| Author | Message | ||
| Barry Wolinsky (308gtb)
Member Username: 308gtb Post Number: 488 Registered: 2-2002 |
Verell, I agree with your technician at FoNE. It gets kind of hot back there. I have a Euro ANSA exhaust on my 1976 GTB which has caused some minor blistering on the lower surface of the US bumper just above the tips, L>R. Barry | ||
| Mark Eberhardt (Me_k)
Member Username: Me_k Post Number: 475 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think my euro bumpers are realy more turn signal brackets than bumpers. They look nice though. I used a GTO front, I think it's smaller and weaker yet if that's possible. | ||
| Verell Boaen (Verell)
Member Username: Verell Post Number: 635 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dr Tommy, re:"My only fear is that possible parking "bump" that may be a bigger problem then with the US ones. What is the speed rating difference?" IMHO, You've hit on the only drawback w/ the Euro bumpers. They aren't 5mph bumpers (I suspect that 'retracted' US ones aren't either). I have doubts that they're even 2mph bumpers. My car is an Euro, & I'm just very very careful with it. BTW, over long periods of time some Euro rear bumpers develop pretty good bows. My rear bumper bows almost 2" from the center to the ends. Dave at FoNE said he's seen it a few times, believes it's due to heat from the muffler blowing on the center of the bumper. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 324 Registered: 4-2002 |
Paul, You car is TRULY a thing of beauty! Vita bella! Enjoy the Music ("That's Amore" with a few writer's embellishments), Steven R. Rochlin "(In Maranello where love is king When boy meets car here's what they say) When the car hits your eye like a big pizza pie That's amore When the Ferrari seems to shine like you've had too much wine That's amore Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling And you'll sing "Vita bella" Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay Like a gay tarantella When the car make you drool just like a pasta fagiole That's amore When you drive down the street with a Ferrari at your feet You're in love When you're driving in a dream but you know you're not Dreaming signore Scuzza me, but you see, back in old Maranello That's amore..." | ||
| Paul Sloan (Sloan83qv)
Member Username: Sloan83qv Post Number: 552 Registered: 3-2001 |
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| George J. (George14)
New member Username: George14 Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2003 |
I have heard somewhere that the US bumpers were filled with sand. Please don't laugh, I really did hear this. Does anyone know if it is true? Thanks, George | ||
| Bill V (Doc)
Member Username: Doc Post Number: 279 Registered: 9-2001 |
Tommy, I eventually plan on installing the spoiler, bumper and grill. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 321 Registered: 4-2002 |
Gary, Was not sure of the TRUE weight savings and was guessing. My apologies for my completely wring "guesstimate". In hindsight i should have also remembered that the weight savings on my Euro version is due to much more than just the bumpers. In any event, it is good to know my Euro is lighter than the US version... and i am still finding ways to further lighten the car :-) Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Gary Shaw (308930g)
New member Username: 308930g Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2003 |
I almost forgot! When you put euro bumpers on a US model, especially where the front is concerned, the US grill now looks out of place. The euro is noticably different. No curved vertical members. So... you can get a euro grill, or "modify" your US grill w/ extended aluminum pcs where the grill needs to fill in the outer vertical pcs. Look at many photos of the US and euro cars. The QV grills are different from the carbed cars, etc. Have fun | ||
| Gary Shaw (308930g)
New member Username: 308930g Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2003 |
Paul is pretty close. Tazio and Steven are dreaming when it comes to the weight savings. I've done this on 2 308's and have weighed everything. The simplest thing is to purchase the new version of the aftermarket euro bumpers. Butch at Italian Design has a good product that bolts right up to the US bumper shocks. The other euro bumpers need a created shock or mounting point. The painting is easy. For those of you that are mechanically inclined, and there should be alot...(don't pay someone to do something you can do yourself), fill, prime, sand, paint, rub or buff. If you find original euro bumpers, they're a little heavier than the new aftermarket ones, and you have to create the mountings. The original bumpers weigh "around 45 lbs, front, 40 lbs. rear. The aftermarket, about 5lbs each. You will feel the difference, the first time you drive the car. Also, take out the spare (40 lbs), and the tools (20lbs). If you have a GTS, leave the roof at home too. You'd be suprised at how much better the car feels. Yes, I know. What if you get a flat? Just try it! For only a short run. Power/weight. If anyone wants a few other suggestions on weight savings, please ask! I'm sure we all could contribute..... A/C, the board under the carpet in the rear storage area, the blower fans,,, | ||
| Tommy Anastasiou (Tommya)
Junior Member Username: Tommya Post Number: 78 Registered: 10-2002 |
Bill, Are you going to install it on your car ?? | ||
| Bill V (Doc)
Member Username: Doc Post Number: 278 Registered: 9-2001 |
If anyone is interested in front Euro spoilers, a good friend of mine in the fiberglass/carbon fiber business will be manufacturing them within the next few months. If anyone is interested, let me know and I can put you in touch with him. He indicated that he can make them up in fiberglass or carbon fiber . | ||
| steve Lauren (Steve308gtsi)
New member Username: Steve308gtsi Post Number: 44 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jeff, You must have read my mind. I was planning on contacting you regarding F+R Euro bumpers for my Euro 308 when I get back from vacation. My car currently has the US bumpers and I want to bring it back to original. I noticed different part numbers for the Euro 80-82 308 and Euro 82-85 QV 308 front bumpers. What is the difference? Also are the bumper mounting brackets still NLA? BTW, thanks for all the water hoses. They worked out perfect. Keep up the good work. Take Care, Steve | ||
