Finally joining the club! My new to me F430 | FerrariChat
Buy

Finally joining the club! My new to me F430

Discussion in '360/430' started by Stevely, Aug 21, 2011.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Stevely

    Stevely Formula Junior

    Jul 21, 2011
    634
    LA, CA
    #1 Stevely, Aug 21, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    So it's been about a week since I finally got the privilege to join the F-club. I purchased an '05 F430 with only 3300 miles on it. It looks and smells brand spanking new! The sound and feel of the car are incredible. I absolutely love it. I had been watching youtube after youtube video for quite some time to get a feel for the sound and although the videos come close, it's another world to actually experience it in person. The lines on the car are gorgeous. I go out to the garage just to stare at it and it always brings a smile to my face. I still can't believe I actually own a Ferrari.

    I want to thank all of you f-chat posters. I've been reading and researching this forum for the last month trying to absorb all the information I could. In so doing, I got my skid plates installed at FofOC and bought a cup holder through Piper's group buy. Thanks! I'm also hoping to schedule a thorough detail with Jason in the near future and am considering pulling the vacuum lines off to make the exhaust sound better.

    Since buying the car, I've developed several questions:
    1) Do you leave the hood open after every drive? Man, it gets really hot back there! Never imagined this would be an issue. So far I have been doing this just to cool it down faster.
    2) What are your thoughts on clear bras? At first, I was really for it, but after talking to some people, I'm now starting to lean against it.
    3) Any suggestions on a reasonably priced and more importantly honest mechanic to do basic service on the car near Pasadena? It looks like I'm going to have to trek over to BlackHorse in West LA or down to Fof OC. Any reviews on Blackhorse?
    4) I would love to have just the carbon piece on the top of the steering wheel with a red line. I know Macarbon makes a steering wheel, but I thought there might be a simpler solution. Or does anyone know where I can get a hold of a used carbon wheel or scud wheel?
    5) Anyone track their car in SoCal? I would love to get involved

    Thanks again to all of you out there. I've realized a childhood dream and your input has contributed greatly in improving the experience.

    Steve
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. MikeR397

    MikeR397 Formula 3

    May 9, 2010
    1,469
    SE Michigan
    #2 MikeR397, Aug 21, 2011
    Looks great next to that 997tt! A fantastic couple you've got there!
     
  3. hangarsixco

    hangarsixco Formula Junior

    Oct 10, 2010
    396
    S. California
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #3 hangarsixco, Aug 21, 2011
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2011
    Congrats Steve! Great looking ride. You will have to bring it out to super car Sunday in woodland hills some time.

    I use Francos European They specialize in lambo and Ferrari. I take my Fcar to him for everything. He's in Van nuys. Great old time Italian man very nice to deal with and great rates. There is also auto gallery.

    Enjoy your new toy!

    Chris
     
  4. alcc

    alcc Karting

    Sep 2, 2010
    183
    Santa Barbara, CA.
    #4 alcc, Aug 21, 2011
    Congrats, Steve.

    Yes, I do lift the decklid to cool the engine. Gets wicked hot in there. Can't help you re a good shop. Looking for one myself with annual service coming up.
     
  5. Dohangs

    Dohangs F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2008
    3,118
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Spiro
    #5 Dohangs, Aug 21, 2011
    Congratulations! Great car. Enjoy!
     
  6. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    7,334
    NJ
    Full Name:
    RMani
    #6 rmani, Aug 21, 2011
    congrats. i sometimes lift the deck lid on my 360 but in all honestly have you ever felt the hood of any of your front engine cars? they get pretty damn hot too you just don't think to look or feel it ever every drive!
     
  7. Stevely

    Stevely Formula Junior

    Jul 21, 2011
    634
    LA, CA
    #7 Stevely, Aug 21, 2011
    Yeah, I guess I never thought to feel the front hood. But it sure feels hot!
     
  8. dakkon

    dakkon Karting

    Oct 19, 2010
    61
    #8 dakkon, Aug 22, 2011
    2) you can put one on, but it WILL fade due to U.V. they are a plastic (oh, and if you decide to get it removed when it does fade, the glue may pull the paint with it don't ask how i know :( ....) When they fade your car will not look that great any more... You can get rock chip's air brushed, i have a friend who owns a business doing this. She mainly works for whole sellers, when she is done you cant even tell the car had any rock chips, I am sure there is someone in your area.

    3) Why not do the basic stuff yourself? fluids and the such would not be an issue and would give you some quality bonding time with the car.


    That's all i got man, hope it helps some.
     
