Foam Radiator Closure Strip | FerrariChat

Foam Radiator Closure Strip

Discussion in '308/328' started by SSSARCH, Nov 10, 2019.

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  1. SSSARCH

    SSSARCH Rookie

    Sep 14, 2019
    8
    Panama City Beach, FL
    Full Name:
    Shelton Stone
    What is the correct material, color and placement of the foam closure strip between the top of the radiator and the hood? Photos please.... I am inspecting three different 1980 Euro-spec 308 GTB's in Italy this month for possible purchase, and I am looking for "correct" details. These foam strips seem to be overlooked when cars are painted or "restored". Any other small and/or obscure details I should look for would also be helpful. Thanks in advance!!
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,282
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    On a forty year old car you might find other more critical aspects than the foam, many of which will be covered in the buyers guide at the top.......

    Meanwhile I'd guess one of the many existing threads with foam in the title will give you all the information you need
     
    thorn likes this.
  3. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,280
    Birmingham, AL
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    Tommy
    If you are looking at a foam strip on a 40 year old car, it isnt the original one.
     
    Rifledriver likes this.
  4. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 4, 2001
    35,280
    Birmingham, AL
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    Tommy
    The thing you should do is just post pics here of what you are unsure of
     
  5. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2012
    3,322
    Tallahassee, FL
    If original - it should be somewhat stained, not uniform in color, may have a slight crumbling feel (disintegration) , and not completely attached to the vehicle in every spot (as the old adhesive eventually ceases to adhere.)
     
  6. SSSARCH

    SSSARCH Rookie

    Sep 14, 2019
    8
    Panama City Beach, FL
    Full Name:
    Shelton Stone
    I'm not expecting to find the original, but I appreciate the quick reply. I am looking #1 for the correct type; #2 the correct color (I've seen black & yellow), and #3 the correct dimensions (depth and width). I've read the thread about going to Home Depot and making one..... Not my plan with this car.
     
  7. Casino Square

    Casino Square Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 21, 2004
    1,718
    Hong Kong / USA
    Full Name:
    Andrew
    Superformance provides the correct replacement materiel.
     
  8. AZDoug

    AZDoug Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2009
    1,606
    Along the Verde , AZ
    Full Name:
    Doug
    #8 AZDoug, Nov 10, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2019
    The one on my '79 car is original, and intact.
    I have owned the car since 1984, and nobody replaced it before then. It is little delicate, though, you don't want to go disturbing it much.

    It has a triangular type cross section, and dark grey. I would have to inspect more closely to see if the triangle shape is as made, or from compression to the radiator.

    Doug
     
    SSSARCH likes this.
  9. SSSARCH

    SSSARCH Rookie

    Sep 14, 2019
    8
    Panama City Beach, FL
    Full Name:
    Shelton Stone
    Thank you Doug for the thoughtful and informative response. I was unaware of the triangular cross section. This is exactly why I asked the question. can you post a photo or two? Thanks again!!
     
  10. AZDoug

    AZDoug Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2009
    1,606
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    Doug
    I probably can post a pic early this coming week.

    Doug
     
  11. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 28, 2004
    1,774
    Pacific Northwest
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    Bill
    If its the same as the Mondial, air conditioner foam from Lowes is a good match and cheap
     
  12. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,280
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    Tommy
    He doesnt want foam from there.

    But is there much of a difference?

    More dense, less dense?
     
  13. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,109
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    My QV had the original foam when I purchased it more than 30 years ago. As I recall it looked identical to the foam you can purchase at a home improvement store. I'm sure you can pay an authorized Ferrari vendor to sell you the foam they purchased from Home Depot.
     
    theunissenguido and thorn like this.
  14. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
    1,321
    Northeast, PA - USA
    Full Name:
    Wayne Martin
  15. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
    1,321
    Northeast, PA - USA
    Full Name:
    Wayne Martin
    If you look close in the above photo you can see the side radiator strip foam. The complete set including under the radiator makes a huge difference. Just saying.....
     
  16. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,280
    Birmingham, AL
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    Tommy
    Not on a QV in the deep south.

    No difference with or without them. I went about 10 years without them, and the last 12 with them. Not a smidgen of difference on the temps on my car
     
  17. AZDoug

    AZDoug Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2009
    1,606
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    Doug
    Sept 1978 built car foam photo attached.
    It is triangular,and appears like it was once a yellowish color, though it looks more yellow in the photo, vs in person. Probably a lot of dirt on it.

    Doug

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    MFlanagan likes this.
  18. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 4, 2001
    35,280
    Birmingham, AL
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    Tommy
    I wouldn't even dare touch that thing
     
  19. AZDoug

    AZDoug Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2009
    1,606
    Along the Verde , AZ
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    Doug
    As I said, it's delicate. It is nice to have a photo record of original foam, though.

    Doug
     
    MFlanagan likes this.
  20. jersey308gtb

    jersey308gtb Formula Junior

    Feb 18, 2015
    383
    UK
    Full Name:
    Alex Heynes

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