| Author | Message | ||
| Tim Walker (Flyfishdoc)
New member Username: Flyfishdoc Post Number: 5 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hey T Springer email me at [email protected]. I tried to email your yahoo but it would not go. I have a couple of lawyer contacts who may be able to help you fight the insurance companies. My sons treatment is being covered by BC/BS. Florida and Vermont have good funding from state sources for autism P.S. Your 308 looks great! Are you in Atlanta? My sister is a broker in Marietta. | ||
| Tim Walker (Flyfishdoc)
New member Username: Flyfishdoc Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2002 |
ok gang, car is home without incident. time for the work to begin! Started on the engine today. Working on some wiring too. I will try to post some pics. Thanks for the help. Autism is as you say a very time and emotionally intense issue for child and family but today we got good news! The state of Florida awarded us a 10.5k scholarship so I can get him to a private day school. So between the car and the scholarship we had a good week! I do not know about other states but I can help anyone in FL tap in to this. The highest rates of autism are actually in Florida and Silicon Valley California. Go Figure?? Again thanks for everyones comments and help! | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 521 Registered: 5-2002 |
ya it's tuff to try and use one frequently like a vette. Thats why a lot of them never leave the garage.My cars sat over 10 years till this past spring when I got them out and bought another.It takes bucks to own and mega bucks to operate a Ferrari.Mine will be sitting again. I'll register and insure 1 a year for now on. And if the right offers come along I'll sell a car or 2. | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1885 Registered: 2-2001 |
I doubt I will ever own another Ferrari unless I win a Lottery. A Ferrari that is performance comparable to the new Corvette that I just purchased would cost at least 3 times what the Vette did, and that is just to purchase the thing. Now you have to start adding in the maintenance over the life of the vehicle and then from an economic standpoint it is a no brainer as to which is the better car for the money. If I had a bottomless checking account I would have a stable of Ferraris but the reality is that I don't, and have to be more practical. | ||
| chris (Wrench_turner)
New member Username: Wrench_turner Post Number: 37 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just friction in the gearbox - everything in there is still spinning even when it is in neutral. Not as much heat as when you are running but in a car towed a really long distance which normally depends on an outboard transmission cooler I can see where it could be a problem. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 519 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ed u bailing all together or geting another F car? | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 439 Registered: 12-2001 |
Last time I checked my 308, there was no gearbox cooler. Where is the heat being generated from when the engine is off and there is no load? | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 209 Registered: 4-2002 |
Blimey, this threads gone a bit off the rails when looking at the original question! | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 208 Registered: 4-2002 |
lubrication may be there as if driving 300 miles but what about COOLING of the oil? This is a problem with towing cars such as Porker 928 | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1882 Registered: 2-2001 |
I am still a Ferrari owner. My 308 is still for sale though. | ||
| DAVE SHEARS (Daveshears)
New member Username: Daveshears Post Number: 37 Registered: 3-2001 |
Ed I hope you never leave this site just because you don't own a ferrari any more. I love reading your comments about many different topics. Your Bassett hound and Corvair comments make me laugh---thanks. | ||
| Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member Username: Irfgt Post Number: 1880 Registered: 2-2001 |
It sure does seem as though there are a lot of Autistic children being born lately. My Son's best friend has a Son that is Autistic and it really has put a strain on the young couple. They do get some assistance but I do not know from who. They live in Florida. If anyone can survive with an Autistic child and a Ferrari, they have to be pretty easy going. A Bassett Hound and a Corvair have pretty well burned me out over the years. Good luck. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 271 Registered: 4-2002 |
