Quattroporte III catch-all thread | Page 15 | FerrariChat

Quattroporte III catch-all thread

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by Quattroporte3, Jun 27, 2011.

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  1. Thestash

    Thestash Karting

    May 8, 2011
    205
    Wappingers Falls, NY
    Full Name:
    Tony Pistachio
  2. Quattroporte3

    Quattroporte3 Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2010
    1,060
    One in decent condition sold recently for under the estimate of €10-15000:

    http://www.artcurial.com/fr/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot=2264+++++160+&refno=10415604

    While a Lagonda went for quite a bit more (and within the estimate):

    http://www.artcurial.com/fr/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot=2264+++++161+&refno=10414466

    4x as rare, 5x the price.

    As much as I'd like to comment on the Lagonda's design, my mother always told me that if I didn't have anything nice to say, not so say anything at all. Let's leave it at that.
     
  3. tritone

    tritone F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 8, 2003
    6,864
    On the Rock
    Full Name:
    James
    A noble sentiment; followed by all too few on FChat......;-)
     
  4. Quattroporte3

    Quattroporte3 Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2010
    1,060
    #354 Quattroporte3, Nov 30, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    While multiple applications of Leatherique have helped restore the suppleness and softness to the leather seats, they can't help with split seams.

    A friend with an Espada, QP4, Caterham 7 and Pantera (among others) suggested a local guy to me who's really good with leather, and has restored many Mercedes, BMWs and Porches, even down to re-sewing the leather dash and steering wheel. Even better is that he has reasonable rates (in a country where everything is insanely expensive, it's a welcome change).

    Monday I was able to pick up my car with restored seats, he even took the time to put in additional reinforcement backing and was careful to use the original holes, using slightly stronger thread.

    Now I'm considering getting the steering wheel re-sewn instead of using filler and coloring or trying to find a new one, and wondered if anyone has done this, and if anyone has a source for the correct leather & color.
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  5. William Abraham

    William Abraham Formula Junior

    Nov 21, 2010
    830
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    William Abraham
    They came out looking beautiful!
     
  6. Quattroporte3

    Quattroporte3 Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2010
    1,060
    #356 Quattroporte3, Nov 30, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Following up my latest post after having the front seats re-sewn, I'd really like to get the rear parcel shelf redone as well, as the leather has stretched away from the edges where it was originally glued in place.

    I asked a while back if anyone knows how to remove it, Charles was the only one who answered and said that the one in his car was made of metal and welded in.

    The one in my car is definitely fiberglass, and since the leather is stretched around the edges cannot possibly be welded in place. I removed the back seat earlier this year while I was treating the leather, and found that the leather covering the parcel shelf is stretched down over the top edge of the rear seat tub and glued in place. So when the rear seat back in mounted it covers the glued leather edge from the parcel shelf.

    Looking from inside the trunk, I wasn't able to see any obvious fasteners or anything up above the gas tank where the parcel shelf is mounted. There's nothing in the user or service manual either about getting to it.

    Has anyone actually managed to remove this part who can give me a few pointers as to how to do it? I'd really like to have it re-finished.

    Thanks!
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  7. sjameswain

    sjameswain Rookie

    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    Hi, I am new to the board and looking for a set of good, serviceable rear springs. I don't know what the protocol is for asking. BTW, I do not want the new, replacement springs, it is those that I am replacing and would be happy to provide them in the bargain.

    I would be greatly appreciative if anyone has any thoughts.
     
  8. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 13, 2005
    91,378
    Fuggetaboutitland
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    Bob
    That user name looks a tad familiar?
     
  9. sjameswain

    sjameswain Rookie

    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    Yeah, Bob, I am starting slow and lying low. Lots to report.
     
  10. sjameswain

    sjameswain Rookie

    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    The problem here is the sun visor mounting bracket. (It is made of that strange white plastic stuff that seems unfixable.)

    Anway, the fix is fairly straight forward and does not take long at all.

    1) Remove the sunvisor assemblies by simply unscrewing the 3 mounting screws on the triangular mounts.

    2) Upon examining the mounts, you will find that a) they are dead simple and b) broken. You will find that the plastic part that holds the sunvisor shaft has snapped and seperated from the mount base. (All of this is somewhat hidden by a large, simple spring).

    3) Pull the circlip on the top of the sunvisor shaft and remover the clip, the washer, the spring and the pieces of the mount.

    4) Rough up the outside of the broken plastic shaft holder and the side of the mount to which it attaches. This is necessary for Step 5.

    5) Re-attach the plastic shaft to the mount using Bluemagic QuikSteel epoxy putty all around the outside of the shaft and getting a good grip on the base. Liberally. (You are really just creating more support for the shaft. I have found nothing which truly mends the plastic.)

