| Author | Message | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 368 Registered: 10-2002 |
Chris, you have mail. Byron | ||
| Chris Coffing (Valence)
New member Username: Valence Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2003 |
My company can repair these parts using fiberglass, carbon fiber, and/or Kevlar. Repairs to chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken, but largely intact (overall) spoilers generally runs about $300 plus shipping. Turnaround time is almost always less than one week, and the resulting repaired part is typically far more durable than it originally was. Alternatively, we can make entire replacement spoilers or clips (or any other body panel) for any of the F-cars out of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and epoxy composites for significantly less than the dealer cost for new parts. We currently specialize in aftermarket bodywork for late-model Porsches and Ducati motorcycles, but we're expanding our product line to serve the Ferrari community as well. We don't currently stock 348 noses or front spoilers, but if anyone on this message board is interested in providing a worn-out donor, you can have a replacement part at a deeply discounted price. We always give significant discounts to customers who provide parts we don't have for mold-making purposes. I hope some of you find this helpful - please contact me if you're interested. Thanks, -Chris Coffing Valence USA, LLC. | ||
| James J. McGee (Dr_ferrari)
New member Username: Dr_ferrari Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2002 |
The "Series Speciale" 348`s had the bottom area that was normally black painted the color of the car and a front spoiler that was made in Fiberglass was rivited to the underside of the front bumper/spoiler. Ferrari never introduced the cars with a rubber spoiler,though some dealers made protection for the cars in aluminum that was mounted under the spoiler to help protect from those pesky dips in the road. hope this clears it up dennis, Regards, Jim | ||
| Dennis (Bighead)
New member Username: Bighead Post Number: 25 Registered: 2-2003 |
Philip wrote: "I have a 348 Speciale and in this picture, where the white bumper/spoiler meets the black lower lip spoiler, min is all red.....It also appears to be one piece....I know it must be two pieces, but I can't find a seam or certainly not any bolts holding it on....I'd like to take off that lip and have it repainted or worked on, but I can't figure out how to take it off at all....Ferrari says that it is removeable....Also, mentioned below is a "rubber front spoiler lip" Mine doesn't have any rubber on it, it appears to be all fiberglass. " I'm a little bit confused... The pic posted by Jeff B. shows the white front bumper of his 348 and the stock front spoiler, in matte black (except his front spoiler has been trimmed). This front spoiler is fiberglass, and is ONE PIECE with the white bumper -- the entire front clip comes off in one piece. What I'm talking about is the Speciale front lip, which is glued or riveted to the fiberglass. I thought that the lip I had installed on my 348ts was made from rubber, but I could be wrong. It still prevented the edge of the front spoiler from chipping -- I drove several thousand miles with the lip on the car, including track events, never saw a chip on the front spoiler, where previously it collected it all too often. Here's a pic of it.  vty, --Dennis | ||
| Dennis (Bighead)
New member Username: Bighead Post Number: 24 Registered: 2-2003 |
Dan, the 348 Speciale front spoiler lip (rubber) is available from your local dealer or any of the usual sources (try Brian Keegan at Ferrari Parts Exchange). It's just glued on, I believe, and is painted to match. John -- you acknowledged that the Speciale rubber lip came with your Spider... which means, of course, that you haven't experienced the joys of driving a 348 without the rubber lip. You're right, it DOES marginally reduce the front clearance angle. But I disagree with your assertion that it doesn't offer any additional protection. As I wrote previously, "The big problem with the 348 scraping is that it wasn't scraping UNDER the car (like the 355); instead, it would scrape at the friggin' leading edge of the front spoiler! And the paint would chip off right at that edge, visible from 10 feet away. ARRGH. "So, this is what I did when I had a 348. When I had the black lower plastic panels painted body color, I also had the rubber front spoiler lip from the Series Speciale installed. It looks pretty neat, but much more importantly, it causes the scraping to occur on the UNDERSIDE of the front spoiler lip. Can't see it unless you stick your head under the car." So the real benefit is that if you DO scrape (and you WILL scrape), no damage is visible from the front. Go to the Tutto Italiano show in June at the MoT, and check out the front spoilers of the 348s (and TRs)... you'll see plenty of scrapes, and plenty visible. With the rubber lip, it takes the shock and DOESN'T chip (or at least mine didn't)... the scraping STILL OCCURS, but the damage can only be seen on the BOTTOM of the front spoiler assembly. vty, --Dennis | ||
| Reiner Kaiser (Reinerkaiser)
