| Author | Message | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 381 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ed, sounds like you have the later model GTS with the wrought iron hinges and locks. I beleive the early cars used wooden dowels and pins. This post and beam type of assembly was subject to wear and termites, causing the doors to fly open without notice. Please refer to Dirks post for the correct type of velcro to correct this problem. | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1782 Registered: 2-2001 |
Just out of curiosity I examined the locks on my doors today and the way that they are designed, for them to pop open there would have to be some excess wear on the locks or striker or a severe misalignment of the assembly. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 161 Registered: 4-2002 |
For track or absolute purity of looks its the GTB or TB, but for allround under most all driving conditions and if its a toy in any case its got to be a GTS or TS for me | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 641 Registered: 7-2001 |
Chris, the horsepower and torque from the F40 might require something with more 'flex' than mere velcro. I'd suggest rubber cement. Although it's not color-coded (that I'm aware of?) I think you'd find that the inherent flexibility of the adhesive would be better suited to the application you describe. Besides, any that you don't use, you can roll into a little ball and use for entertainment purposes. | ||
| David White (Dwhite)
New member Username: Dwhite Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2002 |
Doors popping open . . . wasn't that part of the "James Bond" option? | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 332 Registered: 12-2001 |
At least the F40's used a corvette to start with. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 380 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dirk, sorry to hear about your sons dental problem, I lost all of my teeth by the time I was 12, chewing tobacco and moonshine can be tough on a kid. Let me know about any velcro you might find on ebay, I have found that old panty hose tied to bumper can be a pretty effective way to hold down the latch on the F40. I would like to get a black pair to better match the rear grill, if you know of any, let me know. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 331 Registered: 12-2001 |
Are you guys sure you dont have replicas. I heard this only happens to the fiero conversions. | ||
| J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
New member Username: Dirk989 Post Number: 35 Registered: 9-2001 |
I wouldn't mind taking a post dated check, I do it all of the time. In fact, I just sent one in on a Ferrari raffle. While velcro would be the perfect solution to fix your F-40, I used the last of it this morning on some do-it-yourself dental work on my 5 year old son. If I see any used velcro on e-bay then I'll let you know. Sometimes you can get it pretty cheap there. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 379 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dirk, I understand your dilema, it would be hard to justify spending more money on a GTS than you have to. Do you have any velcro left over? The rear hatch on my F40 has fallen off twice in the last month, do you think velcro would help and how much do you want for your velcro? (will you take a post dated check?) Chris | ||
| J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
New member Username: Dirk989 Post Number: 34 Registered: 9-2001 |
I had to use the stock black. It matches my car and I just couldn't justify the extra 34 cents for the special order metallic orange. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 378 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dirk, what color velcro did you use? | ||
| J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
New member Username: Dirk989 Post Number: 33 Registered: 9-2001 |
The only problem I have with my GTS (other than doors and top popping open whenever I hit a tiny bump) is that I often have both the front and rear lids fly off of the car whenever there is an increase in barometric pressure. I grew tired of pulling over to retrieve and replace these. I thought about just removing them permanently, but that would have led to more body flex. The thought of more flex makes me shudder. What I chose to do was buy velcro strips at the local WalMart. I then Superglued these to the appropriate areas. Next, using duct tape, I attached a length of twine to each of these parts. Now when I hit a bump causing the doors to open, the top to fly off and the front and rear deck lids to go sailing across traffic, I simply reel them in with the twine. Sometimes I don't even have to leave my seat to do this. Next I firmly press them back into place. It is important however, that you press FIRMLY to get the full adhesive force of the velcro. Remember the key here is to press FIRMLY. If not for the twine, velcro, superglue, and duct tape I would find myself wishing for the GTB. I have sent a more detailed description of this modification to Ferrari in the event they wished to do some type of recall or factory authorized repair. | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 564 Registered: 2-2001 |
