One step forward, two steps back | FerrariChat
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One step forward, two steps back

Discussion in '308/328' started by SteveG75, Jan 25, 2011.

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  1. SteveG75

    SteveG75 Formula Junior

    Nov 23, 2010
    380
    FL
    Full Name:
    Stephen
    #1 SteveG75, Jan 25, 2011
    Or at least it feels that way. Well, I have had the '77 308 GTB for all of three days and it is already driving me crazy. LOL. Every time I think I have fixed something, I either screw up in some way or find something else to fix.

    So far, I have:

    - Cleaned up some interior trim pieces that had been recovered but not trimmed well.
    - Replaced burned out license plate light
    - Replaced burned out dome light
    - Replaced missing water temp gauge light and reconnected wiring behind cluster.
    - Fixed trunk latch that was not releasing (had to shorten J-bolt on driver's side)
    - Installed steering wheel spacer
    - Replaced broken driver's side mirror

    While doing all that, I managed to:
    - Break contact off back of horn button. Soldered on wire with new contact. Works better with the steering wheel spacer (or so I tell myself).
    - Scratch up recovered dash in front of instrument cluster reinstalling it (nothing a little black shoe polish won't hide)
    - Ran passenger side J-hook in too far while adjusting trunk lid which cracked paint from the inside of the skin. Just working too fast.

    Discovered:
    - Rear window defogger blows its fuse when turned on.
    - Reverse lights don't work

    Still need to:
    - Fix slow headlight and windows (need to clean and regrease)
    - Get replacement console and install
    - Replace all hoses
    - Discover why brake booster don't work well. Tried cleaning check valve (may need to replace)
    - Discover why fast idle mechanism doesn't work
    - Fix inop left radiator fan
    - Check timing
    - Replace thermostat
    - Get new tires installed (have them sitting in garage, trying to decide if wheels need to be refinished)

    BTW, is there an easy way to get the aircleaner off without removing the engine (trunk) lid from the car? Starting to wish that Ferrari had hinged the lid at the rear instead.

    OK, done ranting. Feel much better. Still feel like a schmuck for the J-hook screwup but such is life.

    Would love to hear some ideas on the reverse lights and defroster.
     
  2. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
    4,786
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    Geno
    #2 Sledge4.2, Jan 26, 2011
    Sounds to me like you tear into the carbs and start tinkering with them :)
     
  3. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2007
    4,786
    Marin
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    Geno
    #3 Sledge4.2, Jan 26, 2011
    Air cleaner housing comes off without removing deck lid

    Fast idle mechanism has prob been disconnected as it's not really needed
     
  4. SteveG75

    SteveG75 Formula Junior

    Nov 23, 2010
    380
    FL
    Full Name:
    Stephen
    #4 SteveG75, Jan 26, 2011
    Sledge,

    I wonder what I would break doing that. LOL. Feeling better this morning. Of course, I need to get the new tires on and just drive the car, that will make me feel better.

    Managed to blow another fuse last night. Got decide if I will search for genuine replacement fuses or build a replacement fusebox.

    Thanks for the words of encouragement though.
     
  5. rizzo308

    rizzo308 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 12, 2004
    2,759
    Perth, Australia
    Full Name:
    riggio
    #5 rizzo308, Jan 26, 2011
    Welcome to the frattelihood
     
  6. ramosel

    ramosel Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2004
    1,237
    Meadow Vista, CA
    Full Name:
    R Moseley
    #6 ramosel, Jan 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Yup, welcome to the family....

    Reverse lights. The switch for the backup lights is on the lower front side of the shifter housing. I'd start by checking its function and adjustment. It should "switch" when you put the shifter into the reverse gate. And of course the wires should be connected to it.

    Rick
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  7. SteveG75

    SteveG75 Formula Junior

    Nov 23, 2010
    380
    FL
    Full Name:
    Stephen
    #7 SteveG75, Jan 26, 2011

    Rick,

    Found the switch last night. I need to replace my console so that will be checked then as well as why the defroster switch keeps blowing fuses.

