GTA production changes

Hi all,

Where can I read up about the changes made during the GTA's production run? 

I understand that the earlier cars had a flat bonnet while the later cars had the bonnet with the style lines (if that's the correct term). Was this change made for a particular model year? 

I also notice that the earlier cars are badged as Renault on the bonnet and wheels (and possibly steering wheel?) while the later cars have the "Flying A" badge. Again, was there a particular model year when these changes were introduced for UK cars? 

I also seem to recall something about the split/folding rear seats only being introduced later on in production? 

Oh yes, change in colour and style of dash too, and a few wiring changes as well.

[BIG_MVS]

Briefly:

1986 GTA Turbo and Atmo sold in the UK.

The early cars had a flat bonnet, badged as Renault (apart from the steering wheel which has the A) and Red dials on the instrument panel.

From 1988 the rear folding seats came in, a "power bulge" in the bonnet and some extra fabric panels down the sides of the seats (leather) to try and stop squeaks.

From 1989 they were badged as Alpine (well the capital A anyway) on the nosecone and wheels. Twin fuel reg on the turbo, orange dials on the instrument panels and a smaller petrol cap with the flying A on it.

To be honest there wasn't a great deal of change, there maybe some minor things I have missed and some slight changes to the engine (cooling fan thermostats, oil catch can etc).

Great stuff, thanks BIG_MVS

Just coming back to this again...

What was the reason for the switch to twin fuel reg on the turbo cars?

And are there any figures / production numbers for cars fitted with air-con and ABS?

One's reg other is pulse damper .
A/C was retro fitted through dealers so doubt there are any figures still existing.ABS,not sure on that as it involves the drive gear so probably from factory..Dellboy ??

[stephendell]

ABS definitely factory fitted but not aware of any data for numbers with this fitted.

As Lee says Rhd air con all retro fit so no data there.

Maybe these options can both be added to the register for the record but on some cars these options will have been variously added and removed retrospectively.

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I realised I had saved an old Buyer's Guide from Classic Cars (July 2001) which says:

Air conditioning, which was fitted to about half of the cars built, is worth having but can be unreliable because the compressor is close to the exhaust. The system can be checked as long as the ambient temperature is more than six degrees Celsius. Turn on the ventilation fan to maximum and with the engine running look underneath the rear bumper. The air conditioning compressor is on the near side of the engine and you should see the clutch mechanism engaging and disengaging, activating the pump.

If it's not running it will need to be recharged, the dryer will probably need to be replaced and potentially the compressor too - all of which could easily cost more than £500.

Most of the info for the Buyer's Guide was supplied by members of CAR by the looks of it. Not sure if the costs / figures are still accurate or not some 16 years later.

Cheers,

Phil

[stephendell]

I think I have 7 cars here at the moment and none have aircon so would say 50% is a little optimistic!

Agreed ....I've had only 2 or 3 out of more than 30 that have been here for works.

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