Birdman's 308 fuseblock retrofit ROCKS!!!

**RVIDRCI** · #1 01-10-2006, 08:17 PM

Hey 308 guys,
I completed instal of Birdman's Ferrari Parts 308 fuseblock kit on my 85 QV.
Let's just say THATS the best $100 bucks I've ever spent!!!
Everything works better, windows, dash lights, turn signals, HORNS!!!
Took all of about 1 hr to do, and I really took my time about it, HIGHLY reccomend this kit. I'll PM Birdman, nice product.
Ciao,
Luigi

**snj5** · #2 01-10-2006, 08:28 PM

I wish he had a Mondial to do this with....

Hey, wait a minute,...he does**!

HINT

**well, his wife does, actually.

jwise · #3 01-11-2006, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouGaudio

Hey 308 guys,
HIGHLY reccomend this kit.

Agreed- it really works well, and if you want to go back to original- no problem. Now, if I could only have some time to figure out how to attach the original labeled fuse covers???

**spiderseeker** · #4 01-11-2006, 10:08 AM

Jwise- I just used velcro to attach my fuse labels to the inside of the panel cover , next to the relay labels.
Steve

**EuroDino** · #5 01-11-2006, 10:55 AM

I ordered Birdmans fuse boxes for my 308 GT4 over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
He is a very easy person to deal with - highly recommend him, and his product.
I'm scheduled in Feb. to have Eugenio's put them in, along with a few other normal service items the GT4 will be going through.

**Mike C** · #6 01-11-2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwise

Now, if I could only have some time to figure out how to attach the original labeled fuse covers???

I just placed the old ones on a copier, then took the black and white xerox, cut out the labels, and used rubber cement to attach them on the inside of the vinyl panel cover. Works great as a ready reference.

jwise · #7 01-11-2006, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiderseeker

Jwise- I just used velcro to attach my fuse labels to the inside of the panel cover , next to the relay labels.
Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

I just placed the old ones on a copier, then took the black and white xerox, cut out the labels, and used rubber cement to attach them on the inside of the vinyl panel cover. Works great as a ready reference.

I love simple solutions- thanks.

gil308 · #8 01-11-2006, 12:01 PM

I have never had any electrical problems or noted any deficiencies...but I would be interested in more information on the replacement...

barcheta · #9 01-11-2006, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilnsammy

I have never had any electrical problems or noted any deficiencies...but I would be interested in more information on the replacement...

Bottom line: fuses don't blow. fuse panels don't melt. Interior lights are brighter. Switches work better.... it's just a great all around improvement. Frees up a couple hundred bucks also to spend elsewhere on your car....

**RVIDRCI** · #10 01-11-2006, 09:30 PM

DITTO...
I could not be happier. Just an amazing overall improvment with minimal fuss.
Totally do it yourself with instant results. Makes you feel like Phil Hill's pit crew. I think my 308 is actually FASTER now.
BELLA!!!
Ciao,
Lou

BigAl · #11 01-12-2006, 07:20 AM

interesting. My driver window is slow and I def DON'T feel like tearing into it to clean the old grease. Always try the easier fix first....

**spiderseeker** · #12 01-12-2006, 10:15 AM

This is why replacing the original fuseblocks with Birdman's (NAPA style) is important- the melted fuse connector in the photo is for the fuel pump. A PO's solution was to use a 30 amp external fuse !- scary stuff. Needless to say I have the updated fuse panel now and use the stock fuse size (16amp I think).
P.S. I built the "NAPA" style fuseblocks myself, if I had to do it again, I'd buy Birdmans, I only saved $25 for an afternoons work and driving all over town to get the parts.
Another P.S- replace all the relays too, it will prevent many future problems as well.(about $100)
Steve

**RVIDRCI** · #13 01-12-2006, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiderseeker

This is why replacing the original fuseblocks with Birdman's (NAPA style) is important- the melted fuse connector in the photo is for the fuel pump. A PO's solution was to use a 30 amp external fuse !- scary stuff. Needless to say I have the updated fuse panel now and use the stock fuse size (16amp I think).
P.S. I built the "NAPA" style fuseblocks myself, if I had to do it again, I'd buy Birdmans, I only saved $25 for an afternoons work and driving all over town to get the parts.
Another P.S- replace all the relays too, it will prevent many future problems as well.(about $100)
Steve

Can you source me on relays for $100.
I'll do that also.
-Lou

**spiderseeker** · #14 01-12-2006, 11:04 AM

Lou- I bought mine through Rockauto.com about $9 each for most of them.
Steve

gil308 · #15 01-12-2006, 01:11 PM

Ok...I'll take it...where do I get one?

**spiderseeker** · #16 01-12-2006, 01:17 PM

Either go to Ferrariads (above) or contact "Birdman"- just do a search for him.
Steve

**bert308** · #17 01-12-2006, 01:24 PM

I have made my own variant, if you're in Europe parts can be ordered from conrad:

**andy308** · #18 01-13-2006, 01:17 PM

I just ordered mine from Birdman and can't wait to get them in, I fully expect my car to do over 200mph after!! Ha Ha!

**Birdman** · #19 01-20-2006, 10:27 AM

Hey Guys,
I don't know how I managed to miss this thread. Thanks John for pointing it out. Thank you all for the kind words. I'm glad you like the fuseblocks. After I made my first set for my car, I knew this was something that would help out all 308 owners. I had no idea they would become so popular! I have been building so many that I had a bunch of the parts machined and anodized. The new ones are nice looking and less hand-built looking.

I have tried to price them reasonably, which means cheap enough that they are a great deal and I feel like I am helping my fellow Ferrari nut, but expensive enough that I don't mind the time/money it takes me to keep parts in stock, build them, ship them, answer questions, etc.

PLEASE do not expect that your windows will be faster. SOME people experience this if the fusebox was the issue, but windows in 308s are usually slow because of the hardened grease in the motor gears. A little more voltage from a better fusebox certainly helps, but it's not the complete fix. However, the OEM fuseboxes in these cars totally BLOW (ha ha get it?) and replacing them usually makes all kinds of things work better. But the real benefit is more reliability. I have a saying that I think is very true: There are two kinds of OEM 308 fuseboxes--those that have left you stranded, and those that will. My car was overheating because the fusebox melted on the fuses that ran the fans. Others get stranded because the fuse holder that runs the fuel pump melts. The fuseblocks in these cars are a terrible design. If you want to read a little more, I put up a site:

http://www.birdmanferrari.com

Thanks again for the positive comments, it really makes my day to hear that this thing has helped someone out.

Best,

Birdman

**spiderseeker** · #20 01-20-2006, 12:30 PM

Birdman: you said "The new ones are nice looking and less hand-built looking."
If the changes are noticable , how about some close-up photos ?
Steve