Dino Restoration

Nothing short of spectacular ! This thread will be on Fchat for all to see, probably forever, as the ultimate Ferrari restoration.
It's an inspiration to us all. Thanks for sharing it with us .

 

I would leave the original steering wheel as it is, with all it's patina and history to show. It has the soul of an early 70's Ferrari, which you will be holding in your hands every time you drive this beautiful Dino!

 

Jon, progress is fantastic. I especially like your improvements (re-engineering) of certain areas. Makes the car even better.

I noticed that you are using the air injection spacers with plugs. Why wouldn't you put the headers directly to the engine? Does that mess up the alignment to the muffler? I have a Euro engine in a Federal car (1972) so this is raising a red flag (my car is still in many many parts).

Great video, too! Also wanted to let you know that there is a great article in Hemmings Sports and Exotic Car magazine, January issue, on the Miura. If you can't get a copy, glad to scan the article for you.

 

Without the spacers it throws the alignment of the tubi and the exhaust hangers off. I saw the article on the miura, thanks for the heads up.

 

i NEVER SAW A THREAD LIKE THIS ONE! NEVER!
Congrats you did a great great job...Respect Man!

 

Awesome, awesome, awesome. Thread of all time right here.

 

Expanding on this, check out the results when Pietro rejuvinated his original steering wheel. Scroll down to post #13 in the thread started by dignini & you'll see the before & after. Impressive!

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108429

If this route looks feasible, Jon, you'd have the best of both: Soul and Beauty!

Coop

 

Here is what I used

http://www.leatherworldtech.com/AutoColorChart.aspx?make=Range%20Rover-Rolls%20Royce-Ferrari
Black - 4180

I removed the wheel - applied it carefully with a foam applicator. Made sure to stay off of the white threads. My wheel was in MUCH worse shape Jon,. Try it - nothing to lose.

Cheers

Pietro

 

I don't think I have ever heard of a Ferrari restoration that does not hit big snags here and there. Nice work.

 

I never knew of such a thing... I was going to put a new nardi wheel on my car but the new ones don't have the sunken bolts so it was a bit of a problem and wouldn't be quite original.. My original wheel is in the same condition as Jon's...the leather just looks a little aged... It should work fine now that I think about this.... That's great. Cheers Pietro!

 

It's sure worth a try.

 

Today my son Jeff and I finished hooking up the cooling, the throttle linkage, expansion tank and tarted on the right side stub axle. We stopped when we got to the left one because we noticed about a 1/16" play in the flange coming out of the left side of the transaxle. We removed the flange and the play is in the splined shaft. You can move it in and out about a 1/16 " and wasn't sure if this is normal. Hopefully someone will chime in. If it's not a problem will try to finish the rear suspension tomorrow. Jeff has been driving me as he leaves Feb 20th for his 2 year church mission. I think he wants me to get as much done as possible before he leaves, so the pace has definitely pick up. I need a vacation. Park City a week from Friday, YEAH.
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Jon,
Mine has had that play for the last 100,000 miles. I don't think it is supposed to be there but I never took all apart to find out where the problem is. Reading the book says there is not supposed to be any play. The spacers on each end castings are supposed to be selected to give only so much preload to the tapered bearings. God knows where you get the exactly right spacers. I have checked this on other engines when out of the car and have found one with almost no play. Undoubtedly has something with gear alignment of differential and locking mechanism but does not appear critical for road use. I am sure someone will chime in with more detailed info but I don't think it is a big deal.

Things are looking good. Snow is great everywhere West so enjoy a break.
John

 

This restoration project continues to take my breath away. I cant wait for the unveiling party... Please tell me your having a party???????

 

I've seen NEW cars from the factory that didn't look this clean.

:awe:

Very nice work. Very, very nice.

 

Jon

Is the other side OK and do you have any up-down play?

Also does the LHS shaft move anything else ie diff, other side etc.

Does the LH shaft just slide on the splines?

Check that the bolt inside the stub axle has not bottomed out. If it has you need to change the washer to a greater thickness.

Tony

 

More work for me and Jeff today. So far the consensus has been that the play in the flange is ok and most cars have it. We finished up the rear suspension which was quite a job. The left side didn't want to fit, but after a lot of muscle and prying we were able to fit everything in and all is working. The right side went much faster. None of the suspension is tightened or torqued besides the stub axles.. had to leave early. Next week will be the brakes!
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Are you going to do the yellow paint dabs on the (suspension) bolts and nuts when you finally tighten them?

While this would reproduce factory finish it also is a good way in checking (why they do it ofcourse ) ... as you don't want a wheel to come off on a test drive!!
Pete

 

Jon-

I checked my freshly rebuilt transmission and both flanges have a small amount of play.

 

You know, the more I watch this progress the more I come to realize that this is my fantasy car! Not any 246, but Jon's 246!!!
You've heard it a gazillion times.... That is one GORGEOUS car!!!

JIM

 

Jon,
You have done to Dino photography what you have done to everything else you have touched. This is the way it should be. Fantastic workmanship photographed so that averyone reading can see what it really looks like on the car. These photos are the equivalent of the workshp manual translation that Angelo Wallace did 30+ years ago. I hope that you can work an arrangement with Dave or some other quality supplier to provide Dino owners with the "way it ought to be" DVDs. You have gone the miiddle road between 1960's possibilities and 2000+ realities. Now add real wheels and tires and you would have a 2009 Dino. Just kidding. Had to put a zinger in there just for fun. I think that the Grey/Silver looks great on the Dino GT. The problem with light base colors is the that reflections have no contrast. You have had experience with black and the problem there is that there is nothing but reflections. A medium metalic tone with a clear coat provides the best of all possible worlds. Great lines and great reflections. Can't wait to see what happens.
John
P.S. What happened to the Muira?

 

Jon,

Many books have been written about the magestic Dino. The car is shown in many photos from various angles. And the accompanying print generally contains information that is readily available to anyone who is diligant and dedicated to the concept of honest research of historical facts.

But Jon, who has but you, has the ability to create a book documenting "the total rebirth" of one of the most beautiful automotive creations of all time?

This thread of yours is a magic seed. It is like no other. Plant it - - it will grow. Write the book of rebirth. It will be a treasure and an inspiration.

Respectfully,

Hank

 

Yes. I think they call it "witness paint"

 

Thanks for all the comments, like I said before it's all you guys that make this all worth while. I'm sure I'll have DVD's for anybody who wants one when I'm done. It will be my gift to all of you who have helped so much, with advice, encouragement and all else.

 

How many parts are on these cars? Maybe it's just because I am seeing it all go together in slow motion, but it seems like there is a never ending amount of parts.................

I wish you would think about bringing this car to Monterey just so we can see it in person.