328 GTS Correct Front Body Shell panel help? | FerrariChat
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328 GTS Correct Front Body Shell panel help?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by markbriggs37, Feb 4, 2024.

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  1. markbriggs37

    markbriggs37 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2024
    3
    Boston, MA
    Full Name:
    Mark Briggs
    #1 markbriggs37, Feb 4, 2024
    hello, i have recently welcomed a 1986 328 GTS to the collection. it was an active driver car and i'm now going thru it (just removed the late 80's whistler radar detector for example...!). It looks like a previous owner hit a speed bump/equiv and damaged a number of the panels under the front bonnet. i am trying to determine what the "correct" set of panels looks like -- would a fellow 328 owner mind posting a pic or two (or emailing to me) of the underside of the front of their car?

    here are a few pics of mine. i can't imagine, for example, that the underside of the battery box is supposed to be open to the elements.

    thank you! -Mark

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  2. Milkshaker0007

    Milkshaker0007 Formula Junior

    Sep 22, 2012
    434
    Midlands,uk
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #2 Milkshaker0007, Feb 4, 2024
  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,667
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #3 yelcab, Feb 4, 2024
    Mark, that 's all she wrote. You got what you supposed to get. Just fix the cracks and you are good.
     
    furmano and f355spider like this.
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #4 Rifledriver, Feb 4, 2024
    The battery box area is left open to allow radiator air outflow.
     
  5. markbriggs37

    markbriggs37 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2024
    3
    Boston, MA
    Full Name:
    Mark Briggs
    #5 markbriggs37, Feb 8, 2024
    thanks so much for the replies - i really appreciate it. i am surprised that the paneling is so open -- doesn't road grime/rain/etc make its way to the battery box/underside of spare tire, or am i not supposed to drive a 328 in the rain ;)
     
  6. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #6 Rifledriver, Feb 8, 2024
    I drive ours in the rain all the time. Heavy rain. How would water get in there in any quantity? The tires are not throwing it in.
    How do you think the radiator works? Without airflow it cant cool. Without a way out air does not go in. That is the primary path for the air to leave the car. The vent in the hood was just supplemental and in early versions was not even there. With all the air going out that hole in the bottom not much of anything can possibly get in.
     
    f355spider likes this.
  7. markbriggs37

    markbriggs37 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2024
    3
    Boston, MA
    Full Name:
    Mark Briggs
    #7 markbriggs37, Feb 8, 2024
    thank you - i had not thought of that, the air flow. i will study it more on my car to see the path, but what you describe makes sense. and, good to know via your experience that a rainy drive doesn't equate to a wet battery! tx, Mark
     
  8. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #8 f355spider, Feb 8, 2024
    Look like the previous owner installed a battery absorbant mat under the battery to absorb leaking electrolyte. That can be a mixed bag, it can neutralize leaking electrolyte, but it can absorb water. Just get an AGM battery that doesn't leak and ditch the mat.
     

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