My 3 1/2 year old son is autistic. He was diagnosed at 2 1/2 and we are doing an aggressive therapy program aided at a full recovery. It is between 20 and 40 hours per week of intensive 1 on 1 therapy sessions. Expensive. Less than a year ago he did not speak or make sounds at all. Now he speaks in 4 and 5 word sentences and plays with his toys like a normal child. Amazing... say what you will but I see Gods hand at work. Insurance and the education system pay for none of this. The Health Insurance companies, despite a GA law specifically specifying that they should, do not pay for Autism treatment. They wiggle out of it and they have teams of lawyers. Its amazing what people have been going through and how many kids lives are being destroyed because of health insurance companies refusal to obey the law and pay for treatment... you want proof of Satan on earth, just look at Health Insurance companies. Anyway, I know what you mean about time being in a different dimension when dealing with such things. This coupled with 2 jobs in 18 months and then starting my own company has been quite the time challenge. I wish you the best of luck with your child. Give me an email or call if you want to talk more about what we have been doing for my son. Oh yea, he can say Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini and he recognizes all of them on sight in pictures or in person. One of his favorite things to do is go for a Ferrari ride! I just got a model of a Daytona and he is now running around saying "Daddy has a Daytona, Daddy has a Daytona"! I love the way he is helping prep the wife for the eventual arrival of a new F car... | ||
| DAVE SHEARS (Daveshears)
New member Username: Daveshears Post Number: 36 Registered: 3-2001 |
You have your hands very full. My brother has only one child and she has autism. Having a child with autism is a very difficult to deal with. My oldest child has learning difficulities and I think at times that is difficult. Compared to my brother it is a walk in the park. You obviously have a wonderful wife and family as dealing with a child that has autism requires of you more than people can imagine. I do most of my fly fishing in Northern California for trout and steelhead. When going after steelhead I spend most of my time fishing for them rather than catching them. | ||
| Tim Walker (Flyfishdoc)
New member Username: Flyfishdoc Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2002 |
Usually Choctowhatchee bay near Fort Walton Beach or over near Pensacola. St. Marks Flats or Aucilla River. Don't get out as much as I used to to Colorado and Northern... New Mexico. The beauty of restoring cars is, if you are in the garage, the wife's perception is you are home....Ha ha, at least physically present. Seriously, one of my children has autism so I do not wander far from home for long periods anymore. I can hook you up with some good NW FLA saltwater flyfishing if that is what you like. | ||
| DAVE SHEARS (Daveshears)
New member Username: Daveshears Post Number: 35 Registered: 3-2001 |
Tim when not restoring cars what rivers do you fish on? | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 229 Registered: 1-2002 |
Some models and colors are rare for good reason. Dave | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 423 Registered: 12-2001 |
Because rareness and desireability are 2 different things. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2718 Registered: 5-2001 |
If that theory is correct that you should keep a car for a long period becasue it will be worth much more in years, why is nobody buying my 208GT4, less than 1000 made and only $ 4,000 ??? Hey that could be worth $200,000 in 2020. | ||
| Tim Walker (Flyfishdoc)
New member Username: Flyfishdoc Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hey gang, thanks for the info. Sorry, I have been busy at work and with FIVE kids plus my wife just had surgery... Anyhooo, back to more important things. I am towing the car back this weekend on my trailer behind my suburban. It was an estate sale. The car had been not cranked in 3 years and honestly I probably could have cranked it with a good battery but did not wish to without changing fluids, hoses, filters etc first. It is a 308 GTBi red/tan. Body is good. Interior is where the most damage is, carpet and leather. I have a contact in Salt Lake that will help me with that. The rest of the story is this-My cousin and I basically relish restoring junk we find and get it running and back to daily driver condition, not concours level. We have done about 80, mostly P cars and a few Lambos-Countachs and Jalpas. Most are wrecked or junk that comes from the Northeast or Miami area. We have just never "done" a Ferrari but were waiting for the right candidate for our "services". Wehave done maint. on them but not frame of restorations. We are used to tackling junk. Current 928 was purchased wrapped around a pole for 2k and now is great daily driver. So it is just fun for us and usually profitable although that is not the prime consideration. It is just the satisfaction. Thanks to everyones input and I will let you know how the project goes. I am sure we will be asking more F car questions. By the way, my cousin's shop is Autobahn South. Plus if anyone is looking for a good Lambo Jalpa.... | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 422 Registered: 12-2001 |
