Hi Wilfried, I hope you are doing well. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. I just dropped the transmission off at Epifani Restorations on Tuesday. They told me that they should have it done in three weeks, if it doesn't need any parts. The shop was amazing. I thought that I was at Pebble Beach. They told me that they previously restored a Birdcage Maserati and rebuilt the transaxle on that car. I do not think that mine will be too much of a challenge.
Walter, I did not get to see the Birdcage....I would have loved to. They did it sometime in the past. They did have a gorgeous assortment of old Alfas....(I have never seen such beautifully restored Alfas outside of a museum), a Double Bubble Zagato Fiat, and two Siatas (which I had never seen before).
Well, 2 years ago I saw an important Maserati race car that had been restored by Epifani. It was restored to death!! The had completely lost its aura!
I should have the trunk material by next week. It's in production right now. We had to finish the material for a Voisin restoration before the Maserati production could begin. I expect it to be 100% correct as original. I'll gladly send you a sample when it's complete. Send me a PM and I'll reserve you enough for your trunk. Ciao and best! ~Trev
My transmission has been at Epifani Restorations for less than a week. They called me today and they have already diagnosed the problems. I drove the car about five miles, prior to removing the transmission and sending it to them. They just ordered the parts (about $1,300 worth). I am extremely grateful that the parts were available from MIE. They will be rebuilding the transmission and replacing the bearings, synchros (again), and a damaged spring & slider.
Frank, they sent me the pictures of the damaged parts. For some unknown reason, I have been unable to post them here. The damage is amazing. The slider had most of the teeth destroyed....resulting in about a teaspoon full of metal in the bottom of the pan. I paid the previous shop for new synchros (and have a receipt listing just shy of $900 for the new synchros). Epifani's told me that the synchros are all worn down and will have to be replaced. They also advised me that the bearings are scored and should never have been reinstalled.
Thanks for sharing your fascinating journey, I've enjoyed reading it from the 'gallery'. I'm a private pilot, with my own piston aircraft and classic cars. Just offering a caution regarding leaded aviation fuel: Be careful not to over do it. One tank once per year is fine. In regular use, I'd suggest no more than 1 in 5 dilution. I'm not an expert, but I've tried it in my cars. I can vouch that frequent undiluted avgas will leave deposits, leading to hotspots and detonation. Talking with my aircraft mechanic after-the-fact, he said even 100LL (low lead 100oct) avgas contains far more lead than autogas ever had. Best wishes for a long and successful ownership! -Art
Art, thank you for the kind words and your advice regarding the aviation gas. I really appreciate it.
I dont know if this is a repost but it looks like Jay Leno picked up a 1962 Maserati 3500GTi that looks like the same blue paint color. Cool Video! http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/segment/restoration-blog/restoration-blog-1962-maserati-3500-gti/index.shtml and part 2 http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/segment/restoration-blog/restoration-blog-1962-maserati-3500-gti-part-2/index.shtml
It will be 2 months here in a few days since you dropped off your trans with Epifani. Can you give us a progress report? FGM
Hi Frank. I am waiting for a part from Italy. They bought two from MIE and they were both bad (second gear slider). Nino had a connection for parts in Italy and they ordered a NOS part for me. We are still waiting for it. My synchros were fine. If the part had been available in the US, they would have had it done a month ago. I am happy that they were able to buy the part at all.
Fskof, I'm sorry that I did not see your post sooner. His car appears to be a metallic color, mine is not. I hope the fact that he bought one helps the value a little. Thanks for posting the links.
Frank, I really appreciate the kind offer. I am really hoping to have it done way before then. My current marketing plan is try Ebay first (after driving it a bit and making sure all the bugs are worked out).....if I don't get enough on Ebay, Pebble Beach looks promising.
It was a joke, playing on how long the Italian can take. If you do not get the result on ebay, I would contact Paul at Gooding. I will email his contact info to you. FGM
Frank, based on my introduction to all things Italian over the past 4 years, you might not be far off the mark. Thanks for the introduction. If I am not happy with the results on Ebay, I will contact him prior to the auction. Do you know if they allow reserves? I do not know if I can take the stress of a no-reserve auction.
Hey Mark Can you tell me how the eastwood product really worked for you. I have lot's small pits and 2 long scraches on my GTI. I am contemplating on replacing the windshield. Is there I a way I can contact you? Thanks Olivier
Olivier, the Eastwood product will remove scratches from the glass, with a lot of work. It will not remove pits. I loaned it to Larry Reuben....I have not heard if he is happy with it. Please feel free to email me [email protected] I just read your windshield thread. If you are not painting the car, I would not remove the windshield. The new gasket caused me some significant problems and it does not fit like the original. Try the Eastwook product first, if you are not painting. There are products that you can apply to the windshield that will diminish the appearance of the pits. The Eastwood product will remove the scratches.