330 GTC factory suspension repair

Thanks for informing people of this potentially very dangerous, but easy to fix problem, Tom. Just sent the details to a friend who recently bought a 330 GTC.

 

Good looking out T Yang.

 

Where would we be without guys who pay attention? Many thanks Tom.

 

I wonder if that repair really strengthens the structure. Those that failed likely did so because of problems in manufacturing & materials and it would be really interesting to find a car with a developing crack.

 

Is this limited to the front suspension? I thought the rear shock mount is the same design. My fronts have the plate and welds. Can't see the rears without wheel removal.

 

Many years ago, probably 1980s, Dyke Ridgley if I recall wrote an FCA tech bulletin about a reinforcing plate for the rear shock absorber mounting of the 330GTC. The front shock mounting reinforcing was also the subject of an FCA tech bulletin in the 1980s - this is previously distributed information that has simply gone dormant in the cobwebs of time. The 275 chassis has similar shock mounting design, but it is unclear if 275's have ever had similar problems, as the vehicle weight I assume is lighter.

 

Even modern Ferrari Chassis can develop problems. The one in my 88 TR cracked several times. (I did use it as a daily for 155K miles) and after one 24 race our F430/GT2 Spec Scuderia chassis cracked as well. Good fix. Anyone not doing it should practice what to do when an entire corner comes loose as the one in my TR did on the Cross Bronx Expressway.

 

I am flattered that somebody remembered something I wrote so long ago (1975 I think). Yes, the 330 GTC does have a similiar problem with the rear shock mounts. They also can tear away from the upper cross tube. I have never seen a 275 with this problem, front or rear. Must be due to the lighter weight.

 

Does this issue apply to the 365 GTC as well, or were the fixes done at the factory during production by that time (1968-1969)?

 

Let me add my thanks to the list! I am very much enjoying driving 10825 and am sensitive to issues like this since at less than 25K miles over it's prior life, it is barely shaken down. Now is there also a trick to prevent the front tires from destroying the air hoses that pass through the upper fender each time I hit a large bump???

 

Short answer?..............No

Long answer.....70 series tires less with smaller diameter help but don't look right
you can try to reshape the ducts to be flat oval as possible. both will help but not
eliminate the contact.

 

Interesting view point. I've studied similar problem on several Daytonas after similar claims/opinions and found corrections relatively easy, even though part of the problem seem stem from original engineering flaws.
Timo

 

Well my experience with this issue was with 3 different 330s. GTS 10359, GTC 10857 and now GTC 9593. If you remove the ducts and reshape as flat as possible it does make a difference. However even after doing this a hard left turn over a bump and the tires will still rub the ducts. No big deal. Ever few years take a look at the condition and repair or replace as necessary. Seems to come with the territory........like lots of other little issues with these old bangers.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thanks. I just thought this type of issue could perhaps be corrected in the suspension like in Daytonas which many have been known to have their front tires rub up against the inner fender panels during (spirited ?) driving and which I believe is caused by combination of suspension related (and correctable) problems including some small engineering miscalculations. Then again, after 3+ decades of restoring and repairing vintage cars, I sill have a lot to learn and try to do so every day.
Timo

 

Tom,

Great reminder/tech talk!
It should be "must do" for those that rally or drive their cars as much as you do.
The 275's don't have that same issue or at least none that we've come across here. I will say re strengthening the 275 rear towers makes a world of difference in the ride.

Can't wait for the update keep us posted my friend.

 

I don't have personal knowledge, so take this with a grain of salt: Years ago, when Jess Pourret had his 250GTO and I had a 275GTB/C (9057), I was jerking his chain by saying that the 275GTB/C was the spiritual successor to the GTO, every bit as good to drive and to race, blah, blah, blah. He knew I was kidding him (well, sorta), but made the comment that several of the C's had been upside down as a result of the failure discussed here. Certainly my car had been shiny side down, and I do believe that one or two others had been, as well. Why, I don't know. So, if Jess is correct, I guess we would have to say that 275 GTB's need to be included in this discussion. I also remember a 275 GTB turning over at turn two of the Virginia City hillclimb, but can't say why.

 

Ed: Interesting story. I can confirm that GTB/C's, in race condition were plagued by broken wheel spokes. The 275 GTB/C was the first competion Ferrari to use the new Dunlop "M" Series racing tires. These "wide profile" tires were finally able to produce enough lateral grip to actually tear the spokes out of the wire wheels, even though Borrani designed an outer laced front wheel for the cars in order to try to add strength.

 

Main reason for 275's having been 'upside down' are the weak rear uprights. They crack easily after contact with curbs or whatever.
I fitted stronger uprights before taking 7271 to the track. And of course Borranis and M sections do not work if the 275 is exercised like it should be.

 

not sure if this is correct place for this but, I have a very nice set of curved knock offs for Borrani wheels....I am looking to trade for a set of "straight' ear knock offs for my ten slotted wheels...anyone know of a possible trade....

 

This should definitely be in a separate thread. Normally ads should go in ferrariads, but since its an exchange rather than sale, seems ok to post a thread. I've noticed that a lot of cars have mismatched wheels/knockoffs, so I'm guessing you will get a lot of interest. Great way to make two people happy.

 

Understood, I was actually hoping to hear back as to the correctness of the straight v/s curved application of the knock offs as well. I noticed a car at Fantasy Junction which has the "straight" on a set of Borrani wires.... thanks

Another question came up recently, does any one know how to tell an "Original Nardi" wooden steering wheel from an aftermarket Nardi wheel... thanks again.