This reminds me of the Viper forum many years ago with people being dissatisfied with Hennessey. He certainly turned things around from those old days. I'm hoping everyone has a happy ending. I've enjoyed watching videos of the parts being made for conversions. I'm in awe of the challenge. Steve
I too watch the vids of the parts making... from my background in oilfield construction... I have to admit I cringe a bit seeing art pour molten al in shorts....... if this was a public company... they'd be all covered up in protective gear...... might be a good xmas gift for those guys
What a simply gorgeous car and an excellent model year... simply wow! Beautiful color combo... enjoy Ok i have already posted about my 2007 F430 F1 converted by Art and his crew; I've had it back since May 2020 and it has been running perfectly and the gear shift mechanism is the best I have ever come across... like rifle bolt accurate. Feels amazing and it makes the car simply delicious to drive at any speed. Art has been very responsive since delivery and every now and then checks in by text to make sure everything is going well. I thought the clutch engagement point was too low to my liking and Art went over how to adjust the clutch pedal to my liking over the phone and with pictures/text. My car took longer than I thought it would and Covid didn't help but Art and I stayed in touch throughout and it was clear at times that I was being unreasonable/impatient and acting as though I was his only client. Truth is this is not an oil change and the parts come from different sources which have different lead times. I am shocked at the ad hominem attacks and would hope this gets moderated more strictly. In the end every interaction and business relationship requires back and forth and an exchange and delicate balance to make your case for fast service and turnaround. When my car sat at the local Ferrari dealer for a month without their being able to diagnose what was wrong with the F1 I wouldn't have dreamed of treating them with the same manner that some are acting towards Art. Back to the car itself, the conversion has been perfect and solid throughout, the only thing remaining for me to do is to swap the steering covers top and bottom to the manual ones that don't have the slots for the F1 paddles. I just dread the vin plate transfer from one to the other. I went with 'OEM parts' except for the few bits that EAG has improved on (changed some from plastic to metal or some such). Wanted to go for the CF shift knob but that officially comes with a different shift gate (extra $2.5k) that has the shift gear pattern on it instead of the cavallino... in the end it's fine with the iconic metal one even though the rest of the car has all the CF options except for intake and diffuser. Driving the car is amazing, super sensitive throttle response, and ALL the electronics work perfectly, all driving modes behave exactly as intended via mannetino and even the up shift arrow works inside the place of the Gearshift led rectangle. They also took care of a bunch of things they diagnosed including a faulty vacuum line to one of the banks that was missed by the Ferrari dealer; also changed spark plugs, engine and transmission mounts and serpentine belt. All were done at a discount. He's treated me very well and continues to be available, he stands behind his work.
Here are some pics Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
If the VIN plate is attached like the F355, it is simply stuck on with thin double sided tape. Pry it up with a strong, plastic pry tool. I did that when I replaced the cover with new in my F355 spider (before refinishing services were a thing).
I agree completely, I have enjoyed all of Dan's F430 videos and he was very helpful when I was shopping for my F430 and I think he has done a great service to the community by uncovering the various intricacies of the F430 and making available online for free. He was also extremely responsive when I had additional follow up questions.
Thank you, I am waiting for a quiet weekend when I can muster the courage; i think I saw a diy video for changing the covers that involves certain steering wheel position and other intricacies ... may farm it out
catdog, thank you so much for that report. I also was finding that I was pressing a bit too much due to impatience and realized they need their space to do the do the work they need to do. Back to the cars, firstly, thank you, I was glad I was able to find the combo I wanted, the fact that I could gate it makes it my for real full dream car. Your car looks amazing. So glad to hear your performance feedback. Art said in one of his videos they are able to tweak it as good or better than stock, it sounds like this is the case. Reading your review and seeing your pics makes the unbearable wait that much more manageable, for this I am very grateful to you! Same to you rs, great report on your car with pics. Still have a few more weeks to go, but am now very confident things will turn out well. The stick and 3 pedal shots alone....can hardly wait
Just buy a set of plastic trim removal tools off Ebay or from Harbor Freight. Its not rocket science and noting will break or get scratched removing the plate. The covers are not big deal either to separate. Just exercise caution and take your time
Found this https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/diy-sticky-interior-repair-using-degreaser-and-elbow-grease.391833/page-5%23post-143644105&ved=2ahUKEwj886Gs5IntAhVxFVkFHel2DM0QkvECMAB6BAgKEAs&usg=AOvVaw3SQdauFz-kOp4mCzZ_wyH6 Sent from my SM-N975U using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Heard from a professional that refinishes the shrouds often, that on the 430, the fit of the VIN plate in the shroud is quite tight and a very thin pry tool is required. He suggests you try these tools: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Opening-Repair-Flathead-Crowbar/dp/B01K7C4AJC/ref=asc_df_B01K7C4AJC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172629843&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13098294414754946465&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005511&hvtargid=pla-826984536149&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=73789135410&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172629843&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13098294414754946465&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005511&hvtargid=pla-826984536149
I´m doing it sort off. My shop has never done the conversion and it will be a first in Sweden. Just waiting for the parts still.
Keep us updated. I have lost a bit of faith in shops recently and I think the current asking price is not smart.
I bought my kit just before the price increase so mine will be a bit cheaper. I´ll keep everyone updated.
for anyone who doesn't feel like waiting: https://www.normalguysupercar.com/product/2005-ferrari-f430-auction-zffew58a850144421/
Not a conversion, but the driving vids on this one is fantastic. Just a lil motivation post https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-ferrari-f430-8/
Dan's (NGS) video showing them manufacturing the clutch pedal assembly was really interesting. A Gated shifter is sweet IMHO
Seems another individual has had some issues with Art and his conversion. Will see if they want to chime in here themselves.q
Here is feedback I received: “Got the car back - really epic. The transformation is incredible...Very solid - no Exaggeration - best manual I’ve ever driven.”
