| Author | Message | ||
| william speer (Wspeer)
New member Username: Wspeer Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2002 |
solly, where did you buy your tools and manuals from? | ||
| william speer (Wspeer)
New member Username: Wspeer Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2002 |
my dinoplex was replaced before i bought the car with a msd ignition. it seems to work great as i haven't had any problems with it at all. | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member Username: Solly Post Number: 412 Registered: 6-2001 |
William Speer is correct on the tools and manuals. I spent over $4000 to get these for Cavallino last winter in order to show the car. (Got a silver though). I have a late '74 U.S 246 GTS in excellent shape that I absolutely love. They are a hell of a lot of fun, and have probably the most beautiful body Pinninfarina ever did. Very straightforward engineering, easy to maintain, and there are a few Dino specialty suppliers (I use one in the UK) that have a good parts warehouse, although parts are expensive. The engine is extremely strong and will perform forever if it has been properly maintained. Mine is almost 30 years old and has never needed an engine rebuild, only gasket replacement. Handles great, although could use a bit more power. I often prefer driving this to my 360. You can get a GTS in very good shape for 80-90k and a GT for about 15-20k less. You can also get a GTS clunker for 65k, but I don't recommend it. An engine rebuild will set you back 10k, and bodywork/rust repair/painting is similarly expensive. Check compression with leakdown, and check for poor body repairs, as they are prone to rust, especially in the door sills and at the windshield/body junction. You will also want to replace the "wonderful" Dinoplex ignition system with a modern system, and there are some made that will fit into the original box. You can even go breakerless if you like, although I happen to like points. Here in NY, we do not have to pass emissions test after 20 years, so the cat, air pump, etc. will be removed whenever I do need to do any engine work(also get a few more bhp). I highly recommend the Dino. Be happy to give you further info via e-mail. | ||
| william speer (Wspeer)
New member Username: Wspeer Post Number: 27 Registered: 8-2002 |
keep in mind as well: 1)a manul set with real manuals is worth about $1200.00 2)a tool set with complete tools is worth about $2500.00 3)a jack and bag is worth about $400.00 4)an original key fob will run around $500.00- $1000.00 depending on condition all these items add value to the car, but also take away value if they are missing. | ||
| william speer (Wspeer)
New member Username: Wspeer Post Number: 26 Registered: 8-2002 |
i dont' think there has been a "real" transaction for a dino in the $125k range in many years. many of the "chairs and flares" cars are not really that. many cars have been modified over the years. by simply adding the arched fenders and the daytona style seats, you increase the value of the car. it was easy to do this during the late 80's when the prices were constantly rising, especially if you were doing a restoration. be careful on the chairs and flares and make sure you know what you are getting. my car has the daytona style seats (original from the factory) and the standard wheel package. the "flares" is a matter of personal taste, i personally do not like the look of the flared fenders as i think it takes away from the cars true lines. if you do decide to buy a dino, be very careful about true mileage and specs. denny schue runs the dino registry and helped me tremendously. the body is prone to rust at the front and back fenders, the lower door panels and the rockers. the engines are fairly robust, but if there is a problem, expect to spend money. i was looking at a dino here in houston before i bought mine. the owner was asking crazy money for a sound car but one that needed cosmetics in the interior. after a month of so on going back and forth on the price, the engine dropped a valve while bieng "demoed" on the consignment lot. looking at an engine rebuild and parts, the deal fell totally apart as he though he could rebuild the engine and redo the synchos for about $10-12k. make sure the synchos are strong and do not force the 2nd gear change until the gearbox is warm. i would highly recommend a dino to anyone- but as a daily driver, make sure that you are careful with maintenance and the body. | ||
| Paul (Pcelenta)
Junior Member Username: Pcelenta Post Number: 175 Registered: 7-2002 |
there seems to be such disparity in the prices...I looked at a chairs/flairs 74 gts 2 years ago and the guy was asking $125k...it was mint& complete tools and manuals etc... but the milage was not correct...then there are non-chairs/flairs in the $65k range...and a lot of crappy cars in the 60-75k range. I gave up the search thinking that if it was going to take $125k for a mint dino...I'd rather go with a daytona coupe driver... | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 670 Registered: 3-2001 |
I was up in Chicago last week on biz and stopped by Lake Forest Sportscars... they have a very nice red/tan 246GTS in the showroom. I believe it was a '74. Right next to it was an F-40 with 600 miles on the odo. If you're interested, call Tyler Dean at LFSC... he's a great guy. | ||
| Debbie (Dilly)
Junior Member Username: Dilly Post Number: 84 Registered: 9-2001 |
Pascal, sounds like you have a nice early European Dino. We don't see 246s with knockoff often enough. Sounds like a keeper to me!  Tommy, I have the opposite end of the production from Pascal. Our Dino is a 246 GTS and is the 3rd from the last car built. I love this car, but William is correct in his words about rust. If you are in the market you should look for rust and do you research. There are a lot of bad Dinos out there. Good luck with your search. | ||
| Pascal A. J. Maeter (Maeter)
New member Username: Maeter Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2001 |
I have a 1969 Series 1 246GT (Chassis 00512), red with black interior. It has knock-offs on the wheels as opposed to the five bolts, which I think looks a lot better. I have had the engine rebuilt recently. The car has had two owners in the last 33 years and is totally original. I drive it to work every day without any problems. It feels great regardless of what speed you drive at but easily cruises at 100mph on the motorway. I would also agree that the coupe is the way to go as the GTS is not nearly as pretty. In addition, the sound of the engine is great, especially when you remind yourself of the fact it is only a six-cylinder. | ||
| tommy jones (360mode)
New member Username: 360mode Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2002 |
sounds awesome. i was wondering whether the upkeep would make it feasible to drive one every day. we'll see how bonuses come out at work this december and i may be in the market! i agree - i love the coupe. in fact, all of the f-car's i've owned have always been coupes, just my preference... | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Junior Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 160 Registered: 6-2002 |
Tommy - If you are considering the purchase of this Dino - my advice (you get what you pay for) is to do so. They are great cars, relatively low maintenance, fun to drive, and as you observe, beautiful. You can have more fun at lower speeds in the Dino, throwing it around curves and scaring yourself at 70 mph on a sweeping left hand'r as you let off the gas (a no-no). Easy to maintain, fun to work on and drive, relatively low cost to purchase. While the GTS is more desirable to some, I prefer the coupe for both aesthetics and handling. Have owned 2 Dinos (1972s), both bought in 1978, and wish I never sold one of them. The other is a keeper. I learned my lesson. For what it is worth. Jim S. | ||
| william speer (Wspeer)
New member Username: Wspeer Post Number: 25 Registered: 8-2002 |
i have a 1974 dino gts. the interior is quite cramped, but comfortable. so far as maintenance, they are pretty straight forward, although parts can be hard to find. if you have ever driven a 308, they drive quite the same-just not as much power. it is almost like driving a go cart. the worst thing about them is protecting them from rust, but you can expect that with any vintage ferrari. | ||
| tommy jones (360mode)
New member Username: 360mode Post Number: 19 Registered: 9-2002 |
i drove past a parked dino that was at the MB dealership - what a beautiful car!! i'd love to hear from an owner, the good and bad about owning one. i've never had the opportunity to drive one, or even sit in one, so experiences from dino owners... please share!! if i ever go vintage, hands down my first choice... |