HI All, Still trying to suss out the known issues with 456's before I make the plunge. I'm wondering about the issue with the "gap" on the windows. My understanding is that this is due to faulty window regulators, and that repairing/rebuilding the regulators (a la F1 in Florida) will fix the issue. However, I came across a M for sale here in the States where the window seems bowed out from the B pillar entirely (pic attached). Is this the same issue or a different one? If it is the same, how does rebuilding the regulator fix the problem? If it's not the same issue, what is going on here? Unless it's an optical illusion either the glass is actually bowed out of shape somehow or the pillar is sunken in, all the way down to the door. And more to my overall concern, are these window issues actually fixable? I can't imagine how a gap like that gets repaired but I'm no mechanic. If anyone has had to deal with this issue and fixed it I'd love to hear how difficult and costly (or not) it was to fix and how permanent the repair turned out to be. Thanks in advance for enlightening me. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Good question - the window issues were a big factor that kept me from buying a 456 because I could not get a reliable answer for your question. Its a beautiful car with great performance but windows that don't close properly is a deal killer.
Hi Robert, Yeah, I've read a lot about people successfully having the regulators rebuilt, but I still can't figure out the deal with how that addresses the issue of the window sitting flush in the B pillar. I think I must be conflating two issues but maybe not? Either way, I can't imagine that all the 456's out there can only be driven on sunny days, so I'm also guessing there's a way to address it? ps- I see you've got a Mondial. How do you like it? The Cabrio version was my first Ferrari.
Craig Nelson (Monza456) of the Jag Shop fixed mine fairly cheaply. I don't know how he did it. It has lasted for at least the past 3 years but I just noticed that it needs to be done again. Wasn't a big deal.
So you'd say easily fixable but should be considered a regular maintenance issue? If that's the case I can live with it. Just out of curiosity, are your windows doing the same thing as the window in the pic I attached?
The problem with the 456 windows is a complex one and the regulator is just one part of the equation. The glass guides inside the doors sometimes are faulty as well and need to be repaired or adjusted to keep the glass movements in check. The rubber gaskets on the B pillars need to be addressed as well to ensure the edge of the glass is always firmly pressed against. In some cases the doors also need minor adjustments, in order to have the correct pressure of the glass against the gaskets. Anyway, the good news is that if you do it right (i.e. by F 1 in Naples) the repair is permanent and you can forget about the windows. I had my car fixed some 7 + years ago by F 1 and never had a problem since.
Dave- I was going to say, but Alfredo beat me to it, that the F1 Imports fix is permanent as long as your rubber guides are not shot.
FIRST fix the regulators with Formula one. The other adjustments can then be permanent when you do the adjustment on the in and out screws on the regulator. Those adjustments are useless until the eccentricity in the central pin on the regulator is replaced. Other than that the radio can be an issue. There is a simple modern solution. Ask me if you get one. Check engine and slow down lights are usually the cat ecu's; dry them out and seal with silicone most of the time. Power train is bullet proof most of the time unless abused. Resinator replace makes it sound like a real Ferrari. Bigger wheels and tires on the rear ( 13 and 1/2 inch)totally transform the handling to race track level-keep the originals for the woosey that gets the car after you. Enjoy.
I can concur. Had my 01 M window regulators rebuilt by F1 and gaskets replaced. Once regulator in and fully adjusted the windows, seal is tight and weatherproof. No problems since. Here's mine... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
thanks. looked it up. not bad ! but it appears that all this is, is straight pipes replacing the existing resonator. is that correct? plus, i went to the website and there was nothing about the resonator. was i in the wrong place?
Ross- Yup, that is what it is, straight pipes replacing the center muffler/resonator/cork. After that mod, she will sound way better (and louder), plus you will get some free hp and torque. A good muffler shop can make straight pipes for her, just make sure they are stainless. Drop Bradan an e-mail if you want their pipes. A search here will turn up their threads, plus they have a sponsor's thread down below.
