Potentially taking the plunge - advice needed please!

The Dino has quite a useful boot capacity - just remember to buy fume-proof bags or you'll end up smelling like petrol for a week. The cabin does get very hot, and if you have vinyl seats you will need a few extra shirts. But this is a small price to pay - go for it, and just remember to pack deoderant

 

How long is a piece of string?
one person travelling or two? For one, I think plenty of room, for two, luggage space will have to a consideration when packing and keep in mind what you will buy and bring back.
Typically the load will be heavier going back. the space behind the seats is quite useful.

trunk / boot gets hot, no doubt it. well worth putting an extra layer of insulation on floor and back of trunk.

inside car, a nice beach towel or other to draped over seats if car is left standing in the sun.... wont hurt when you sit down.

Heat will come into the cabin from just about every where, especially when radiator fans are on, so that needs to be addressed. some owners install additional valves to totally cut off hot water to heaters, that helps big time.
don't forget the hand brake gear shift areas, heat blows in from there too.

forum searches will bring you to a wealth of information on these topics
with some well planned thought, the Dino makes quite a travelling companion.

Keep security in mind. A battery switch to cut power, gate lock, tracking device, watch where you park and, at night, make sure its under lock and key.

A GTS is better than a GT without air conditioning...I think.
also when sight seeing, the view from the Dino GTS is incomparable.

 

I am in the fortunate position at the moment of owning a GT and a GTS. As far as getting hot is concerned the GT is tiresome and sticky and smelly on a hot day on a long run.
The GTS is fantastic with the roof panel removed, cool and great vision.
On the downside with the roof in place the GTS rattles and does not look as flowing and pure as the GT.
On a cool day the GT is a much better driving experience, and after you park and look back it is just heaven.
Decisions decisions.....................
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+1 I had a set of terrycloth towels made into seat covers which help a lot in the summer making things more comfortable. The terrycloth covers made have the same beige color as the interior, so it does not look completely out of place.

 

like oh what shall I drive today? I know, the yellow one ?

beeeeauuutiiiiful

 

FAF in Atlanta used to sell really nice cloth seat covers. None survived it seems

 

I know this may sound rather "down market", but the woven plastic seat covers really do make a difference on a hot day. It's two layers of woven plastic material with a layer of metal spring-like material in between. This keeps your bottom and backside off of the seat and allows air to circulate around your clothing, thus keeping you cooler. I drove a 1966 Ford Fairlane with no a/c as my only car up until four years ago and I used one of these seat covers with great success. Even on a ninety plus degree day, I would usually arrive arrive at my destination fairly dry. I live outside of Washington, DC and the summers here are very hot and humid. I bought mine at Autozone. I have no idea if they still sell them, but an internet search should yield some results.

I say go for the GTS.

 

I have one I bought from FAF. Tan with FERRARI printed on it. Not sure if it is the same as what you are referring to.

 

Buy the GTS, bring sunscreen and your biggest smile then open the wing windows when it is hot and you'll be fine. A towel on the vertical portion of the seat aids in absorbing perspiration from your back. Luggage space for carry on plus only

I have done this several times and really enjoy it - even Bakersfield to Redding, CA in 104 F degree days. As said above, put your luggage inside large plastic bags to prevent exhaust fumes from intruding.

 

On long trips with my wife, I leave the spare tire at home to provide extra storage space up front. I carry a spare tire in a can for emergencies, but flat tires are rare these days.

 

drive it home check for leaks and fluid levels
drive a 100 mile round trip then then check
drive 250 to 500 round trip miles and check, after that, you should be in happy land.

 

No matter what Dino you choose a few things should be done regardless.
- If the ignition system is marginal then spend the $250 and install one with a superior spark like the MSD ignition system
- check the coolant hoses and if there are no records of them being changed or the hoses appear to be the style made with a diagonal wrap then replace them.
- Have an engine oil analysis done to determine the health of the engine. I like oillab.com

I have a travel kit of dino spare parts that I take with me on long drives
- extra accelerator pedal cable
- alternator belt
- alternator
- ignition switch contacts (located behind the Neiman key mechanical ignition)
- extra fuses and bulbs (1156, 1157)

Hope to hear about your adventures and share them like ours!
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/206-246/254827-dinos-driving-monterey-2009-a.html