I'm not sure if this is considered the main Bora thread, but the comment continues from posts #42 and #43 in the "other-cars" forum. I can't tell from the picture if these are larger than 15" diameter wheels. If not, they could be original Campagnolo 40802 wheels or the group4wheels replkca PAG wheels available from 7-10" widths. Unfortunately, they're all 15" which does nothing to solve the tire problem. At least one of the Gr4 Boras used wheels similar to these at least part of the time, so there's a tenuous link to the Bora. Wasn't Elliot going to post pictures of his 17" replica wheels?
17x8 BBS wheels r available 4 the Bora. These wheels r the sport mesh design and period correct as well. Contact me off line if interested. Ciao, George
Sorry about not putting pictures up about the new custom wheels but I have been pushing hard to get my engine on the dyno before October 8th. They haven't been delivered yet but I am promised that they will be available by November. Unfortunately, I won't be able to do anything until November anyway as I will be away from October 9th until the end of October in Europe. I promise to post pictures of them as soon as I get my feet back under me in November. Elliot
Another beautiful day for a drive in the New York countryside Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
If you have a look at the photo gallery and at the paperwork there, you will notice some interesting facts. In the history, there is an owner given as "Giorolanengo Giovanni, Cuneo", but on the relating paperwork it becomes clear that he's actually called Giordanengo. And that's interesting, because Giovanni Giordanengo is a Cuneo based 'artigiano' renowned for his exacting replicas of competition and road going Ferraris and Alfa Romeos. It was he who was entrusted by Alfa Romeo with creating a sanction II series of the TZ2 much like Aston Martin did with their DB4 GT Zagato. Some of his replicas were also sold as originals, they are so good! Then, the car is not soo original anymore, as it appears. Non-original paint/ color, interior now black, was delivered white. The car is supposed to have travelled only 17 500 kms. This really would have to be verified...
Then, the car is not soo original anymore, as it appears. Non-original paint/ color, interior now black, was delivered white. The car is supposed to have travelled only 17 500 kms. This really would have to be verified...[/QUOTE] +1 leaving aside all the "improvements" made by the previous owners: red carpets with logo(!), the absolute worst exterior mirrors I have ever seen (ruining the inside door panels, too), modern radio & stereo, speakers in door panels non original, horrible US side lights additions front and rear, modern stereo player in boot, seat pattern flat, etc. And the car has not even been looked at closely ...
I believe the logo is on a removable foot carpet but the red color seems wrong. The color changes don't bother me as long as they're close to an original Maserati color scheme. Lots of cars get color changes without affecting the value. But this isn't destined to become a museum piece anyway at that price. The cost of "corrections" in color etc would make it unfeasible. Yes the mirrors are wrong for an early car but then the late electric Vitaloni mirrors (also wrong) are even worse looking than these on the car so I guess it's all relative. But installing different mirrors on the car probably means repainting the doors - ugh. So two doors interior & exterior and few other items might run $10K - $15K. I should really buy this car because if it is indeed the first production Bora then I'd have the bookends of production. What a curious collection that would make!
I am almost certain the side marker lights are from a Delorean. I measured and the trim width is the same on both cars. They are definitely a better fit with the design than the parts-bin rectangles Maserati had to use to meet US standards and if you want to get rid of them, you can just cover up the holes with new rubber trim. Giugiaro had a bigger budget for tooling when he did the Delorean and could integrate the marker lights and door handles into the trim strip. If this car was imported in '87, the owner would have had no choice but to Federalize it. It's no different elsewhere - those ugly little warts on the back are due to some country's bureaucratic requirements, probably Italy's. The mirrors are anachronistic, but it's interesting how closely the angles match the windshield rake on the Bora. They probably work better than the ever-droopy Vitalonis, too.
Well at least there was one interesting car that showed up! It wasn't red either. Get lots of questions?
Bora #1044 yesterday at Euro Auto Festival, which takes place at the BMW factory in Spartanburg, SC. Decided to show the car with the trunk and rear hatch open. On a Bora this will always attract attention. This was the first time in many years this Bora goes out on a long drive. It did great. I am really starting to like this Bora. Ivan Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes, many questions and a lot of compliments. I'm beginning to realize that most folks have never seen a Bora in the flesh. It's a lot of fun taking this car out and seeing how well it is received, but the ride to and fro is still my favorite part.
Out at a local meet today. Mostly modern stuff, but the old girl received her share of attention. Image Unavailable, Please Login
For those interested the picture shows a Bora with the dashboard removed. Today we also removed the windscreen which must be about 8 - 10 mm thick and needs a least 2 people to carry. Now i can get around to removing the stainless roof and A pillar covers.Work has been slow as my bodyshop has been very busy. Hoping with the slow down over the Christmas new year period that i get a reasonable amount of work done. Greg Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi All. I am about to restore the magnesium wheels of my Bora. I have been advised that they are porous and not to sandblast them. Furthermore they are prone to water penetration which will eventually render them unroadworthy if they are mot sealed properly. Has anyone restored their mag and what process was followed? Is also noticed the wheel nuts are brass. Is this for a reason or can the be replaced with steel nuts? Greg
You can blast them just fine but yes the magnesium needs to be properly treated. Handle them with clean gloves before they are treated and do it asap after blasting. It's called a conversion coating which you can accomplish yourself. Do some reasearch. Then use a zinc chromate primer to cover them well. Here are some threads, I'm sure there are others. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/465815-powdercoated-rim-failure.html I did one a few years ago about refinishing the wheels on my Espada. The Bora wheels are a better casting though one of mine did develop a slow leak. You can get them tested for structural integrity aka cracks. Good idea. But they can also have a natural porosity which can be dealt with. There are special impregnation treatments for this utilized on engine part castings (expensive). But if they have no structural issues, you do a good job preparing the wheels and you finish them with a thick coat of a good single stage enamel they won't leak. My Espada wheels were quite a mess once they were blasted clean. You need to get to exposed, and clean metal in order to perform the conversion coating process. So you'll have to at least clean them up with blasting as a last stage. Here's a link on the process but I can spot a few glaring errors right away so be careful where you read about this stuff. He's the only person I've ever heard of cautioning to NOT use a zinc chromate primer. It is harder to find these days. The conversion coating process is described on there. They were NOT painted this way (clear coats) originally either. Just an enamel. Aluminum / Magnesium Wheel Restoration | Steve Kouracos BTW, the earlier Boras had a polished lip (no finish) whereas the later ones were simply painted. It help up well with the guys I knew who had these cars. Good luck.
Lucky man (or lady!!) that looks great - is that a reflection on the nose or some additional badge? Cheers. Mark