There will always be 308's that get wrecked or burned and they can be donors. I wouldnt part a running undamaged car. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 227 Registered: 1-2002 |
Don't forget everyone, without parts, none get restored except at the truly great expense of having them custom made. I can understand why some people are willing to restore a car that is a financial loser just for the satisfaction, however, there are way more tired, worn out 308's out there than there are people willing to spend 50K and up to restore one. Those who do restore them will be very happy there are donor cars out there, otherwise a restoration would be 100K and up just like the vintage cars. The marketplace will sort all this out in the end. For now, parts are needed for the 1000's of still good running 308's. Eventually, 308's will be vintage and the choice, original ones may even rise in value. Unfortunately, the cost of restoration will also rise. And none of this is likely to occur in my lifetime. Don't bash those who part out cars. If there wasn't demand for them, they couldn't stay in biz. Dave | ||
| Richard Stephens (Dino2400)
Junior Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 144 Registered: 10-2001 |
I like Paul's take on it. There is something nice about buying a car in the condition you can afford now rather than put off the purchase until you can buy one that is already restored. Seeing a car you are driving regularly slowly start to look better and run better and more reliably because of work you have done to it yourself is a great experience. An experience totally worth it in my book even if it costs you more money in the long run. BTW, not every 308 in the world has to be a show car. In another 10 or 20 years, original cars may be worth more than total restorations. Patina is a great thing... So don't restore them all guys! | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 188 Registered: 5-2002 |
We do have cars here in Arkansas. Which is a good thing considering that we can't walk anywhere, because we don't wear shoes. But seriously, when you do tow home that used 308, be sure to stop by the parts store and pick up a religious license plate frame. | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 299 Registered: 4-2001 |
Bruno, you didn't know we had cars in Arkansas? Where do you think we sleep with our sisters? We can't just shag them in the streets...  | ||
| L. Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Member Username: Lwausbrooks Post Number: 275 Registered: 8-2002 |
Folks, that was his first post on this board. I think we scared him off. Tim? You out there? | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 508 Registered: 5-2002 |
I didnt know they had cars in ARKANSAS. jk. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 507 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just because no one is willing to pay 35-40k for a excellent 308 doesnt mean it isnt worth it (I know that breaks all rules but you get my drift). The biggest problem right now isnt the cars.It's lack of interest.And Rob is right. There is no substitute for the experience. Also at lets say 25k for a dependable driver other than cost of maintenance you can drive the car and sell it for about the same. I could never cut one up.It would have to be a complete front end wreck where all that was left is the engine and trans. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 415 Registered: 12-2001 |
Here we are arguing amoung ourselves telling tim not to buy a resto project when in fact he probably already bought it prior to his post. He hasnt spoken up yet to clarify if he ment restoration in the real sense or just needing mechanical work and some tlc here and there. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 269 Registered: 4-2002 |
Heck no I wouldnt cut it up! You have a great looking car. I bought my car in a similar manner. I didnt buy a perfect car, mine needed a little of this and that as everyone who follows this board knows. I think getting a car that does need some work is a good way to go. This is much different than buying a complete restoration project. However I also intimatly understand the restoration lure. Dont forget I have done ground up restorations on several E-types, Austin Healeys, Triumphs an Alfas. Im simply saying anyone going into this should realise that they are highly unlikely to come out ahead on $$$. If its a hobby and being done for love/fun, then knock yourself out. Your doing all F car lovers a favor. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 414 Registered: 12-2001 |