Bob, That is funny. Last night I was cleaning my car and at one point I was by the door and was looking at it thinking "no way would the door fly open on a turn" but a tiny piece of me thinking "Really could that be true" You had be going.  | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 554 Registered: 3-2001 |
Ok, I think the joking/exaggeration on the GTS chassis subject has gone far enough (and I'm guilty). No question the GTS has a bit more chassis flex due to the lack of a fixed roof. I personally know 7 people with 308/328 GTSs.... none of them have ever mentined that their doors fly open when cornering hard.... let alone that it's normal for this to happen. Face it, whether it's a GTB or GTS, this design is a classic and it just refuses to age. These are both great cars. Dave, to answer your original question, I'd say it's possible. If you look at the 328 survey we did a few months ago, 27% of 328 FC'ers owned GTBs! The percentage of GTBs originally built was significantly less than that, right? 328 FC REGISTER - scroll to bottom of this link | ||
| George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member Username: Oof_n_goof Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2002 |
Oh yea, I concur what BobD said, I have to constantly stop on the freeway to retrive my targa roof. You should see it, hit a little pebble in the road, and swoooooooosh, there goes the top, not to mention the doors fly open when I swerve to avoid the pebble. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 327 Registered: 12-2001 |
Bobd, I would like to point out that I SAW A THREAD that mentioned the doors popping open isnt unusual. My participation in that post amounted to my me commenting on how I wouldnt want a car that flexed that much and if it did, it would be on ebay right now. You guys said it not me. I bought my B before I read that post for the styling preference not for the issues that go along with a GTS. All C5 corvettes are designed as rag tops from the drawing board weather its a rag top or not so they only have one (strong)platform. . | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 553 Registered: 3-2001 |
Happens all the time, really. | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 561 Registered: 2-2001 |
The doors popping open and the roof too? I have a hard time believing this. It seems they would have to recall the cars if they were doing that. I am not saying it never happened, I am just having a hard time believing it is common. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 552 Registered: 3-2001 |
Dave, I think you're terminally biased but that's OK because GTB's are beautiful cars. The chassis flex in GTS's actually comes in very handy when going over very rough, rocky terrain.... almost like a Range Rover. The car twists and flexes yet all 4 wheels remain on the ground due to the flexing chassis. Try this in a GTB, it's quite normal for one of the wheels to actually come off the ground in this situation due to the increased structural rigidity. On the other hand, the doors typically fly open when doing this in a GTS and often times you'll see the targa roof just pop right off into the air. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 208 Registered: 1-2002 |
OK you guys, I never meant this to be a debate on GTB vs. GTS. Here are a couple of more points though, since I have driven both extensively. You don't have to be on a track to notice the difference, or even push them hard. GTB's drive way better in my opinion. The GTS flex all the time, and I can really feel it. Perhaps I am more sensitive than most on this and that is why I have had 4 GTB's in a row. Anyway, I am more than willing to give up the open air to get the better driving and better looking car. But I would never criticize those who prefer the targas, especially since they outnumber me! In terms of handling, the differences are probably pretty small in absolute terms, but the GTB's feel way better. In any event, there are any number of modern, cheaper cars that will outhandle either. I doubt safety is really an issue unless you are racing and may roll over. But I have to admit, I never liked the top of the windshield being so close to my head in GTS's. Getting back to my main point, 10 years ago GTB's were frowned upon and I now sense a resurgence. I wonder if others sense it as well or if I am terminally biased! Dave | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1776 Registered: 2-2001 |
I cannot answer the question as to extra bracing in a convertible Corvette as I just got the car and do not know all the construction details as jet. I do know that the Z-06 is not available in a rag top and is only available in the FRC {Fixed Roof Coupe} due to the intended use of the Z-06 to be competition useage. I will find out however. The Car is as solid as a rock and no body creaks and rattles normally associated with older Vettes. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 548 Registered: 3-2001 |
Jim, what's really fun is when my DRIVERS door pops open during a hard right-hand turn... talk about a rush!!! Darn GTS's. Jim's line needs to go into the FC Hall of Fame: "enjoy the look on my passengers face as they eat pavement". What a classic... | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 636 Registered: 7-2001 |