    Honestly, I could drive the car today but my perfectionism is starting to get to me. I didn't have to adjust the latches but charged ahead and now the mark is on the body fix list. It never ends.

    Thanks for the encouragement.
     
  8. viphoto

    viphoto Formula Junior

    Sep 11, 2010
    264
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Mark
    #8 viphoto, Jan 26, 2011
    I too am a member of the "one step forward, two back " brotherhood. Every thing I start to fix begets at least one other project....Your lucky that you can drive yours..mine came with 20 year old belts and hoses so I have yet to drive my car more than on and off the trailer. I am in the midst of timing the cams now so I can bolt it all back together (after the electromotive install)... What I am learning from the sage advice here on Fchat is to keep it simple,take your time, beware of well intentioned mis-information and the parts prices suck. I am also having to restrain from trying to fix everything that isn't perfect (other than the engine and safety related items) as there will be plenty of time for that...other wise I could be off the road for another month or more...
    Have fun and enjoy your car!
     
  9. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

    Jul 26, 2009
    5,401
    Ahwatukee, AZ
    #9 PV Dirk, Jan 26, 2011
    I have discovered that Ferrari mechanics earn their money because nearly everything on the car takes a long time to work on or get to. I work very slowly on my car and look at what I'm working on from multiple angles if I can. I keep telling myself I can no longer afford to learn by breaking things. If I want to complete a project quickly I work on my pickup or my motorcycle. Congrats on getting the car and working on it yourself. I had a lot of fun working out the little bugs on my car when I first purchased it. Each fix a bit of joy in the accomplishment and seeing the car work the way it was supposed to.
     
  10. flyngti

    flyngti Formula 3

    Jul 16, 2009
    1,239
    Snohomish, WA
    Full Name:
    Eric L
    #10 flyngti, Jan 26, 2011
    I feel your pain, my friend. I went through the same thing (or rather, am still going through the same thing) with my car. It does take a while to get everything sorted. My car had been in storage for almost 20 years and it arrived at my house on a wrecker. It took 2 months before I started the engine and another 3 months before it moved under it's own power. It's been a year and a half now and I'd say things are mostly sorted out. I still have a todo list (who doesn't?) but at least I can drive and enjoy the car now.

    As for removing the air cleaner, I found that I could gain a little more clearance by removing the 2 forward bolts on one of the rear bonnet hinges and loosening the third. You then push up on the bonnet and retighten the bolt. This should get you just enough extra clearance to remove the air cleaner.
     
  11. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,325
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #11 BigTex, Jan 26, 2011
    It will most likely be the fan itself shot, (or maybe the radiator switch) the Lucas unit is shared with a V12 Jaguar (about $129 from WorldParts)

    Or I have gone to simpler unit from Grainger, there's discussion on that in other threads...
     
  12. SteveG75

    SteveG75 Formula Junior

    Nov 23, 2010
    380
    FL
    Full Name:
    Stephen
    #12 SteveG75, Jan 26, 2011
    Thanks guys. I think I am going to take a break tonight and order some parts to build my own fusebox. Enjoy doing that kind of stuff so should be fun.
     
  13. spgribben007

    spgribben007 Karting

    Nov 11, 2010
    196
    Frederick, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Steve Gribben
    #13 spgribben007, Jan 26, 2011
    Ever thought about getting two of Birdman's fuseboxes?? Just got my 82 308 GTSI this past December and been doing nothing but cleaning and replacing non-critical parts. Still have a long way to go but having fun...
     
  14. Hans

    Hans F1 Veteran

    Feb 17, 2006
    7,734
    Hilversum, Netherlands
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    Hans Teijgeler
    #14 Hans, Jan 27, 2011
    Love you avatar, Riggio. Pity it's so small ;)
     
  15. st@ven

    st@ven F1 Rookie

    Aug 4, 2008
    3,302
    Netherlands
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    Steven
    #15 st@ven, Jan 27, 2011
    ?? don't you like small butts?
     

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