The one thing that was most important to me was to get a ferrari NOW within my budget. I found one and bought it rather than wait another year or two to save for one I could drive home. I have no regrets. I havent restored it but made the required repairs to make it presentable and reliable. This car would have been parted by the sounds of it having 147k on it. Its clean and hasnt been hit. I couldnt bring myself to cutting it up for a profit. Thats as bad as torching it for the insurance money. Mine is the silver 308 in the bumper post, would you cut it up? | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 812 Registered: 4-2002 |
HORSEFLY THE BOTTON LINE IS WE DONT KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY THIS INDIVUALS HAVE TO PISS AWAY..YES INVESTMENTS FOR MY 3 KIDS COLLEGE MONEY(200,000) WOULD BE LOGICAL,BUT DONT EVER TRY TO FIGURE PEOPLE OUT, ITS A NO WIN SITUATION.... | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 187 Registered: 5-2002 |
L.Wayne said: "but the cost of a complete restoration would have made no financial sense whatsoever." Absolutely true, but in a greater sense, does driving a $200,000 car make any financial sense either? I mean, would you place a stack of $200,000 cash in the middle of an interstate highway for safe keeping? No, but you would spend $200,000 dollars on a car and drive it down the same highway in between junker Ford Pintos and AMC Gremlins? Alot of people do spend that much, and it really doesn't make much sense either. It would make much more sense to put that $200,000 into investments and drive a nice but cheaper vehicle. But human beings are not always logical. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 2041 Registered: 12-2000 |
Anyone should be reported to the F.P.S. for destroying a Ferrari just for financial gain. I want to restore a Ferrari and I know it would be cheaper to buy one already restored, but I want the experience. The Ferrari gods would be pleased too. I wish bad karma on anyone that takes a 95% Ferrari and makes it into tiny pieces that get spread accross the world. | ||
| L. Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Member Username: Lwausbrooks Post Number: 272 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tom Shaughnessy is known as the "King of the Toasted Ponies." For many years Tom has made his living parting out vintage Ferraris, most of which have been much rarer and more valuable than either the 308 or even the Daytona. In all cases, not only were the parts were worth much more than the car in its then-present condition, but the cost of a complete restoration would have made no financial sense whatsoever. Spend a fortune now, keep the car for 20-30 years, for what? So that he didn't kick himself in the behind decades later? There are those, however, who don't care about what is financially sensible. To them, the joy of bringing the car back to life is worth the expense. There are more than a few $75K-$100K Ferraris out there that have had $100K-$150K restorations. Makes just as much sense as paying a $500 vet bill to save a $50 dog... and for similar reasons. Personally, I would buy a car that someone else had blown a fortune restoring, but, as Horsefly points out, "to each his own." Kind of strayed off the "To dolly or not to dolly?" topic, didn't we? | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 186 Registered: 5-2002 |
It doesn't surprise me that they want to part out that Daytona. They are in it for the money, pure and simple. That's exactly what the Corvette guys did for years until they woke up one day and,....NO MORE CARS!!! Every car that could be bought up, restored, or parted out had been snatched up and there were no more. The guys that were in it for the money simply closed up shop and enjoyed their fat bank account because the "salad days" were over. I saw that right here in Arkansas. Numerous Corvette shops, antique car lots and resto shops sprang up here and there, then after a few years they quietly went under because the cold hearted reality is: You can't find any more old cars to buy, sell, restore for a profit. What is T.Rutlands (or any other place) going to do when the number of old Ferraris dwindles down to the point that they can't make a profitable business out of them? I knew of a guy who had about a half dozen pre-68 Corvettes that he bought after they were wrecked back in the early seventies. He had the forethought to keep them as-is stored behind his body shop. He eventually sold them as a package for around $100,000 after doing nothing to them but hanging onto them. But he can't go buy any more to take their place. It was pretty incredible to walk around behind his body shop. It was like time warping back to 1968 and being in a Corvette salvage yard. He had many more Corvettes and parts that he didn't sell. All the cars were just like they were at the moment they were wrecked. Kind of like B-17 bombers at Kingman, Arizona after WWII. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 504 Registered: 5-2002 |
