Vignale spyder #504 restoration

Here are some photos which show the rear of the car. The tail light lens are the same as the later 3500GT coupes, although the lens housings are unique. Notice the gold accent on the trunk handle.

Ivan
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As shown on a previous post, the seats have ventilation openings with a webbing. Unfortunately the original leather was very dry and torn. The only thing that could be salvaged from the driver's seat, which was in the worst condition, was the back. Most leather used by Maserati has a heavy grain, this one has hardly any grain and has a sheen to it.

The objective is to maintain as much of the original interior that can be salvaged. The back cushions, door panels and most side trims are in decent shape and those I want to keep as is.

Ivan
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Ian,

I cleaned up the original bump stops and re-used them.

Ivan

 

My hats off for the guy that is doing the interior pieces as these seats are a pain to do. He said the seat back had no real support and everything was held by strings. He is rebuilding things just as original. Looking at the bottom support you get an idea of what was involved, and I am sure the seat back was a lot more complex. He still has the passenger seat to do plus a few easier pieces.

Ivan
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I have one of those models and must say Ricko did a great job on a model that is priced very reasonably. Only complain is they labeled it as a 1959 and it should be a 1960, as the car has the later production details. It is a 1:18

Ivan

 

Thanks Thor! Best of luck figuring out what is wrong with your QP3.

Ivan

 

I plan on attending as a spectator.

Ivan

 

Nothing against Concorso Italiano but it is rather expensive to ship a car to and from Monterey from Atlanta just to show the car at Concorso. In 2000, I attended Concorso with a silver Ghibli spyder that was driven from Denver with a group from The Maserati Club. The 1,300 mile drive through incredible scenic areas, and then the Monterey weekend, more than justified the shipping expenses.

Perhaps I can find some brave souls that will join me in a trek from the Southeast to Monterey. If I can find a few volunteers, I'll drive the current Ghibli spyder to Concorso, and then ship it back. Any takers?

Ivan

 

Yes, especially now. It is a lot more fun putting the car back together than taking it apart!

Ivan

 

The rear drum brake cylinders were in great condition and only needed a rebuilt kit. The kit is the same as an early Austin Healey.

Most of the work went into making sure the hand brake mechanism was working correctly.

Ivan
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The pistons in the front brake calipers were pitted and were replaced with stainless steel pistons. The calipers themselves were in very good condition and just needed to be cleaned. Calipers were sand blasted and painted with Eastwood brake paint. Socket head bolts were parkerized.

Ivan
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