| Author | Message | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 635 Registered: 8-2003 |
I have an old copy of,I believe,Road & Track,from sometime in the late 80's,or early 90's, that has a Testarossa Cabriolet conversion in it. An awesome looking car. I am not sure...don't remember,really...if it was modified,or not. I'll have to try to find it in one of the many boxes of various auto magazines that I have saved. Also,Willkommen to Gisela! | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2711 Registered: 10-2002 |
I got a Koenig promotional video in which they show some beautiful footage of a TR conversion: Changed into a spider, but with twin turbos etc to make it into a Koenig Special Competition. I believe it was (maybe still is) the fastest spider on the road. Looks, roars and handles just beautifully. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 634 Registered: 8-2003 |
I gotta agree with you,there. I am very partial to open top cars. Since I cannot have motorcycles anymore (Wah!  ) I love to get the open,wind in your face,or as close to as possible,in an open top car. A 288 rebody on a GTS would be pretty cool,however. And,those Testarossa Cabriolets are also very cool. Some cars,I'd have to have one of each! In the Corvette world. The '63 to '67's look great in both the hardtop and convertible. Those sweeping lines on hardtops are just beautiful. But,an open top car would also be a must! | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2710 Registered: 10-2002 |
Welcome Gisela! Glad you decided to move from lurking into a more active role. And no, you're not the first or only woman on this forum. Not even sure whether you're the only one in Chicago as Bob's wife hangs out here once in a while. | ||
| Gisela Schulz (Rennmaus)
New member Username: Rennmaus Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hello Folks & Friends After being an incognito reader of the F.Chat for so long, I decided to join you! Am I the first feminine F.Chatter?? Don't worry, I won't post Tupperware invitation etc. PS: I have my better half to support you guys! | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2708 Registered: 10-2002 |
Although a GTB is closer to the real thing, converting a GTS has its nice sides too: Saw once here on FChat a GTO rebody with the top off and it looked stunning. Also more 'honest' as everybody will know immediately it ain't the real deal (so no poseur), but looked really really kewl. I like those one offs anyway, like a TR spider (those are gorgeous!). | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 633 Registered: 8-2003 |
Skip. That 308GTB that you are driving is VERY nice. If THAT is the car that you were originally intending to make into a 288,I'd like to see your other one! That car is too nice to ever change. IF I ever decide to take on a project like making a 308 into a 288. I would use a car that has,maybe,a little body damage,or something,to start out with. Mechanically sound,but,body "in need". | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 627 Registered: 8-2003 |
I had a buddy in High School that Built a beautiful '69 Chevelle SS. He sunk a TON of money into it. I think it was well over 10grand. It was PERFECT. Balanced and blueprinted 396. Trans,rear end,ladder bars. The car was mint to start out with. He needed money for College,and decided that he had to,reluctantly,sell his baby. He started out in the 5grand range-already losing alot of $$. Ended up selling the car for $1800.00!!! He was THAT desparate for College money. What a shame. And,I 've seen dozens of ads,"$120,000.00 invested,selling for $45,000.00,or less".Or,"$50K invested,selling for $20K". And so on. I'll never get into a boat like that! | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 626 Registered: 8-2003 |
I would not use the car I have,due to it's original condition,and the fact that it's a GTS. This car,I want to keep as original as I possibly can. I was just thinking of making a nice little "toy car" out of another car,a GTB,that may be destined to be chopped up for parts,thus saving it in one form or another. I have enough auto knowledege to find one thats what I am looking for. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 625 Registered: 8-2003 |
I would be looking to use a car that was good,mechanically. But,had,perhaps some light body damage. Something that I would be keeping from just being "parted out" anyway. I have some pretty good automobile and body work knowledge. So,wouldn't look into getting anything TOO damaged. But,for instance,some of those cars that Mr. Hooper gets,and puts up For Sale. Mid to high teens for 308's. And,low to mid 20's for 328's. And,agree with Andreas. I am looking to make a car like this for myself,without being all too concerned about resale,or future value. There are plenty of "original" cars out there. Naturally,it all depends on what you invest into the car,with initial cost,body panels,paint,etc... And,how far you want to go with it. I wouldn't go as far as power train. Just start out with the body. Then,slowly do the interior,as much as reasonably possible,without getting too much into it. But,I think that a car like that would always be attractive,and would get fair money at resale. | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2694 Registered: 10-2002 |