until the market turns cars like the daytona will continue to bite the dust.The 308 is a low production car.It is just a lot for Ferrari.If and when the market turns good,average running cars will be worth 35k again and you can then restore one. Comparison to mustangs or vettes is unthinkable.They made millions of them. Everybody who wants a 60's mustang can get one anytime.when the market turns,IF, 308's will be out of reach.I saw it in the late 80's. 20k to 78k in months.100k+ for fiberglass cars. No 12cylinders for under 100k.But its a big if and when. Restore one if its what you want to do as a hobby and want to kep the car forever or close to it. I just got 4 shock bushings for my 1980 400i. They were 200 bucks. Thats normally 30 bucks for any other car.OUCH. Thats the membership fee for Ferrari ownership.And it never stops. But when the mustang and the vette and the Ferrari pull up to the light.Who they all looking at! | ||
| Paul (Pcelenta)
Junior Member Username: Pcelenta Post Number: 86 Registered: 7-2002 |
terry, labor hours are labor hours.. the parts for a mustang may be cheaper in price...but someone has to hang that quarter panel, or replace that rusty shock tower... while I love T.Rutlands and have nothing bad to say about them...they are in business to make money and in the automobile parts world...the whole is not equal to the sum of its parts...you can clearly make more money off these cars Now chopping them up rather than restoring and waiting 20 years. I type this with tears in my eyes after hearing about that daytona they are going to "chop-UP" | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 267 Registered: 4-2002 |
A 308 is no Duesy or Cobra. There were thousands of 308's built, its not a low production collectors car. Mustang convertibles make sense to restore because they are cheap to restore. Parts are plentiful and dirt cheap. A 308 is very expensive to restore. Bad comparisons. A better comparison for your point is an E-Type Jag. They were produced in large numbers, are fairly complicated and expensive to maintain/restore and they rust. 20 years ago people did just throw the bad ones away. Today a perfect car will bring $80K or more (series 1 roadster). Im sure there are plenty of people kicking themselves for parting out an early E roadster. However, would it really have made sense for them to restore it instead? Today, you would still be very hard pressed to turn the $25K E-type project into the $80K show winner for the difference in price. Perhaps if you do it all yourself and you are VERY good, you come out ok. No way you could pay someone and come out better. I believe the restore vs part out vs save ect thing on production cars that were built in relatively high numbers is a totally different animal than limited production cars. Comparing a 308 or E-type to a Cobra, 250GTL, Duesy, Hemi Cuda etc is really not fair. If you dont really buy into this theory, dont visit T Rutlands facilities... it will make you cry. They told me last week that they have a Daytona coming in that is going to be parted out. THAT blew me away. I cant imagine doing it to a Daytona but apparently its worth more in parts... | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 185 Registered: 5-2002 |
I agree that in the short run, you will be better off buying a nice car in need of little work, of course at a higher price. But I think that Ferrari guys, like other old car guys in general, still appreciate the cars of their interest, and would hate to see a complete car simply chopped up to be sold as parts. And Paul made a good point, who is buying the parts? But Martin's statements do bring up a good point that I have noticed in the old car community. There are 2 types of old car guys. Those that buy a nice car and drive it, and those that buy parts, restore cars, and turn wrenches. I guess to each his own. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2714 Registered: 5-2001 |
Arlie, as much as you hopefully be right for the benefit of all of us, this will likely not be the case in the next few years. 20 years from now the junk will be worth more but till then you still have junk sitting in the garage. I think we had this discussion just a few months back, didn't we? I see the question as such. If you invest more into a car to make it nice than what it wold have cost to buy a perfect car to begin with, where is the sense in restoring it? Let the guy keep his beaten 308 and in 20 years he can sell it for more, or not! We have a 308GTS QV that is in perfect perfect condition for $ 45,000. A lot but a perfect car. A 328GTS for $ 45,000 also a perfect car. We are talking today not tomorrow or much later than tomorrow. | ||
