Decided to give my F355 Berlinetta some TLC.....

Hi Howard, if your inserts are good and showing no signs of cracking what ever you do, DO NOT remove them!

Either mask the inserts before painting or use these clever little tools from Hill Engineering, Wheel Masking Bungs:
WMB-01 - Wheel Masking Bungs by: Hill Engineering - Hill Engineering

or just take your time and scrape off the excess paint.

Loctite - even with Loctite the inserts will press or drift out if needed. If your insert has cracks then it has expanded, broken, rubbed, whatever against the origin slot it inserts in to within the wheel. So there has been abrasion, rubbing or corrosion - so using a little smear of Loctite on the replacement insert which will compensate and give that sealed perfect fit.

 

Hi, thank you for the very kind words. The 275GTB was a great experience, but it is so nice to do something with the F355 (a relatively modern car) as most of the parts are still easily available.

love your car, cant wait to see the results.

cheers

 

They are cheap and easy to replace if there is any damage - when out you may even see small fractures that you cant see when in situ.

For me, if they look good and don't show any fractures i would not remove them, even though the process is simple and straight forward, it still exerts unnecessary stress on the alloy insert - ie using a hammer and drift - more so if the previous owner inserted them and used some Loctite.

Even though these little things hold your wheel on, when you hold a new insert in your hand you realise how light they are. They are strong and do their job when sandwiched between the wheel nut and the alloy, but any other external forces could easily deformed them.

 

Here is a whole thread on the subject, the range discussed here is 72-100ft. lbs:
https://ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/344139-f355-lug-nut-size.html

I think for F355 wheel bolts 72 ft. lbs is correct, but I will confirm when down the garage later. Remember don't use an air gun/rattle gun as it will fracture the inserts and damage the chrome on your nuts!

 

forgot to mention - its only the 60 degree angled face that you need to worry about - if there is no paint on the face where the bolt actually touches at an angle you are fine. Don't worry about paint on the flat exposed surface of the insert as this is not in contact with the leading edge of the wheel bolt.

 

happy days, the perfect solution

 

Hi Howard, sorry for the delay i have been all over the place the last few days.

Here are the mats in situ. A very neat, very tight fit - absolutely no movement at all, no need for carpet fasteners.

Hope this helps.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Cracks galore!

All these inserts are from the rear wheels, new Hill Engineering inserts ready to replace them. Front wheel inserts are perfect, all the overspray from the wheel refurb has been cleaned off the good inserts to ensure a tight clean fit against the wheels nuts.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

A few more of the wheel arch trims all cleaned up and the inside face repainted with stone chip...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The power of FerrariChat!!!

st4rk spots i have the wrong manual - an F1 Manual for 6 Speed car - I never even noticed until it was highlighted!

Then i get a message from Steve355F1 in Australia:

"I just saw the post where it was pointed out that you have a 355F1 owners manual instead of an F355 one.
By coincidence I own a 355F1 which I bought from Nick Cartwright (it is a UK car) but for some reason it was supplied with an owners manual for an F355 (I think it is the late '97 version but would have to check).
I've been trying to locate the correct manual for my car but have had no luck so far.

Would you be interested in a swap?"

Well, it turns out that are manual are the perfect swap and the corresponding Editions/Print Dates are perfect for each of our cars!

Manual posted and awaiting the return delivery!

thanks to eagle eye st4rk and Steve.

 

Rear lower air extractors cleaned and refinished....
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Challenge wheels and tyres all polished ready to be fitted. All the bolt inserts have been clean and are free of paint to ensure a safe tight fit.

Waiting for the wheel centres to arrive.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The original wheels were re-painted and the finish is now fantastic!
I have fitted the new inserts using a little smear of Loctite. I then mounted them on the car and torqued them up to ensure a perfect tight fit.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I have removed the gaskets from the original wheels, cleaned them up, ready to be refitted to the Challenge wheels.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Hi, yes there is no machined area, but they do fit with a little persuasion.

 

from another thread:

I got in touch with this company on ebay:
Right driver side wing mirror glass Kia Sephia 2000 - 2004 P/N: 202 | eBay

They are based in the UK, but there must be a similar thing in the USA and other countries. I haven't ordered it yet, but will get round to it shortly, but for £5.50 ($9.30) it could be a huge result.

MY QUESTION:
Hi, hopefully you can help me. I have a Ferrari 355, which has two flat glass mirrors. I want to fit a convex mirror to the passenger side - if i make an accurate template of the glass can you make one for me?

I dont want to remove the original mirror glass, just put the replacement convex mirror on top with double sided sticky tape.

THE ANSWER:
Yes, sure if You will send us template we will make it within 2 working days. Please send to our address:
Channelautoparts Ltd
Unit 4 c
bowles well gardens
Folkestone Kent ct19 6pq

Also please send us your address and email details so we will send you invoice for £5.50 for a mirror.

 

Hopefully soon, I cant wait myself!