430 Bubbled/cracked paint on engine panel.

Hey Cory, I removed my panels to change the spark plugs a few months ago. I don’t really remember what I did, but I remember it was easy. Yes remove the one with the T-handle for the gas door on it, first. Then work your way towards the front of the car. Don’t do what I did and use a regular Allen wrench for the screws, it took forever. Get a socket with an Allen wrench in it, it will be way faster.


Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

The struts have a small clip on the ends, kinda like a C-clip. Look closely and you can see them. Use a small screwdriver and lift them out of their recesses.


Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

Use a pick to pull locking "c" clip ..easier than a screwdriver

Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk

 

Yes the locking clip on strut ..pull with pick just enough to release the strut

Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk

 

Normal Guy Supercar has a good video of engine panel removal from when he changed his valve cover gaskets. Shows how to place the strut when removed. Helped me.

 

When you replace the screws ..a little white lithium is recommended by WSM .. some have used as rust prevention and for vibration ..a little blue loctite instead of white grease

Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk

 

Use an electric screwdriver with a short extension holding a 4 mm hex bit to remove the panel screws & washers. Prop a broomstick to hold hatch up when you take off the bottom of the strut. I also lined the backside of the panels with adhesive heat reflecting shielding.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/automotive/15726931/ref=zg_b_bs_15726931_1/ref=s__bsb__1/134-0577345-7758841?pd_rd_w=rBW03&pf_rd_p=4956a3bb-4805-44c6-95f8-e1df925cf0c6&pf_rd_r=9AV4VESRFGW1PFHJMXDZ&pd_rd_r=5899eacb-51a0-400c-9249-6c11eba1908f&pd_rd_wg=GvTH4&pd_rd_i=B00029KC2K
So far so good. If you are going to invest in CF panels. I would definitely line the backsides as they seem to yellow with long term heat exposure. Do you have header blankets?

 

Like it says below, a small screwdriver to remove the clip on the gas damper at the lid end. Putting this back on a pair of circlip pliers are handy to open it up and slip it back on.
The dome head allen screws have soft heads so be gentle un doing them as easy to round them out. Cheap on e bay and handy to have a few spares.

 

I changed out my milky factory carbon fiber panels for new ones. I purchased both the 'Chinese ' and 'Italian' made ones. The quality
, fit and finish on the 'Italian' ones were far superior to the others . Both suppliers were kind enough to offer a discount when I asked and both offered a no questions asked return policy...
I kept the Italian made ones...
In my opinion and my shop installing them - they were superior.
Just my opinion and info for your future purchase

 

I used two small Phillips screwdrivers to align the holes. I put them into two of the holes far apart from each other, then put the screws in. Install all the screws, but don’t tighten them until they are all started.


Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

Use painters /detailer tape on edges of rear quarter panels to avoid any paint damage

Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk

 

Use an awl to line up holes as suggested above. Use some anti seize on threads when re installing. Don’t overtighten. Will crack the panel. I have header blankets and some heat shield on the back of panels. If screws get messed up get replacements on eBay or McMaster Carr. Cover engine with a thick movers blanket and crawl up for the front ones. Sound like you’ve got it covered.