| Paul (Pcelenta)
Junior Member Username: Pcelenta Post Number: 82 Registered: 7-2002 |
If you are going to pay someone else to turn the wrenches then you are looking at the money pit...a question though...if a non-running 308 under $15k is a parts car...who is buying the parts then? Other people with sub $15k 308's. my advice to Tim is that if you are going to restore this car (it can be a very rewarding project) do it correctly...I have seen too many abortions out there (just take a peak at some of the junk on ebay)...that means no-tuck-n-roll upholstery from South of the border (seen this on a couple of 308s)...no cheap Sears tires (don't necessarily need coker repros but at least the right speed rating), put the correct mirrors on it...not anything off of a camaro (seen this) don't go any more crazy with the bondo than the factory did... If you need any parts fire me an e-mail...lower door skins rotted? got some decent reproductions being made up. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 411 Registered: 12-2001 |
I remember a friend turning down a 70 hemicuda convertible for $3000.00 because it was showing rust on the floor. That guy should not only kick himself but shoot himself in the head. Now they are worth what? $400,000.00 US ballpark? And a restoration shop I know says no matter how bad a 65 style mustang convertible is, its worth restoring. Even rotten 6cyl cars. I would buy a 308 that doesnt run, in fact, mine basically didnt when I bought it. Needed tires, no history at the time, no tools and tired paint, sat 9 years outside. Im glad I fixed it. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 183 Registered: 5-2002 |
Terry's words: "The reality of thes situation is that the under $15K cars are really parts cars. It makes far more economical sense to part those cars out than to restore them." No offense, but I can't believe anybody would seriously believe that line of thinking. The history of antique auto collecting and restoration is filled with such foolish thinking. Don't try to restore such and such car, you can always find a better car, so part out the one needing work. Of course in a few years, there are no more "better cars" to be had at a decent price, because the value of complete cars has soared! Now the complete, but junky car needing restoration has also soared in value. It has happened many times with Corvettes, Mustangs, Dusenbergs, Cadillacs, Cords, Packards, etc. Recall some of the tales from old timers who refused to pay one or two THOUSAND dollars for some old V16 Cadillac that was WAY OVERPRICED! Now they kick themselves for passing up on the deal. TODAY, you can find a better deal on a 308 than trying to restore a clunker 308. But what about TOMORROW when a 308 might be worth $75,000 or more? Then you will kick yourself for not buying that $10,000 project car. Dave's words: non running 308's in need of restoration are best used as parts cars." COME ON!!! I can hear your grandfather back in the 1930s saying, "Let's tear the supercharger off this old Dusenberg, it ain't good for nothing except parts." Or maybe your father back in the 1960s saying, "Let's sell the motor out of this old Ford Cobra, it'll cost too much money to get running again. We'll haul the rest of the body off to the scrap yard." It was done time and time again. I can't believe that car buffs haven't learned anything through the years. Some of the complete cars that I've seen sitting in the junk yards: 1962 Impala SS convertible completely intact but sitting atop a 25 foot scrap pile of other cars. 1964 Pontiac GTO complete and intact being used as a dog pen in another salvage yard. 1965 Pontiac GTO stripped of its VIN tags and eventually scrapped. Sadest tale: Complete 1958 Corvette crushed by a scrap metal dealer who complained because that old "fiberglass car" didn't have enough metal in it to make it worth anything after all! Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 223 Registered: 1-2002 |
non running 308's in need of restoration are best used as parts cars. Dave | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 485 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tim my 78 gtb is completley done.It took $49k with the price of car. I am soon going to sell and expect to get 30k tops. It's impossible to do one and win $$$ wise. However if your goal is a perfect car that you did on your own that you are going to put in your collection and forget about. Go for it. | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 484 Registered: 5-2002 |