What value are we talking about here anyway? 308 prices are just slowly going down anyway. I think eventually they'll reach the 20k limit and bottom out. Whether you changed your 308 from original or not has IMHO little to do with that. Maybe in 50 years somebody would pay you big $$$ for having it kept original, but maybe that's too late for most of us anyway. Granted you'll never get the $$$ back you put into the conversion, but that's not my goal anyway. | ||
| Philip Airey (Pma1010)
Member Username: Pma1010 Post Number: 488 Registered: 7-2002 |
I think a lot of this depends on how comprehensively it is done and by whom. Continental will tell you they've seem some of the conversions done by Bob N and... John does have a replica (of a TR I think) built on a 330 chassis by DK engineering. It was featured on the cover of AutoWeek a little time back. | ||
| Skip Williamson (Darolls)
Junior Member Username: Darolls Post Number: 187 Registered: 7-2003 |
The car you see me drive is an 84' 308 GTB, I have 2 of them. The one you've seen, is the one I bought for doing a 'FULL' (body, interior, engine and tranny) 288 GTO conversion. It was John Weinberger that talked me out of doing it. And he was right, you'll probably devalue the car. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 623 Registered: 8-2003 |
Yes,actually,a 288 rebody on a 308 would probably be alot more practical than the original. No,not nearly as fast or fun. But,as Ferrari's go. Maintenance,parts,etc... would be alot less money than a real 288 to maintain and service. And,don't forget about Insurance! Less worry and potential headaches,too. That would make the car alot more fun to have,own and drive,I think. | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2690 Registered: 10-2002 |
A 288 rebody is my plan. Long term but nevertheless. I'm collecting bits and pieces. Once I got relieved of the EPA the work on the engine can begin. But till then I can work on the interior... | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 620 Registered: 8-2003 |
A 288 rebody from Mr.Hooper would also be VERY cool. That could be the winter project that I am looking for! I WAS planning on doing this winter in Phoenix. Until my 12 year old Daughter decided that she preferrred living with her Dad,instead of her Mom. Thats cool with me. But,these winters are getting alot harder and harder on my achin' bones! Got to keep moving,or I'll freeeze up like the Tin Man! | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2673 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well, if you ever feel like going for it, let me know. Maybe we could work out some partner/ownership deal or something. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 611 Registered: 8-2003 |
I know,I know. The "purists" would all "Boo!" and throw tomatoes...but...it would still be a fun car,fun idea. Maybe...someday. After I get my medical issues all attended to. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 610 Registered: 8-2003 |
No doubt that an old Ferrari V-12 would be FAR cooler. But,I am very familiar with the GM V-8's. AND...You can't have a Big ass blower sticking out of the hood with the Ferrari motor.(HeeHeeHee) | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2672 Registered: 10-2002 |
Frank I had similar thoughts (Enzo forgive me). But I would go a different route: Corvette underneath, Daytona replica body, but then put the V12 and its automatic gearbox from a rust bucket 400i in it. That way you get at least the heart of a Ferrari, which is really all that matters. And the Italian looks, but cheap GM like insurance. Unfortunately I'm mechanically challenged and could never pull off such a Frankenferrari, but it'd be cool. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 609 Registered: 8-2003 |
The thought has actually crossed my mind to get one of those Daytona/Corvette replicars,but,put a "Blown" Chevy engine in it. Seeing as it is a Corvette with a Ferrari Daytona Replica body on it. Would look pretty cool with a big polished Blower sticking out of the hood. Now THAT is local car show material. Seeing as a "Regular" Ferrari is going unheralded at these local shows. But,I wouldn't do something like that JUST to try to get "accolades" at local car shows. But,must admit that it would be a "one of a kind" car. Would probably be alot of fun,though. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 606 Registered: 8-2003 |