    6) Don't worry about the spring. It was there only to provide swinging resistance to the assembly and, frankly, it is probably part of the problem as it did no real good as there is plenty of resistance in the shaft itself. The pressure the spring provided probably helped snap the shaft. I left the spring off in reassembly and I recommend anyone do the same unless there is over 1/4 inch of movement of the assembly on the shaft. Mine had no room to move at all.

    7) After the putty dries (1 hour), slide the mount assembly back on the shaft and put the washer and circlip back in place.

    8) Put the sunvisors assemblies back in the car and you are done.

    These assemblies are dirt simple. There is nothing complicated and there are only two axis of movement: the arm swings horizontally and the visor rotates on the shaft. Any other movement will snap the mounting assembly again.

    I don't think these cars were meant to last beyond 10 years.
     
  11. sjameswain

    sjameswain Rookie

    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    Actually, there is quite a story here in the Fuel Consumption Gauge which has largely been overlooked by the automotive community in general (and the Maserati community in particular) and in spite of Sergio Marchionne’s seminal academic work “The Eighth Gauge” and Corleone’s follow-on and very readable “A Hole In The Dash.”

    Fundamentally, the problem was this: while de Tomaso’s choice to use an instrument binnacle in the Quattroporte III had brought the critical “cost per gauge” ratio under control (finally!), symmetry had left an awful problem: “What to put in the bottom right corner?” The first seven gauges were rather obvious and just rehashes of prior automotive instrumentation. Nothing seemed to fit the bill.

    A clock was an obvious consideration, but who would want to replace that green “thing of beauty” Jaeger digital masterpiece that was already in the center of the dash? And, any passengers in the car would have trouble seeing it, so that option was out the (not fully retractable) windows.

    Next choice was a compass, but as everywhere of importance or interest was north of Italy, a compass didn’t seem to add much value.

    The next consideration, a Depth Gauge, was both inspired and visionary. First, it was a tribute to the legendary Maserati fan and WWII Italian submarine commander, Guido Lorenzotti. Second, it foresaw that some of these cars would surely end up in the drink, either accidentally or otherwise (see “Creative Fishing Weights”, Rod & Reel Magazine, Sept. 2007).

    In the end, however, it was felt that some nod to global warming and the growing green movement was necessary; a kind of constant reminder to the Maserati driver that he was doing something naughty and maybe should do things in other parts of his life to make up for it. And so, the Fuel Consumption Guage.

    Me, I just keep the throttle hammered and peg that SOB to the right with the question in my mind of what color is beyond red.
     
  12. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 13, 2005
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    Bob
    Stephen my friend, I'm not sure they're ready for this ... :D

    I tried in vain to remember the name of the secret French terrorist organization dedicated to utilizing Citroen componentry as weapons but then I digress.

    You and Mark Sonnery surely must meet one day. I shall supply the pistols and can probably swing a loan from the NYC historical society of the Aaron Burr Alexander Hamilton set. Shall we say Weehawken at dawn then? I live but a mile and a half away ...
     
  13. sjameswain

    sjameswain Rookie

    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    Bob,

    The sacred and secret society is La Chiave. It is dedicated to the removal of anything green (primarily hydraulic fluid) from Maseratis. Membership is open. The initiation requirement is simply the destruction of one thing Citroen installed on any currently streetable Viale Ciro Mernotti product. Proof of destruction required.

    There is no doubt that Burr was a Maseratiafisti at heart. Hamilton was a Volt kind of a guy. Can't we do any better than Weehaken?
     
  14. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 13, 2005
    91,378
    Fuggetaboutitland
    Full Name:
    Bob
    No no no that's George Hamilton or possibly Ed Begley Jr.? I'm talking about Alexander Hamilton.

    Hey what's wrong with Weehawken? There's going to be a Formula One race here or so the say ...
     
  15. F456M

    F456M F1 Rookie

    Jan 8, 2010
    3,665
    Oslo
    Full Name:
    Erik
    Dr. K, what will happen with the QP? I need some parts for mine... Please send me an e-mail in regards to your car....: [email protected] I live in Oslo, Norway :) Thank you.

    Erik


     
  16. William Abraham

    William Abraham Formula Junior

    Nov 21, 2010
    830
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    William Abraham
    I am posting this here also. I had the issue with the car overheating the other day after I had put in the free flow rad and got it on the road again. It dropped a few litres of rad fluid on the floor of the detailers shop (he left it running probably as he was worried about it starting!)