My door pops open all the time. I call it the "make a new friend" experience. I take a left hand turn as fast as I can, aim for the bump in the middle, watch the door fly open and enjoy the look on my passengers face as they eat pavement. Does anybody want to go for a ride? Thats the biggest bunch of BS I've heard in a while. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 547 Registered: 3-2001 |
Paul, it's "normal" for GTS doors to pop open???? And this was one of the primary reasons you selected a GTB? Just curious, how many GTS drivers out there have ever had your doors pop open while cornering... regularly???? Hasn't happened to me yet in 3 1/2 yrs. I guess I need to start cornering much faster to experience the full effect of my GTS! | ||
| George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member Username: Oof_n_goof Post Number: 43 Registered: 7-2002 |
Paul, your point is well taken, but I have to wonder at the person who corners the GTS so hard that the door pops open....kinda irresponsible driving, don't ya think, and maybe at the extreme of the spectrum....I certainly don't drive like that, and have taken corners on more than one occasion, less than docile, yet, my doors don't pop open...but then again, I don't corner at 100 mph, maybe 90, but not 100. As Terry Springer, so eloquently stated....u have to be insane to push the GTS and GTB on the streets to notice body flex...and I stated a few replies below, that on a race track the GTB is superior to the GTS, but not on the streets.. Now, lets talk the merits regarding a front end collision of both the GTB and GTS. If you look at the front end construction, there is hardly any protection, and a good front end smack, I would say both would be in a world of hurt, as the front ends would buckle like an accordian. I will grant you the GTB offers little more protection in case of a rollover, than the GTS, but not much, as the roof will buckle, just like any other car. Anyway to sum this up, on a street, it makes no difference if one is in a GTB, GTS, just a matter of personal preference, And if one is going to beat the tar out the car on the street to a point where the doors fly open....good grief....i'm stayin clear of that maniac. I see it's almost 6 pm...din din time...Imma hungry...me stomach is sayin' feed me...so, I'll continue this discussion later...oh yea, forgot, the one thing that the GTB will offer you in case of a rollover.....you won't be spitting grass outta yer mouth. ok...I'm outta here...behave, and don't tear on the streets so the doors fly open | ||
| Barry Wolinsky (308gtb)
Junior Member Username: 308gtb Post Number: 222 Registered: 2-2002 |
Ed, Does your new Corvette have any additional chassis bracing compared to the coupe? Barry | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1773 Registered: 2-2001 |
While I can feel some flex in mt GTS, my doors have never popped open while driving. I own a Chrysler Sebring Convertible and have seen some actual crash cars that were in head on collisions and none of them collapsed. The doors act as the wedge to keep this from happening and I assume it also would in a Ferrari. If you hit something hard enough for that to happen then it would probably be fatal anyway. I have owned many convertibles and all of them have some cowl shake. My new Corvette is the most stable of any rag top I have ever been in. | ||
| Barry Wolinsky (308gtb)
Junior Member Username: 308gtb Post Number: 221 Registered: 2-2002 |
There's no question that contemporary Ferraris are safer than those designed more than two decades ago. Any car, for that matter. There have been many safety regulations to comply with along the way (eg. air bags, door beams, etc.) I feel as you do, Paul, and I try to be a bit more vigilant when driving my GTB. Both Berlinetta and Spyder designs have their own merits and appeal. I've been told that the Berlinetta has more appeal in the European market. The US market has preferred Spyders. As far as body stiffness, the Berlinetta provides a bit more of that. My GTB is fiberglass. I still found it to be more rigid than the GTSs I test drove. There is, I am told, a bit more in the way of tubular steel elements in the B-pillars and rear roof of my car to serve as a roll bar to account for the fiberglass roof panel. Talk about flex, the roof panel flexes nicely just waxing the car! As for my personal preference, I happen to like both designs. The GTS looks better with the top off, though. In the end, I opted for the GTB because I chanced upon a nice fiberglass example which, of course, has that nice carburetted sound, no catalytic converters, is a bit lighter and maybe a bit quicker than the steel version. | ||
| J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
New member Username: Dirk989 Post Number: 32 Registered: 9-2001 |
The GTB would likely have a number of advantages if used for racing. True, its roof isn't likely to leak either. But, I didn't buy a 23 year old Ferrari to race. If I wanted a race car then a targa top wouldn't have been a big selling point. "It really didn't corner well today, but the wind sure felt nice." There aren't too many days that I drive in a pouring rainstorm either. So the fact that a GTB won't leak is only an advantage on rare occasions and not of much significance. The number of days I drive with the top off (the car) far outnumber the days I drive in pouring rain. That top isn't coming off the GTB no matter how nice the weather is. advantage wind in my hair GTS. Some have mentioned that they like the look of the GTB better and that 'purists' will always like that better. I like the look of the GTB, but I like the look of the GTS better. As for the louvred rear windows, its kind of like arguing about the look of side strakes. Some do. Some don't. Regardless of my personal opinion, the 308 and 328 are both fantastic cars and are more beautiful than most newer production cars. However, we can probably all agree that the US bumpers are ugly, ugly, ugly. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 325 Registered: 12-2001 |
