How much do you personally fix?

Ernie,
Holy crap! Do you ever get to drive your car? Just kidding. I actually got a sense of "pride-of-accomplishment" from your post. Well done.

Tom

 

I fixed the vent window latches on my dino.

Then I fixed them again.

And again.

And again.

Guess what. They don't stay fixed. Until now!!!

Rear view mirror glue, that got 'em. For the moment. Only time will tell.

I wish I was brave or talented enough to do more than minor stuff. Adjusting hood panels to fit better, fixing window trims, installing seats, door panels, carpet, fixing the heater controls, cleaning up the headliner by removing it and installing new insulation. I did all that. But, I'm not that mechanical a guy, so I don't do engine, tranny, electrical, etc.

Although I'm gonna take a shot at the brakes this spring, put in new pads, see what happens. If I fail, you won't be hearing from me....


Ernie. I'd kill for the time and your skill level to do that kind of stuff on my Dino. Luckily for Algar, I don't have either.

DM

 

1977 308 GTB . I don't have as long a list as above but I can repair everything except body work unless just a bolt on and instruments . So fortunately I have only done (2) complete 30k services (1 when I bought the car and 1 at 15k miles I put on) and other than that a window motor/cable repair , carb. tuneup , dizzy conversion , plugs and wires normal fluid changes and a battery change. The rest of the time unless rain or snow I DRIVE it. In fact looks like today will be one of those days. Enjoy the ride

 

I PERSONALLY pay my mechanic to do everything as I have ZERO abilities...does that count?

 

I do EVERYTHING that is not inside the block or head. If it bolts TO it, I'm ok. Just don't ask me to adj. the valves, etc.

 

I too took off the shifter gate! after only one day of ferrari ownership. but I couldt't remove the screw holding the shift nob. yesterday, I had my mechanic bleed the brakes to try to solve a brake problem, it did partially, but I may try to install new braided brake lines my self. then maybe oil change; and who knows, maybe even brake pads. the thing about the engine is the compartment seems so small compared to a front engined car. (I have a 308). also I don't have a lift and can't seem to jack it up high enough for my comfort level. (though I'm thinking about buying one of those garage lifts where you can stack two cars.) anyway, the desire is there but the knowledge talent or whatever is in doubt.

 

I'm afraid to touch the Ferrari but I've done the following to my RX7s in my driveway (remember I'm a girl):
Changed transmission fluid
Changed rear end fluid
Replaced drive shaft
Replaced shocks
Replaced steering wheel
Reupholstered doors
Switched all 4 wheels (for autox) in no time.

 

Great attitude I love it!

 

Don't be afraid... all of the things you have mentioned you can do to your ferrari. They were built by hand... you have hands... you can do it.

The only thing I have not done personaly on my car are re-upholster the seats, have an alum Rad fabed and have some new exhaust tubing bent. Otherwise, if I can reach it I can (try to) fix it.
Timing belts
Hoses
Carpet
Radiator replacement
Door panels
Console
fuel pump
etc...

 

~15%

Its a time and distance thing with me.

 

What it's like fixing your Ferrari your own??? Is it as fun as driving it? I have no idea. It could be fun. I do make model cars. I enjoy assembling them more than looking at finish models... any close???

 

Ditto for me

 

When looking to buy my 1st (and current) F-car, I sought the advice of other owners who steered me toward the 3-x-8 series as a good car to "learn on". Although my 328 has not given me any problems over the past year, I will, on weekends, disassemble and reassemble certain aspects of the car to see how they all go together so that when something raltively does happen, I'll be able to work in "familiar territory". I've had no formal training, but to date I have done the fluids and battery, disassembled the dash, door and rear brakes to the point of pad change only. All has gone back together well and works fine.

I don't have the tools, list, etc to get much deeper mechanically and don't feel that I have any business getting into the engine or trans. I know the limits of my talents.

 

good greif. I know how you do it. Pulling it all apart seems easy, but i never find time a patience to put it back together. Just like this post i am having a hard time fi---

 

I'm on my 3rd 328 and I've learned a few things. I can change engine and gearbox oils. I've also changed plugs and plug extenders a few times. The ones facing the front of the car really give you a sense of accomplishment when you get them done because the access is rather poor.

 

I'll tell you what I won't touch - anything safety-related. If its brakes or the fuel system, I'll pay an experienced mechanic to tackle that for me.

If its a matter of unbolting an old part and bolting on a new part, I can do that. I can handle replacing easy-to-reach parts (haha, like there are any in a mid-engined Ferrari, I know....). Things that require 'adjustment' like gearboxes or valves....I don't have the ability. Hoses and electricals are the main areas I handle myself.

 

I have worked on all of my Fcars;

F40
308QV
348
Mondial t
TR

I have done everything from engine out majors to redoing the carpets. Everytime I have fixed my cars, they work...........EVERYTIME I have taken them to the dealer.........THEY DON"T. My motto is drive 'em and learn how to work on 'em, 'cause it isn't that hard, it's rewarding and you'll do a better job!

Ciao..Dino

 

Wow, it's nice to see that other guys besides me have a long personally-executed repairs list. I was beginning to think (based on the owners in Salt Lake) that most Ferrari owners didn't get their hands dirty. I don't have a lift, so I can't do engine-out work, but everything else has been fair game.

I do have a good pair of mechanics though, for the tough stuff. What's really nice is they charge me the same as if I had brought in my Ford Mustang (I live in Idaho). From the comments I see in these forums, that's pretty rare.

I'm about the only one in the entire area who actually drives his Ferrari. As long as it isn't wet or snowy, I drive the Mondial to work, to the hardware store, take my wife to the mall, whatever. The other Ferrari's in the area are only out a couple of days a year.

 

All of the following has been documented on this site over the last couple of years, but what I have done to my 1975 308 GT4:

-Engine-out rebuild which included timing belts and top-end rebuild (replaced valve guides, new exhaust valves and hand-cut & lapped valve seats), timing gear drive bearing replacement. Etc...

-Clutch replacement

-Regular carburetor adjustment/cleaning/tuning.

-Regular distributor cleaning/greasing.

-Water pump rebuild (small bearing pumps really are no good. I think next time I'll install a 328 pump).

-Rebuilt shift-lever mechanism.

-Numerous electrical issues (which are still ongoing... ugghh).

-Lots of little jobs


In the future I'd like to do the entire suspension system (bushings/shocks) and brake system.

All of this done in a home garage. No lift, just four jack-stands.
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I'm surprised UT hasn't posted on this thread. He's the bravest "mechanic" the world will ever know.

 

Korr,

Why haven't you told all of us how you "Fixed" the frozen dyke with your finger yet?

DL

 

No I haven't.

Here's how.

I stopped calling her back.