I have a younger brother who lives in Phoenix,Az.(3 brothers out there,actually) But,he's in a wheel chair as the result of an accident about 10 years ago. He has an electric wheel chair,and he's always trying to figure out ways in which to make it go faster. I told him to forget about it...he's "damaged" enough! But,he's the one who got all of the "technical knowledge" out of the 5 brothers. | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2669 Registered: 10-2002 |
I once met Rocketman (he is a legend in High power rocketry circles). He showed me his rocket propelled wheel chair. It looked awesome, but for no money in this world would I buckle into it. I bet Wildt knows Rocketman, who used to be a movie stuntman and did a lot of the rockets and car stunts in the seventies. He sorta invented 'free falling' from building with a wire harness to stop you from certain death. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 601 Registered: 8-2003 |
Yes,I believe that you would be fascinated by his "Rocket Bike". He had a show,where he explained all the principles of it. But,alas,it was a wee bit too technical for this "Road Kill on the information SuperHighway" that I am! | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 2666 Registered: 10-2002 |
Me technical knowledge? You gotta be kiddin. But I'll be happy to talk rockets with him. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 595 Registered: 8-2003 |
Actually,it's www.msutv.com They post CarShow dates. Cruise nights. Cruise-in's. All sorts of stuff. They also have a thread that shows what day,time and channel that the show airs. If you have cable,and there are access channels,then,you'll get it. Check it out! You guys would probably really like to meet him. He's very passionate about anything and everything that is motorized. Also,Andreas,with your Technical knowledge. And, Sean with his Video knowledge,would probably really enjoy talking to him. He will be glad to talk about anything motorsport. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 591 Registered: 8-2003 |
Andreas. THIS is the thread that I was talking about. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 561 Registered: 8-2003 |
Check out msutv.com sometime. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 516 Registered: 8-2003 |
Every Thanksgiving morning. Bill Wildt of Motorsports Unlimited show(on cable access)meets at "The Rock". It's a big rock,with a bronze plaque on it,commemorating the very first automobile race ever held in the United States."The Rock" is right over by the Museum of Science and Industry,by Washington Park. Mr.Wildt ALWAYS-every year-tapes a show there,and makes it a point to get everybody who shows up,on the program. In doing so,it usually makes a 2 part-(2 1 hour shows)- out of it. They usually start at 8 or 9AM. But,the earlier you arrive,the better chances of making sure you get on. But,he usually does get everyone on,as he says that if you've made the effort to show up,on a cold Thanksgiving morning,you deserve it. If anyone is interested in doing this,let me know. I am posting this now so that there's plenty of advance time. They are usually done early enough to make it back home to watch Football and eat Thanksgiving dinner. So,weather permitting,anyone up for it? I'd also like to talk to Mr.Wildt about covering one of the Ferrari events next year,too. Probably,the Oakbrook show,if it's O.K. with FCA.But,it always looks like fun...and a chance to get our Ferrari's on TV. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 293 Registered: 8-2003 |
Check out the Motorsports Unlimited website at: msutv.com for more car show info,and other interesting stuff. | ||
| William Badurski (Billb)
Junior Member Username: Billb Post Number: 203 Registered: 6-2001 |
Our local car club did a couple of shows at Park Hill Plaza near 159th and Route 45 in the early 90's, and Bill Wildt covered them. We had my Daytona, and real 427 Cobra, and some other neat stuff. They did videotape the thing, and broadcasted it. I was interviewed by Bill who was very interested in all the carbs, cams, etc. Neat time, still watch my copy of the tape from time-to-time. And yes, the "feather girls" were there too. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 265 Registered: 8-2003 |
You know,Jack,not too much anymore. He told me on the phone that it was getting too hard to "wrangle them all up in time to get to the show." But,once in awhile he still does. He usually has a Russian lady named,"Luda" helping him out,asking the folks about their cars in broken english. It's fun. But,I have been watching his show for 14 of his 16 years,and used to take my daughter to some of the car shows,when she was little-2 or 3years old. And,the "Feather Girls" would always flock around,"Oh.What a cute little girl!" ( a chickmagnet,but,unfortunately,the little girl came with a mother...my wife!...JUST KIDDING!!!) But,it's a good,very informative show. And,I think it would be a good way to show some beautiful Ferrari's on TV,and let people know what exactly is involved with the ownership of one of these cars. That may,or may not keep someone who really can't afford to keep it up properly from buying one,until the time is really right. This man,Bill Wildt,is absolutely passionate about motor vehicles,and motorsport. And,when I talked to him. He told me that he just LOVES Ferrari's and exotics. So,maybe we could get together next year and get some really knowledgable Ferrari guys,and some really nice examples of some Ferrari's, for a great show all about Ferrari's ONLY! | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1405 Registered: 3-2002 |