I towed one 600 miles on a uhaul tow dolly front wheels on dolly. no problems. transmission is manual lash. You need a jack to retract the ramps after it is on the dolly. Good luck. Remember these cars can eat through $20k with no trouble. I know the one I towed went through $19k since april.Also I was cruising along at 65-75mph.no problem. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 390 Registered: 11-2001 |
Tim...is this the same nonrunning 308 that was on E-bay and featured in our local Jacksonville, FL classifieds (I think for around $13,900)? If so, your mechanic has some work on his hands . Keep us posted on how it goes. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 259 Registered: 4-2002 |
I dont see any way to come out on the plus side of a major restoration on a 308 even if you get the car up front for free. If you do a proper paint job, full interior, brakes, suspension, and some engine or trans work... your already over $30K. Buy a decent/nice car in the $22K to $26K range and plan on putting $4K-$6K into it. Then you will have a very nice 308 and you will probably be able to get your money out of it. I believe very nice 308's can bring $28K to $35K. Running and Driving junk can be bought for $18K. Full bore project cars should be under $12K. The reality of thes situation is that the under $15K cars are really parts cars. It makes far more economical sense to part those cars out than to restore them. There are tons of 308's out there and finding a nice one really isnt that hard. You will never turn the $15K car into the $30K car for the difference in money. I am a DIY guy and anything my 308 needs will be done by me. While I bought a very nice car, it still needs some fiddling and I imagine it always will. Thats the reality of ANY 308... they are glorified Fiats and will require tinkering. Buy a nice car, you will still have plenty of fun little projects to tackle. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 3097 Registered: 2-2001 |
Tim, I tend to agree with Martin on the restoration. It all depends on what you paid for the car, how it is mechanicaly and what is major restoration. If you are a DIY kinda guy you will save a lot but still the parts can add up real quick. | ||
| Christopher McCormick (92_348ts)
New member Username: 92_348ts Post Number: 20 Registered: 6-2002 |
Tim, I agree with Martin. My first Ferrari was a "non-running" 1979 308 GTS probably similar to the one you are looking at. It was all I could afford at the time, so I figured that I would simply restore it as I could afford. Two years and $30k later, I still had a "non-running" Ferrari that needed several thousand dollars of work. I am not trying to talk you out of the purchase, however I do want you to know how expensive and time consuming a restoration can be. Often times it is more cost effective (in the long run) to save a little longer and purchase the car in good condition to begin with. Good luck either way and welcome to the Ferrari experience. | ||
| Paul Newman (Newman)
Member Username: Newman Post Number: 399 Registered: 12-2001 |
There is no harm in towing the car with the rear wheels on the ground. The gearbox in neutral, some internals will turn but the lubrication is there just as if you were driving it 300miles. No problems. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2706 Registered: 5-2001 |
If I were you I would ask the 308 guys here for advise. Describe the vehicle as good as possible, photos help and how much you are going to pay, let them tell you if that is a good deal. In most cases you are better off buying a good example 308 and not deal with the restauration. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2705 Registered: 5-2001 |
Tim, I sure hope you know what you are doing. If the car needs a major restauration it will usually exceed the value of the car by the time you are finished. Unless you got the car in the mid 4 digits you should not touch a car that needs MAJOR restauration. In fact I would not touch it at all to restore it. As for the towing. The rear wheels have all the transaxle and engine connection. If I would tow it with the front wheels down on a dolly, but then I would not tow it on a dolly in the first place. Use the trailer. Worst case have a tow truck winch it on the truck and then lower it onto your trailer. | ||
| Tim Walker (Flyfishdoc)
New member Username: Flyfishdoc Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2002 |
I have located an older, nonrunning 308. Is it ok to tow it home (300 miles) on a dolly with the 308s rear wheels down on the pavement (from a technical point of view) or should I winch it up onto my utility trailer? Tow vehicle is a GMC suburban with HD towing package. Car is going to need a major restoration but my mechanic feels it is intact structurally. Thanks for any advice or pitfalls to avoid in bringing the car back. |