I am thinking about switching seats entirely. I fit OK in these, but I am fairly tall, so a thinner set would give me more room.
Sure, they could be redone. And I might go down that road if I don't find anything better. The leather is just BONE DRY. The best I could describe it is that it is mummified, literally. The foam is OK The frame is OK as well.
If you don't fancy doing the job yourself, FChat sponsor Bradan has done some amazing work on 348s in the past: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/bradan/440205-bradan-348-upholstery.html If you are recovering yourself, you still may find some helpful images in that thread. All the best, Andrew.
Yeah, I just found that thread earlier and poured over the pics. AMAZING work!! I don't think I will do the interior myself. Might try it just for fun to see how bad I goof it, But really, I know I can't do it to that high of a level. I actually used to design and manufacture clothing, so I do know about pattern making and sewing. I do not know about getting results like that for leather though. wow.
I am reeling with the possibilities you are facing in the restoration. I'd make this a track / street killer. Dump everything that wasn't necessary. New Corbeau seats and harnesses. Gothspeed exhaust system. Paint roof panel white. Some engine tuning. Dump the AC. This would be a fun project.
Yep, I can do pretty much anything, it's great. I don't have to feel bad about sacrificing perfectly good this or that. Though, in the summer, I sweat like crazy, so the AC stays.
Umm.... even with a perfect compressor, R12, and a well sealed cockpit, you might be disappointed. Yes, the 348 AC can cool down the car, but the blower capacity and vent configuration just isn't all that good. (IMHO) My 348 A/C blew ice cold air. But a large windscreen, timid blower, and horrible roof insulation really limited the ability of the cabin to cool down (and stay cool) on days above 90, here in North Carolina.
Wow, I'm going to condition my leather this weekend...and maybe some window tint! Those seats and door cards are my worst nightmare. The upshot: you get a chance to make it PERFECT, which is great!
wow.. those seats are busted. BUT.. glad you are bringing her back to life. Subscribing to thread to watch.
Got a bit more progress tonight. ECUs removed, exhaust removed, close to engine drop.... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Put the clear 3m crystalline on the windshield. Probably would make a drastic difference and protect the dash too. I'm surprised you don't sell precut pieces with all your other ventures
Engine out. 30k service kit has been shipped. Progress progress progress..... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
At this stage, you might find this thread very useful: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q/438576-348-engine-out-major.html Good luck! Keep us updated with your own pictures, methods, and tips. All the best, Andrew.
Daniel's right... when I had my 348, here in Kuwait, I couldn't even drive it from May through October... it was just too hot. Best of luck with the project... the wealth of information here, and the help available can be very valuable. I don't know where you got your service kit, but Daniel, at Ricambi, not only supplies parts, but excellent advice too. Mike
Hehe, that is the thread I have been following to take the engine out in the first place. VERY helpful!
I think perhaps the alt belt is a bit past worn. Surprisingly, the timing belt is in good condition, at least comparatively. I also decided to start on the interior. I am 6'3", so I am going to modify my seat to recline past the OEM mark. I cut out the tiny support at the ridge and did a quick test, and I have SOOOO much more room. My thought is to have exposed ECUs, but have them done up nicely, painted somehow. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Got the new timing belt and tensioner bearings in today. The rest of the 30k kit should be here in short order.
I am almost 6'5" but use the SS seats and I don't have to move the seat that far back. You must have super long arms to sit that leaned back... Kai