Terry, I dont take into consideration what potential my GTB has on a track really. The issue is cowl shake in real world situations like bumps and potholes. This cowl shake drove me nuts in my Z28. I could feel the windsield frame move independantly of the door that my arm rested on while going over uneven road surfaces. I guess its just preference but I dont want a car that twists and flexes significantly under normal driving. I do remember a thread about how its normal for GTS doors to pop open in hard turns because of chassis flex. Thats all I needed to hear. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 324 Registered: 12-2001 |
The GTS would fold in a collision right where you sit. Just like a convertible. I always felt I would wear the windshield frame in my forehead of my 94 Z28 convet if I had an accident. The same would apply to a GTS. The other down side to the flex issue is rattles and an overall feeling of driving a worn out car once its fatiqued structurally. If the car was designed as a spyder from the beginning, it would be more rigid and wouldnt be prone to loosening up. The large rocker reinforcement reminds me of the 88 IROC convertibles that gm bolted big aluminum bars on the underside of the rockers to compensate for the lack of a steel roof. The cars were so weak that you couldnt get a 350 in one but they passed saftey standards for crash testing which is a joke in itself. I wouldnt base an arguement on safety crash testing meaning my car is safe to drive. Who has 30mph ofset head-on collisions? Try 80mph combined speeds ofset head on for a real world situation. Even thats low realistically. I drive 60mph daily to work and back as well as the people coming towards me. Thats 120mph head on. You would be dead in a GTB at that speed but wouldnt look as messy as if you were in the GTS. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Junior Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 212 Registered: 4-2002 |
I dont think there is any doubt that a GTB will ultimately have more handling potential than a GTS due to the chassis rigidity issues. That is if neither car has a cage welded in. However, I also agree that for driving on the street, nobody is going to push hard enough for this to make any real difference. At least I hope not... you would have to be insane to push that hard on public roads. To really have a situation where the GTB's added rigidity makes a measurable difference, you would probably need to have the cars suspension upgraded to race specs and be running lots of very sticky rubber. Setup both a GTB and a GTS like this and the GTB will probably be a second per lap faster on most/many tracks. Short of racecar prep situations though, I doubt there is much noticable difference. This is why you dont see GTS racecars or Porsche Targa racecars. | ||
| George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member Username: Oof_n_goof Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2002 |
some nice cars in that junk pile, looks like SCCA types with roll cages. If I ever get in a wreck, through no fault of my own, of course, and my 308 is ripped to shreads.....hmmmm....how much can I sue Ferrari? Think I can get a 360 Spyder out of the deal? After all, they put a car on the road that is not safe....you'd think there would be a massive recall on all the GTS' if that were the case. I guess I better watch my speed and drop it down to 110, and not get in any wrecks. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 375 Registered: 3-2002 |
George, chassis flex is on issue, safety is another. I have seen GTS literally ripped in two at a relatively low impact speed. As I said earlier, not a question that one car is better than the other, but in a crash you better hope you are in a GTB. Chris | ||
| George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member Username: Oof_n_goof Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2002 |
Ok, let's debate it....numero uno...the GTS was produced, without fear of safety consequences, designed to perform under all types of road conditions, twisty mountainous curves as well as the long, straight and narrow highways...I would venture a guess that I would get to the same destination, traveling the same route, the same speed as you in a GTB, and be no worse for the wear, and the GTSi would would show no signs body stress and cracks, regardless the number of times I'd travel that route. This whole issue is a matter of personal preferance, not the safety issue designs of the GTB vs. GTS | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 459 Registered: 12-2001 |
I think it is an issue, even on the road. I rarely drive on hi-ways, and then only to get to other roads i prefer driving on; typically, backroads, 2 lanes, twisties, where the handling of the car and chassis dynamics are often just as important as torque or pure horsepower. | ||