| Paul Sloan (Sloan83qv)
Member Username: Sloan83qv Post Number: 549 Registered: 3-2001 |
The US Bumpers weigh 49 lbs each without shocks attached, I believe the shocks weigh about 3 lbs each. My fiberglass euro bumpers weigh approx 9 lbs each. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1069 Registered: 5-2001 |
My only fear is that possible parking "bump" that may be a bigger problem then with the US ones. What is the speed rating difference? can I still accidentally hit something at 4 mph backing up in the dark with a euro's and not need $722,000 worth of repairs? | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Junior Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 177 Registered: 9-2002 |
As we speak I am fitting Euro bumpers to my GTB. The weight savings is significant and performance is noticably better when you hack 150lbs of the weight of a 308. There are many people out there selling replica Euro bumpers and by and large they are very good. In my case, I tripped over a set of original bumpers and found that to fit them properly to my 308 required the fabrication of some brackets. Nothing complicated but certainly not a straight bolt on. Euro cars are welded slightly differently in the front and have 2 tubes that mate up to the Euro bumpers. American cars need a special adapter to make them fit well and I was able to make mine for less than $20 in metal and about an hour of labour. Pushing in the factory bumpers is ok but compared to the clean look of the Euros along with the huge weight savings, there is no contest. | ||
| Bruce McKinney (Bruce_mckinney)
New member Username: Bruce_mckinney Post Number: 15 Registered: 12-2002 |
I had my 81 308 bumpers pushed back for the more Euro look. My mechanic modified the front bumper shock obsorbers. The rear, I think the seals in the shock obsorbers were shot as we pushed hard on the bumber and it "snapped" into recessed place and has stayed there ever since. The look of the car (especially the front) is so much more pleasing. Even my mechanic, who likes everything to be kept original, agreed it substantially improved the looks. With regard to the weight issue, it was not a concern to me as I don't race the car or take off from aircraft carriers. If the weight issue is not a big deal, I would suggest modifying the bumper shocks....substantially cheaper and, I beleive the after market Euro bumpers still need to be painted???, so add that expense on top of the bumpers. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 320 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dr. T, Have heard the TOTAL difference of the 308GTS QV bumpers is about 250 lbs. from the light Euro to the US spec. Have the light Euro on my car and removed the "Federalization" parts that are nothing more than HEAVY metal extenders per se. One day i have to sell them along with the original exhaust, TRX wheels/rims, and "diaper". Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1060 Registered: 5-2001 |
Jeff, do you have a scale around there? If you do would you stand one of the euro bumpers up on it and compare the weight difference with the US ones? Could you do it with both front and back bumpers? | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 319 Registered: 4-2002 |
Colin, They are black. Can be painted of course :-) Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Collin Hays (Chaysintexas)
Junior Member Username: Chaysintexas Post Number: 77 Registered: 4-2002 |
Are the euro bumpers typically painted to match the car color or are they still black? | ||
| Frank Foster (Sparta49)
Member Username: Sparta49 Post Number: 501 Registered: 3-2001 |
I purchased the Euro Grill and bumper from Butch Hooper at Italian Design and racing. The bumper bolted on using the US bumper shocks as mounting points. and I just had to drill holes in the air dam for the grill to mount to. | ||
| Philip Airey (Pma1010)
Junior Member Username: Pma1010 Post Number: 202 Registered: 7-2002 |
Jeff I asked you about the Euro grill (for 77 Carb). Want to email me offline. [email protected] | ||
| Jeff Howe (Ferrari_uk)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_uk Post Number: 202 Registered: 12-2002 |
Philip - Do I have an outstanding enquiry for you...? Am drowning in it at the moment but something tells me there's something I haven't done.....?!! :-) | ||
| Jeff Howe (Ferrari_uk)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_uk Post Number: 201 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hi all. This is one that is of particular interest to us actually. We have Euro bumpers at about �320 or $497. We have quite a few in stock whereas the USA ones are few and around $1400. If this can be done we could try and arrange a bulk shipment of bumpers mebbe ? Let me have your thoughts.... | ||
| Philip Airey (Pma1010)
Junior Member Username: Pma1010 Post Number: 200 Registered: 7-2002 |
I put Euro bumpers on my car. Straight bolt on, no fitment issues and looks "right". I used the (US) stock hydraulic shocks - you could replace these too if you found a good source. I bought mine used from Peter Sweeney (fine to deal with, have bought several times from him), but also there are usually several sets around. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1057 Registered: 5-2001 |
There is a big weight savings by swapping to the euro bumpers. They are expensive to get, though. If the weight thing is not an issue and you are just wanting the cosmetics alone you can "modify" your's. There was a thread on this a while back. It described a way to drill the bumper shocks to let out the gas so you can press them back in. I have never tried it but it sounds like it may work. | ||
| Collin Hays (Chaysintexas)
Junior Member Username: Chaysintexas Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2002 |
The euro bumpers sure are more attractive and considerably less obtrusive, but how difficult is it to fit them on a US version 308? Has anybody done it? If so, any recommendations as to where to buy the bumpers, etc.?? |