Project Restoration: 1995 F355 Berlinetta

As you guys know, I took delivery of my second 355 on 11/2/2014:

1995 F355 Berlinetta, Rosso Corsa 300 / Beige 4208
VIN: 100386, Assembly: 17344, September 94 build date
Current miles: 26010

This is a very early production 355 and I'm excited to have an early part of the 355 history.

This car has been driven only 22 miles in the past 6 years. The interior is extremely filthy and it certainly needs a major service as well as other mechanical and cosmetic work.

The valve guides has been changed but by a 1 man, unknown shop so I will be inspecting the work.

I've decided to start with the interior since I just cannot stand to look at the dirt and I want to get the leather conditioned as soon as possible to save whatever I can.

Goals and Objectives:

The plan is to restore this car to original condition, to the highest level of pristine that is practical. I have no plans to repaint the car although I will be doing a full paint correction which I believe will really bring the finish back to life.

The interior will get fully dissembled, including removal of the carpets to properly clean them.

My objective is to restore every part that is practical instead of replacing with new. Obviously, some new parts will be required. But, the first attempt will be to salvage whatever possible.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I plan to handle the sticky parts myself. I may send a few critical pieces to Robbie but this project is about blood, sweat (hopefully no tears) and the limiting of cash outlay. Whatever work I can do myself, I will.

I'm looking forward to this journey as I learn more about these awesome machines.

I'll be sure to tap into the respected wealth of knowledge on this board.

I'll be keeping a log of my time and certainly a tally of parts and costs.

Stay Tuned
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Dave, my 95 was built in September 94 also.

 

What is your assembly number, maybe we are brothers

 

Dave show some of the before and after interior pics.

 

My first 355 was 100679 I believe. Pretty close.

 

Most certainly. Here is one that shows the condition of the driver's seat...
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From the list I have, that S/N does not exist (it went from 100354 to 100363)

 

Here it is: 100679

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/137573897-post2.html

 

Looking forward to following your progress!! Will you post all updates to THIS thread or start new ones?

 

Flagging the )$*%)#*#) out of this thread!!!! Can't wait to watch your progress. Take lots of pics Dave and GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

well, that more looks like wear after 126.000 miles

certainly not after 26000 miles
even the hand break boot leather is worn. again not after 26.000 miles

This makes me wonder even more how many Ferraris with low mileage have had their odometer turned back.
my car has about double the mileage of many cars here (52K) but there is absolutely no sign of wear in the interiour, and even under the hood everything looks much better than many 25K miles cars.

 

The service records along with the car fax support the mileage on the car. Some people are just not caring enough to get in and out without rubbing and some don't keep their cars in tip top shape.

Ironically, the pass air bag is not a mess like most cars even with less mileage..

 

I plan to post all within this thread.

 

SAAAWEEEEEEETT!!!!

 

I'm jealous. I'd rather have a project than a no issue car. I find myself with little to no self worth if I don't have something to tinker with.

 

HaHa

That's way I bought it 4 days a week in the garage over winter is not a bad way to forget the crap weather here

 

You're good Eric, you have a nice car, and dog gone it, people like you!!! (typed in my best Saturday Night Live voice!!)

 

Caught me mid edit!

 

Dave you need to let me know what you do with the leather seats. My seats look the same as yours!

 

Subscribed. 'Nuf said.

Robb

 

Wishing you much luck and enjoyment. I am looking forward to the write ups.

 

Subscribed!

Good luck!

 

Its not that the mileage has been turned back im not saying it has and im not talking about your car Dave.Some People just unplug the speedo and drive the car for years that way.So Car fax and records mean nothing if you just plug in the speedo every now and then or when you take it in for service.I have trouble with low mileage of cars that are not an F1 .Have you noticed that F1 cars seem to have the higher milage all the time .. you cant unplug the speedo.Plus you can go into the computer to check a few things so most wont mess with the mileage.I like when i see cars that come on drives with us and i see them driving all over the place but yet there mileage never seems to change year after year.
Forget what the speedo says when buying..just go over the car and make your decision from the shape of the car for the mileage.

 

Do yourself a favor, don't track labor hours

Our hobby shop we only track sq ft per dollar at the end of the year

 

I bought my F1 with 9870 and the prior (2nd) owner only drove 3300 ish miles in 12 years and it was obvious based on condition.

This 95 has a pretty decent body - only one issue I know of so far (aside from small rock chips) is a chip on the rocker panel.

The guy I bough the car from sent me photos that were taken a long time ago and the seat was in the same condition as today. He did not fit in the car which is one reason he did not drive it.

26000 miles is not exactly very low. Nothing I can see or sense gives me any reason to doubt the miles on the car. So people just don't keep their cars clean.