| George Daina (Oof_n_goof)
New member Username: Oof_n_goof Post Number: 38 Registered: 7-2002 |
There is no greater feeling then motoring down that loooong black highway, wind ripping through your hair, passing other cars while rolling 10, 15, 20, mph over the speed limit. Besides, what does body flex have to do with normal driving anyway? If you put the cars on a race track, yea, big difference, but just tooling down the highway? Nah....if safety was an issue, the GTS would not been produced, heck, I don't even know how my 308 looks with the targa top. | ||
| djmonk (Davem)
Junior Member Username: Davem Post Number: 77 Registered: 1-2002 |
Bruno The X1/9's were purposely overbuilt by Fiat. When originally on the drawing boards in the early seventies there were proposed new safety standards for crash worthiness in the U.S that never came to light. These standards were allready enginered into the design so Fiat would not have to redesign a car that was being primarily built for the U.S market. Great cars i had three of them one of which played tag with a Greyhound bus on the highway an i walked away! | ||
| Carmine Nicoletta (Ncarmine)
New member Username: Ncarmine Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2002 |
GTBs are harder to come by than GTSs. I wanted a 328GTB, and it took me two years to find a reasonable one. I do like the lines better on a GTB than a GTS. The color combo is another story. I wanted a yellow/black, and I did not run into any. I finally got a red/black. Carmine | ||
| Vince Canipelli (F308vc)
New member Username: F308vc Post Number: 40 Registered: 2-2002 |
I drove GTSs and GTBs when looking for my 308, even though I knew I only wanted a GTB. there is a big difference in the two animals. The GTB is the superior car when it comes to handling. also , the roof on my GTBi will NEVER leak!!! | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 319 Registered: 12-2001 |
The GTS is an afterthought like bruno said. The black top just doesnt suit the lines of the car. The US bumpers are another example of an afterthought. The rocker intrusion into the door opening leaves alot to be desired in an attempt to reinforce the weakness of the car. I was shocked when I first saw this in a GTS. Ive never driven a GTS but was told by someone who drove my car that it is real tight even though its a 79. When I bought the car, I was told the two strong points were the carbs and being a GTB. Is that because there arnt many or people want them more? I dont know but I like it and thats what I was looking for at the time. I prefer the B for the clean lines and wouldnt buy an S, not in a 308/328 anyway. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 407 Registered: 5-2002 |
When I had my X19 I found it didnt flex at all. I think the GTS being an afterthought for the American market is where the problem lies.JMO | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1770 Registered: 2-2001 |
Any time you take the roof off ANY car there will be flex. | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1769 Registered: 2-2001 |
If I could not remove my roof, I wouldn't have it. My GTSI is no fun to drive with the top on and a total joy when off. In fact, I will not drive it, unless I have to, with the top on. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 406 Registered: 5-2002 |
The 348 is unibody.I suspect it wont flex as much. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Junior Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 210 Registered: 5-2001 |
I have always thought the best looking car ever built is a yellow 308 GTB 1975-82. It will be my next Ferrari. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 206 Registered: 1-2002 |
A few additional comments. The 308/328 chassis is a pretty old design, and even in GTB form is not especially stiff by today's standards. I used to own GTS's but when I first bought a GTB, I could tell the difference as soon as the car began to move, it's that much different. You don't need to drive aggressively to really tell the difference. GTS's do flex with the targa top on. If you put your hand at the joint between the top of the windshield and the targa while moving, you will feel the gap changing constantly. I don't know if this is true with 348/355 targas, however. Anyway, my basic question is "are GTB's getting more popular?". What do you think? Dave | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 559 Registered: 2-2001 |
I am with Bob. I could count on one hand the number of times my roof has been in. I can tell that it doesn't leak. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 400 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thats why I got 1 of each. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 539 Registered: 3-2001 |
Like Terry, I'm not a big fan of the fully louvered quarter windows on the GTS's. The B quarter windows look much better and less dated. No question the overall lines on the GTBs are cleaner. But it's incredibly nice to be able to remove the roof on a nice day/evening. It's not a convertible but open air motoring, even via the targa roof is very appealing. I put my roof ON about two days every year. Overall, the open air option outweighs the looks IMO. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 630 Registered: 7-2001 |