Junior Member Username: Reinerkaiser Post Number: 63 Registered: 2-2001 |
yeah I had the speciale spoiler on my car as well... had it repaired three times, then on a fast drive back from Angeles Crest highway I bottomed the car out going over a bump, and that was the last I saw of that spoiler... | ||
| Jeff B. (Miltonian)
Junior Member Username: Miltonian Post Number: 145 Registered: 12-2002 |
Well, there's two ways to look at my modified front spoiler. At high speeds (120MPH++??) there will probably be some negative effect on handling. I have never driven the car that fast, and if I intend to do so, I can always take a strip of aluminum and screw/rivit it onto the lower lip. It would be easy to make, easy to install and remove. The purpose of the modification is to prevent damage, EXPENSIVE damage, that can happen any time I take the car out of the garage. It's a tradeoff, and in a case like this, personally, it comes out to my advantage. I'm not saying everyone should have this done, I'm just showing what it looks like because Arthur brought up the point. It worked for him, and it works for me. If you're really concerned with high speed handling, you should rig up an air dam that skims 1/2" above the road surface. | ||
| john beaucher (Spider348)
New member Username: Spider348 Post Number: 39 Registered: 11-2002 |
The original owner of my 348 spider had a Ferrari factory Speciale spoiler installed. Mine is fiberglass as well. My 348 spider is lowered and requires care to avoid scraping. The Speciale spoiler affords little or no protection. The spoiler also slightly reduces clearance and extends forward, beyond the stock spoiler. This results in a further reduction in the clearance angle. Minor but, with marginal clearance, every little bit counts. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
New member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2003 |
Mike, Thanks for clearing that up for me.....I thought maybe mine had something incorrect on it...I've only had the car 2 weeks, so I'm still getting familiar with it.....Thanks......did you see my other question about the oil drain plug....?  THREAD 348 Simple Question. | ||
| mike Vettraino (348tb)
New member Username: 348tb Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2003 |
PHILIP> The 348 bumper/spoiler it is one piece solid at list on my 92 speciale with the exception of the ad on front lip spoiler in place w/rivets. Is not good idea to trim the bottom of the bumper my opinion!!!!!!!!! Olso the rubber lip spoiler is a wrong part. | ||
| Justin Randall Kenyon (Kenyon)
Junior Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 156 Registered: 10-2002 |
Not keen. May cause a problem at speeds as Craig suggests... | ||
| Craig Williams (Craigw)
Junior Member Username: Craigw Post Number: 82 Registered: 4-2002 |
Jeff, doesn't that affect the handling at higher speeds ? | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
New member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 13 Registered: 2-2003 |
I have a 348 Speciale and in this picture, where the white bumper/spoiler meets the black lower lip spoiler, min is all red.....It also appears to be one piece....I know it must be two pieces, but I can't find a seam or certainly not any bolts holding it on....I'd like to take off that lip and have it repainted or worked on, but I can't figure out how to take it off at all....Ferrari says that it is removeable....Also, mentioned below is a "rubber front spoiler lip" Mine doesn't have any rubber on it, it appears to be all fiberglass. HELP!! | ||
| Dan Marlett (Ferrari_dan)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_dan Post Number: 75 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dennis, where did you get the speciale spoiler lip and how much did it run? Does it bolt on? | ||
| Jeff B. (Miltonian)
Junior Member Username: Miltonian Post Number: 143 Registered: 12-2002 |
I think my 348 has the "solution" referenced by Arthur. It is quite professionally done, but still possible to bottom it out. As he says, about 3/4" has been sectioned out of the spoiler, just below the scoop. It still has the flat horizontal lower surface all the way across. The previous owner had this done in California.  | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 560 Registered: 4-2002 |
Nice one Ernie, anything that makes these things cheaper to run | ||
| Ernie Bonilla (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 558 Registered: 11-2001 |
Well kids I'm working on fixxing our problem. I recently bought a new bumper for my car. Well new to me, it was a used one that was in need of some minor repair. Anyway I am having a mold made of the bumper. The fiber glass is getting reinforced on the bottom part of the bumper so that it can take more of a hit and not bust so easy. I am convinced that the bottom spoiler was made thin on purpose. So that Ferrari could sell you a NEW bumper and make an extra $3G's, then blame it on your driving. So once the mold is finished, if you guys need a new front bumper let me know. I'm not sure how much it will cost until the mold is finished, but it will cheaper that what the dealer wants. Oh yeah I'm also doing the same thing for the rear bumper. They should be finished in about three weeks. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 995 Registered: 6-2001 |
