'79 308 restoration

Money is a factor, I have to draw the line somewhere! Plus I dont think I need to, it'll look good.

 

Today I tackled the brake lines. I went with the original lines but had them replated. I considered stainless steel but I hear of nothing but headaches with sealing them at the flared ends. So, with the originals replated and already pre-bent it was easy to figure out where they went. The main line that runs to the rear was a small PITA because I had to pull the Battery + cable back out, run the line down the tube and then put the cable back through since they run together. The next challenge was the master lines that are bent in several places and run together down another small tube at the firewall. They just fit but im sure they must have been made in place on every car by hand, very time consuming. I took a few under shots as well. The gas pedal still impresses me the most, talk about engineering. During the disassembly of the car I remember the gas pedal blowing my mind, made me forever turn my back on the old muscle cars that had a small bent steel rod and a plastic flap pinned to it for a pedal. Its the small things like that that make all the difference and explain the cost behind buying one of these cars new.

Forgive the dust on the frame, the flash really brings it out and makes it look bad. I also plan to detail it before the engine and gearbox go back in.....which is very soon!
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Thanks Ric, next weekend it should have an engine in it, just need the rebuilder to finish the alternator since its a prick to install after the engine is in.

I took the boxer for a spin this afternoon to get the inspiration to work on the 308, Cant wait till summer

 

Thanks Russ, im happy withhow its coming along so far. Wish it was done already but im back on track and hussling on it. Im hoping its done this summer and on the road.

Today I did the belts, tensioners and afew other things not posted. The mounts and some brackets are done. I have to install some engine compartment hoses, finish up the clutch end of things, the alternator and starter and then the headers then drop the assy back in. Then ill move onto the A/C, cooling system and brakes saving the interior and glass for last.
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...I guess one thing im not completely happy with is the cam gears. I didnt want to mess with the plastic gears just to plate the retaining bolts only to have them hidden by the timing covers so forgive me for not going over the top on that one detail. The cam marks line up perfectly and I decided to leave the degreeing alone and reduce my headaches.
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Im honoured, just dont take as long as I have! Motivation was my biggest enemy but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is my first ferrari resoration and not my last (im used to muscle cars). I cant begin to explain how much Ive learned about the brand from taking on such a project. It wont be a profitable exercise but the education is priceless as well as the sense of satisfaction. Ill continue with the pics, I installed dozens more studs in the engine/gearbox on friday and im aming for this coming weekend to install the assembly followed of course by more pics.

Thanks everyone for the support

P.

 

Good question, hard to justify the cost vs benefit. I would go 7 years on a belt change on the 308 and use up a saturday doing the job and assuming the cost of the conversion would be $2K or somewhere around there I cant see the benefit. The belts I installed in 01 that I just replaced last week look perfect as did the tensioners that I never replaced when I bought the 308 and did the belts. The sticker on the plate at the time I bought the car had expired 7 years prior to 01. So assuming the tesnioners were installed no sooner than 13 years ago I would say there is a lot of hype surrounding the failure potential. I could probably replate them and sell them! I guess that was the long reason/explanation. I drive my car regularly so maybe that helps and I know others have had grief with belts, maybe it comes down to installation? I dont know but ill stick with the factory stuff. I wonder if that kit would work on a boxer? Now that would be worth it.

 

Ill sell it to you when its done

 

Here are some pics as of today, I've been too busy to devote the time I need to get this thing in by this weekend so my goal is no later than next weekend. I have to install the rebuilt alternator and starter, install the clutch spring and lever set-up, timing covers and get the headers ready. A few pipes and clamps in the engine bay and in she goes. I keep saying that but it will happen!
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You're right and Ill do it with open headers just to hear it uncorked!

 

I dont know how to do that but when im closer Ill see what I can do.