  9. crinoid

    crinoid F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 2, 2005
    9,909
    Full Name:
    LaCrinoid
    #9 crinoid, Aug 22, 2011
    The car looks rad. Enjoy. I don't know what effect it is but the way the second pic is focused or something makes the scene look like a scaled model or something. Sorry, not trying to hijack thread. it's just curious.
     
  10. Stevely

    Stevely Formula Junior

    Jul 21, 2011
    634
    LA, CA
    #10 Stevely, Aug 22, 2011
    I was shooting at f/1.8 or 2.0 using a 50mm prime. It gives the center of focus a popping out/3D effect.
     
  11. CChung

    CChung Formula Junior

    Dec 10, 2003
    287
    Southern California
    #11 CChung, Aug 22, 2011
    Congrats on your F430 and welcome to the club!!! To answer some of your questions:
    1) I always lift the engine hood up after a drive. It certainly can't hurt!

    2) Highly recommend clear bra. Did mine a month or two after taking delivery in 2008.
    Looks as good as new since it was installed by Bhane, who has done quite a few local
    Fchatters.

    3) My car just had its warranty expire. I'm thinking of taking it to Eugenio in Glendora.
    He seems to have a great reputation on this board and is relatively close to where I live.
     
  12. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,205
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #12 PAP 348, Aug 22, 2011
    Hello Steve and congrats on the 430! :)

    Looks like you got the perfect colour combo too. ;)

    Congrats and enjoy mate. :)
     
  13. Robdownunder

    Robdownunder Formula Junior

    Feb 6, 2009
    580
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Rob
    #13 Robdownunder, Aug 22, 2011
    Congrats Steve,
    I know the feeling and I still ogle the car often late at night for a minute or two if I have to go to the garage and collect something.
    It's a part of the F experience that only other fellow owners can relate to.

    I do leave the lid up for half an hour.
    Rob.
     
  14. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
    Full Name:
    Carbon McCoy
    #14 134282, Aug 22, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  15. THonda

    THonda Formula Junior

    Jul 7, 2004
    724
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    TH
    #15 THonda, Aug 22, 2011
    now that you have a beautiful ferrari in that garage, probably a good time to clean out that garage :)
     
  16. DL997TT

    DL997TT Karting

    Jun 25, 2011
    87
    North Jersey
    Full Name:
    Daniel Leung
    #16 DL997TT, Aug 22, 2011

    congrat on your new baby. your combination are very similar to mine. I ahve a 997tt in GT silver and a black in black 18M

    Cheers
     
  17. raider1968

    raider1968 F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Mar 13, 2008
    4,966
    NC Mnts & Asheville
    Full Name:
    John E
    #17 raider1968, Aug 22, 2011
    definitely do the clear bra - complete around your mirrors, wheel wells etc - it will not damage your paint - have done it with 5 Ferraris with great results - especially if you are going to track - it will not turn yellow - you will not be leaving it in the sun full time anyway-an absolute must do

    Try getting all the bugs off after tracking with no bra
     
  18. Stevely

    Stevely Formula Junior

    Jul 21, 2011
    634
    LA, CA
    #18 Stevely, Aug 22, 2011
    Great thanks guys. Couple more questions I forgot to post:

    6). Is there any way to shut off the annoying constant beep when you put the key in before you start the car and after you turn the car off? I think I saw a YouTube video of someone that didn't have it come on.
    7). Any suggestions on preventing bolster wear? Has anyone had their bolsters repaired? Anyone try autochaps?
     
  19. oebb

    oebb Karting

    Mar 30, 2011
    58
    Sweden
    #19 oebb, Aug 22, 2011
    6: Leave it in gear instead of switching to neutral
     
  20. Testacojones

    Testacojones F1 Veteran

    Nov 3, 2003
    5,198
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Luix Lecusay
    #20 Testacojones, Aug 22, 2011
    Excellent choice in cars, but those boxes are a disaster waiting to happen, hopefully they are hiding cash!

    Enjoy the F430!
     
  21. Stevely

    Stevely Formula Junior

    Jul 21, 2011
    634
    LA, CA
    #21 Stevely, Aug 22, 2011
    Yeah those boxes do concern me. I don't have anywhere else to store my wife's clothes/shoes!

    On another note, I got in w euginio in 3wks. Never knew going to a mechanic was like entering a secret society.
     
  22. DrDoug

    DrDoug Formula Junior

    Dec 4, 2009
    384
    San Jose, CA
    Full Name:
    Doug T
    #22 DrDoug, Aug 22, 2011
    I highly recommend gettng a clear bra, especially if the front bumper and hood are in great condition. The key to getting excellent results with a clear bra is to have full coverage over the desired areas so that no seams show. Secondly, and more importantly, have the application done by an expert. I used Premier (as recommended by other Fchatters). They have a Northern California location but they also have another location in Anaheim.
     

Share This Page