The spare wheel well - 308 gtb 77

I was struggling last night with this issue - I want remove som surface rust and change the steering rack bushings. The well is now free/movable - but how do I get it out? I am adding some images of terrible hoses! The fuel hose came off from the tank/filter/pump.
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Spare wheel!!

 

I don't know if you can remove the spare wheel well with all that stuff in there. @BLACK HORSE , what did you do when you had your car out?

 

Thanks - that's my conclusion today - I must get the things done without removing it.
I have also concluded that I must try to weld the front manifold (against the coupe) - in situ - it is only a small hole - accessable from beneath.
The rear we have welded - hope it will hold - a mix of bad mounts and fatigue I guess.
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

When I took out a wheel well for a mondial ...T (if I recall), the seam sealer had to be pried loose and some creative trimming had to be done. I think you might need the same thing.

 

You can weld that header from under the car if you are good and careful.

 

This would probably work! I will settle for now with some rust treatment and paint - fresh body sealer and som new rivets!
See the terrible expansion tank - small holes on the back - one of many readings for air in the system I guess.
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thanks! I think so too! I have the great welder - panel maker - he has English wheel and everything. He has just finished a Lamborghini Islero - making 64 new panels/parts.

 

Bur a replacement coolant tank. It costs more than the metal but that cannot be fixed. The aluminum one sold in Europe tends to expand under pressure so buy a steel one.

 

Thanks for sharing! Yes a new in steel is on the list!

 

The steering rack and bushings can be replaced without removing the spare tire tub.

 

On the GT 4 I replaced the rack + bushing from underneath. Removed the access panel behind the spare wheel well .

I replaced the expansion tank with a Superperformance alloy . It’s been fine it’s even black painted .Ok you could argue it’s slightly expanded but that’s 8 yrs ago .It wont develop pin hole rust holes like the steel .Modern cars remember are plastic = end of issue .

You fuel filler horizontal pipe is typical , they all go .
You may as well replace the small hoses that connect to the alloy pipes that run in the center of the chassis too .They will be crusty inside ….” while you are in “,

 

To do a similar project on my car, after drilling out all the rivets I was able to remove the tire well by sliding it forward before lifting. But at the time the radiator, AC condenser, fans, etc were all off of the car.

 

Thanks! I realize that now But planned to remove some surface rust on the tubes at the same time.

 

Good tip! Yes I am changing all the cooling hoses and the fuel hose between the tank, and the filler neck hose. We did the fuel hoses on top of the engine in 2022. The expansion tank was rusted internally - and the radiator are being re-cored by a specialist.

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

If you have removed all the rivets and cut through the resin where it joins the front bulk head and around the post for the spare wheel bolt, you can get it out with a little flexing. Mine was very tight around the post. I took mine out to get easy access to the steering rack and front frame when I restored that part of the car in 2012. When I put it back I used screws rather than rivets is it was removable in the future.

I can't find any photos of after refinishing it (including repairing the fiberglass) and screwing it back in but it looks good.

 

Found an old photo of the restored spare wheel well with the refinished, removable fiberglass panel held in by screws rather than rivets.


Image Unavailable, Please Login

Looking back at my photos, I had to remove a fair bit of glass fiber around the spare wheel post in order to have that panel removable.

 

I think it is very satisfying to clean up these areas of the car - new body sealer - getting things slightly more waterproof etc.

 

More questions - I think FC is such a generous source!

See short movie of the engine mounts - my oldest son is pushing the engine back an forth with one hand.