Charles: When I had my 348, I always had dings in the spoiler. One of my clients California Auto Repair in Oakland, California had the ultimate solution: section the spoiler. They would cut about 3/4" off the front and section it backwards. Unless you knew it was done, you couldn't tell. Worked great: no more striking the nose of the car. cost about 1800 including paint. Art | ||
| Bruce R. Morehead (Brm)
New member Username: Brm Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2002 |
A previous owner of my 348tb had a 1/2 x 3/16 flat aluminum bar bent and bonded to the bottom of the spoiler when he had the lower area painted body color. It spreads the impact and has saved some damage. If you have yours repaired, the body shop should be able to make this addition easily. | ||
| Dennis (Bighead)
New member Username: Bighead Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2003 |
The 348 front spoiler is fiberglass, and any bodyshop that I'd entrust with my Ferrari should be skilled enough to rebuild it.... FWIW, when having your front end, consider an upgrade. The big problem with the 348 scraping is that it wasn't scraping UNDER the car (like the 355); instead, it would scrape at the friggin' leading edge of the front spoiler! And the paint would chip off right at that edge, visible from 10 feet away. ARRGH. So, this is what I did when I had a 348. When I had the black lower plastic panels painted body color, I also had the rubber front spoiler lip from the Series Speciale installed. It looks pretty neat, but much more importantly, it causes the scraping to occur on the UNDERSIDE of the front spoiler lip. Can't see it unless you stick your head under the car. Something to consider.... vty, --Dennis | ||
| Roger Green (Rogerg)
New member Username: Rogerg Post Number: 17 Registered: 1-2003 |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2402258713&category=34204 | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 217 Registered: 10-2002 |
http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/167223/199701.html?1044233789 | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 775 Registered: 11-2002 |
Any 'good' body shop should be able to easily rebuild the front fiberglass spoilers in all be a truly extreme case. Some bodyshops 'don't like to' rebuild fiberglass, even though it's relatively easy, because of the mess it makes and the itching caused by the fiber dust. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 152 Registered: 11-2002 |
I feel your pain Byron. My front spoiler has hit its share of curbs. I wonder if they can be repaired instead of replaced? I think it is made out of fiberglass so it might be possible to rebuild it! | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Junior Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 145 Registered: 11-2002 |
Say it isin't so Byron, What Happened? | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Junior Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 214 Registered: 10-2002 |
Does anybody know if this spoiler is still available? I just destroyed my front spoiler tonight leaving an evening venue... Can these be repaired? | ||
| Craig Williams (Craigw)
New member Username: Craigw Post Number: 46 Registered: 4-2002 |
On a similar topic has anyone seen a 348 front spoiler with a scoop on each side? | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 119 Registered: 11-2002 |
Your right there is one on ebay. It is under Automobile/truck parts. The description says it had minor damage that was professionaly repaired so I sent an email to the seller to clarify. Thanks for the info! What do you guys think it's worth? | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 499 Registered: 4-2002 |
Noelrp, there is? | ||
| Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member Username: Noelrp Post Number: 157 Registered: 8-2001 |
Charles, Check ebay. There's a 348 front spoiler up for bid. | ||
| Reiner Kaiser (Reinerkaiser)
Junior Member Username: Reinerkaiser Post Number: 51 Registered: 2-2001 |
Charles, Butch Hooper has replacement front clips for both 348 and 355s. The 355 clip is ~1500 i think, kinda pricy for a replacement part that he has the molds for... anyways, while we're on this topic, who knows if the 355 front clip fits onto the 348, and what mods (if any) are necessary? I think this would really update the look of the car (since fenders hoods and doors are identical on 348 and 355 right? | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
Junior Member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 118 Registered: 11-2002 |
Does anyone know where I can get a complete front spoiler for a 90 348. I am about to repaint my car and I want to replace or repair the front first. It appears to be made of fiberglass so I would even consider having it rebuilt. The lower section has been ground off presumeably by hitting the curb when parking. I am trying to restore this car to its original condition so I need to deal with this issue before I send it to the paint shop. |