    I would top off the expansion tank but still the Rad fluid light would come on. It was losing fluid out of the expansion tank overflow when hot but the other side (by the rad) showed fluid? Could it be a vapour lock as someone suggested or could it be the water pump packed in during the recommissioning.

    I am not familiar with the expansion tank system - can someone give me a quick primer?

    If so, someone mentioned running it with the caps off and the heater on full. Is that the recommended approach. I would like to do a few self help steps before having it towed away!
     
  17. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 13, 2005
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    Fuggetaboutitland
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    Bob
    Are your fans running reliably?

    I had a friend with a gorgeous QPIII and he had similar problems. As it turned out even though the fuse for the fans tested OK upon really close inspection with a good pair of eyes, he was 65 and I was 35, I spotted a hairline crack in the fuse which when it heated up under load would open up the crack yet when he stopped and opened the hood while it was cold it looked and tested OK.

    Just a though ...

     
  18. William Abraham

    William Abraham Formula Junior

    Nov 21, 2010
    830
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    William Abraham

    Sending you a PM
     
  19. Mexico074

    Mexico074 Formula 3

    Aug 14, 2008
    1,225
    Harriman, TN USA
    Full Name:
    Michael Demyanovich

    Excellent Work... Made me laugh my #$%@ off!!!
     
  20. wilde

    wilde Formula Junior

    Jan 12, 2009
    254
    France
    #370 wilde, Jan 11, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  21. JasonMiller

    JasonMiller F1 Rookie
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    Jul 16, 2004
    3,615
    Co Springs/ Texas
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    Is that a 1:18? I have been looking for a QP III 1 18 for years...






    .
     
  22. wilde

    wilde Formula Junior

    Jan 12, 2009
    254
    France
    Unfortunatly 1:43.
     
  23. William Abraham

    William Abraham Formula Junior

    Nov 21, 2010
    830
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    William Abraham
    Hi

    Does anyone have experience of the 727 Specialist shop. 727Specialist They are happy to work on the QPIII derivative and offer a quite competitive rate. Some of you have used local shops in the US and I believe MIE can do it to.

    What experiences have you had with them?
     
  24. staatsof

    staatsof Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 13, 2005
    91,378
    Fuggetaboutitland
    Full Name:
    Bob
    William,

    AFAIK MIE does no repairs themselves. Yes there are a lot of places that can work on the Chrysler Torqueflight over here.

    Have you ever met up with Fellow Maser nut and a huge QPIII fan Jay Witham?
    He wasn't at Monterey last year though. He has a lot of experience with this tranny.

    These guys do a lot of competition work on all sorts of transmissions and transaxles. They're very well known. I'm sure they could help as well. Good luck.

    Level 10 Performance Transmission Systems Bulletproof Transmissions,Supercharger
     
  25. Quattroporte3

    Quattroporte3 Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2010
    1,060
    Hi William,

    as Bob mentioned, MIE is parts only. Although they are knowledgable about many repairs and fixes, they don't do them.

    I spoke to the guy at the site you mentioned, he seems legit. In the end I ended up going with SMR Transmissions in Canada (ask for Pat, tell him I sent you): smr transmissions and was very happy with both the pre-sale advice, prices and support. Since the opportunity for driving is limited here during the winter, I figured I'd do it myself while waiting for spring.

    The worst part was getting it out of the car (3 guys, 5-6 hours), the rest went pretty smoothly and it's really not anything especially difficult to do. We got it back into the car in half the time it took to remove it, and as long as you follow the specs and info in the manual it's not a big deal. Basically you tear it down and clean it all up, replace components that wear with new ones, measure and confirm all gaps and tolerances, and then reassemble to specified torque, put it back in the car and go. Having done it once, we could do again in half the time (2-3 hours to remove it, same for installation). It wasn't especially difficult, it was just that we'd never done it before.

    When I did mine, I posted a short write up here and on my blog, but can send you the long version with pictures if you'd like. I did consider sending the whole unit to the US, but the freight was excessive. There are no real 727 specialists in Europe that I could find, while in the US it's ubiquitous and there are a lot of really good workshops.

    If you decide to do it (and really, it isn't that difficult), you'll want the Munroe book. I also installed a TransGo shift kit in mine, which shortens the gear change overlap considerably and provides a much firmer and positive feel to the whole transmission compared to how it was. It also includes many updates and improvements that have been made over the years that the 727 has been in production (a considerable time, and pretty amazing). Here's the link: Torqueflite A-727 Transmission Handbook HP1399: How to Rebuild or Modify Chrysler's A-727 Torqueflite for All Applications: Carl Munroe: 9781557883995: Amazon.com: Books

    Let us know what you end up doing!
     

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