I've always loved the lines of the GTB, but figured since it was a 'toy' I should get a GTS to enjoy open air motoring. I kind of got the best of both worlds because the previous owner painted the top to match the car, so when the top is on, it resembles a GTB. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 395 Registered: 5-2002 |
LETS NOT FORGET THE GTS WEIGHS MORE TO. | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Junior Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 99 Registered: 4-2002 |
Its not just the structural aspects and the hard driving aspects that make some people crave GTBs, some of us wear 3 ft. long hair. Wind in 3 ft. long hair does not improve any driving experience. GTBs have a sheet-metal connection above the drivers head connecting the front pillars to the rear of the chassis. GTSs have a (ahem) piece of plastic with negligable structural stiffening. If it were just the stiffening it would be passable, but structural mechanics shows that increasing the cross sectional area (with the same wall thickness) increases stiffness by the third power (cubic). That thin sheet of (slightly reinforced) sheet-metal increases chassis stiffness by a lot more than you would first guess! This makes the car respond more-as-a-whole to road irregularities, and increases the amount of force necessary to tweek/bend the chassis (by considerable amounts!) | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Junior Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 207 Registered: 4-2002 |
All I can tell you is that when I started looking, a GTS was out of the question. It was GTB only. The GTS just does not look anywhere near as good to me. I dont like the fully louvered quarter windows and the targa roof spoils the smooth roof to rear buttresses line that makes the car so clean and aggressive. I also wanted a car that can be driven as a daily driver and everyone says the GTS leaks in the rain. I also have just never liked Targa's regardless of the manufacturer. Rather have a full convertible. | ||
| chris (Wrench_turner)
New member Username: Wrench_turner Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2002 |
just out of curiosity, do GTS's flex when the roof panel is in place, or just when it is open? | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 205 Registered: 7-2001 |
GTB's have always appealed to me for the purity of the lines. They are mini boxers. So clean and aggressive looking. Given the rarity of them I think they should be worth more. Of course demand is everything and the S is in demand. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 381 Registered: 5-2002 |
I've always been a gtb guy. For collectability look at the production numbers on carburated 308GTB's. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 454 Registered: 12-2001 |
But wasn't chassis flex a real issue on the 308/328 gts? | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2977 Registered: 2-2001 |
The GTB has its place in styling and so does the GTS. Those who are Magnum P.I. lovers there is no way to convince them otherwise of the sexey appealing GTS. Those who like hardtops and don't care for open air cars will like the GTB more. Both are exotic looking and both have different appeal. Different folks different strokes. JMO | ||
| Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Member Username: Fred Post Number: 556 Registered: 2-2001 |
I got the GTS because I really wanted the open air. To me you get better sound with the top out and it just adds to the fun a bit more. That being said I do like the lines of the GTB more then the GTS. They just look so clean. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 371 Registered: 3-2002 |
Well lets see how many people are going to disagree with me........... Berlinetta's are the strongest model, therefore more appropriate for aggressive driving, if you are tracking the car, a "B" is mandatory. With lower horsepower cars, 308's and 328's, I do not believe the structural integrity was as much an issue as it is with a 355 or 360. While open air cars, GTS and Syder's offer an enhanced driving experience, I am not comfortable driving them at 10/10's. It is not a question of one car being better than another, they are just different. The Berlietta's are going to appeal to a more aggressive driver. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 205 Registered: 1-2002 |
I have been a "hardtop" guy for some years, but always figured I was going against the grain. A couple of things that happened lately made me wonder and I would like to hear other opinions. Recently, I sold my 85 QV GTB for very good money and it sold fast. I thought I priced it high enough that I would have it a while. I had other calls as well, and it was only listed in the market letter. At the Lime Rock track event I had 2 people ask if I knew where thay could get a 328 GTB (like mine). Unfortunately, I couldn't help. I think they were hoping mine was for sale. In the 1980's, GTB's were very unpopular in the US which is why there are now so few. I have noticed that after that, there seem to be more, especially 355's. So I wonder, are there many would be 308/328 GTB buyers out there? ARe there GTS owners who would rather have a GTB? Let me know what you think. Dave |