7 ie (GB)(spare car), '86 Sprint 1.5 QV (F). '87 VW Syncro camper (F), '73 NSU Ro80 (F), '99 Fiat Seicento (F)