Frank, that could be fun. I used to watch all the time, but it's been a few years. Does he still have those girls in the feathery outfits? | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 210 Registered: 8-2003 |
Who knows,maybe Sean can trade with them. Some cool graphics,in exchange for free advertising! The show goes all around the various cable outlets in Illinois,Indiana,and I don't know where else. but,if I recall correctly. I think it costs $50.00 for an after show acknowledgement,that shows your logo,name address and phone,web address. And a model says that they thank each company for their support. It is $50.00 per TAPED show.(not each time it airs) So,if he tapes 30 shows a year,you would just pay for each taped show. But,that SAME show stays in a rotation for up to 3 years in several market areas. So,one show could be played over,dozens of times,to alot of diferent area markets,times 30 shows. (or however many that they tape) could add up to your ad being seen alot. (I don't have any marketing experience. But do know that advertising sells.) It might be something to think about. Once I get my medical issues straightened out,I am planning on starting business #3. And,will use this as one of my advertising venues,too. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 209 Registered: 8-2003 |
Well,in my Comcast viewing area(Elmhurst) in Oakbrook Terrace.He is on Sunday night at 9:00PM,on cable channel 19. But,then it's rebroadcast a couple times a week. I'll find out,and post it. It could be on a different cable access channel up your way. It's a pretty interesting show. And,it would be a great opportunity to get Ferrari's on TV,and maybe tell about them and explain the care and REAL maintenance issues that go along with owning a car like this.(so much B.S. out there already) So that people understand that you just don't go out and buy one without a service history. Or,keeping up the maintainance of the cars,so that there aren't so many "unkept" cars out there,and so on. Plus,all the great things about owning a Ferrari,fun,shows,drives,etc... And,for business owners. He has spots at the end(very brief) about sponsors of the show. And,I think that it was really very reasonable,too. If someone wants some airtime promoting Their business,it's a very inexpensive venue,that covers a pretty large area. | ||
| Skip Williamson (Darolls)
New member Username: Darolls Post Number: 37 Registered: 7-2003 |
Which station is his show on? | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Junior Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 206 Registered: 8-2003 |
Do any of you guys ever watch the cable access show; "Motorsports Unlimited"-? It's a show that the host, Bill Wildt, has produced for 16 years,and is touted as; "the most watched,most talked about,Cable access show". Yes,it's not exactly a commercial quality show,but, I think it's pretty good for what it is. A nice,"cable access" show. This man, Mr. Wildt, is TOTALLY into ALL KINDS of Motorsport.(he used to race motorcycles). But,especially,the automobile. He covers lots of local car shows...Chevy/Vettefest,World of Wheels,Neighborhood car shows,you name it!And alot of Corvette events. I recall that the only "Exotic" car show that I ever saw them cover,was an Italian Car show at some place in either BurrRidge,or Willowbrook,(Hinsdale,even?) That had some exquisite cars, Ferrari's mostly. But,I talked to Mr.Wildt,and he said that as far as he knew. They no longer did that show. 99% of his car shows,have the usual fare-Hot Rods,60's Muscle cars, Dozens of '57 Chevy's and '66 GTO's (the OTHER ones!) But,since he isn't covering that other Exotic car show,(since they don't have it anymore),I was asking him about covering one of the Ferrari events. People all love the Hot Rods,Muscle cars,etc... BUT...AS WE know,people really go "GA GA" over exotic cars. (We still do!. But,are lucky to actually own one!) So,I asked him about covering one of the Ferrari events. First,Permission? Second,he says that he has to charge $600.00 to cover his expenses ,production costs,etc... Thats not really all that much. Would anyone be interested in getting together to look into this with me. I have his number,and would be willing to contribute to the cost. But,I think it would be pretty cool,if we could get him to cover one of the Ferrari events,next year,big or small. Any thoughts? comments? ideas? He told me that this show goes into several areas,and,each show "cycles" for 2 or 3 years. (good exposure!) |