Scott, I would also leave it if it isn't too much of an eyesore, but don't be deterred about replacing it yourself. It's not too difficult if you take your time and proceed carefully. I'm definitely no upholsterer, and the end result on my car in the photo was a significant improvement. BTW, when I replaced this fabric I don't remember seeing any residual glue traces on the outer surfaces (i.e. that would bleed through where you could see it). The material is generally only glued on the inner side (i.e body facing) or on the edge surfaces, so I think it's more likely that the stains are from moisture / dirt / detritus that occur from use. My headliner / parcel shelf was quite 'manky' from years of driving with the roof off. It's personal preference, but aside from the originality aspect I also think that the fabric gives a nicer contrast to the headliner /parcel shelf than plain leather. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks Ross, appreciate that. Here is a pic for context. I think i'm going to live with it for a few months and see if it drives me crazy in a few months. I'm about a month into ownership, so the good is so outweighing the negatives at the moment (and the car is super clean, well maintained and was clearly loved) Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thats like saying the leather on the seats of the 328s. was not garbage, lol Thats the only complaint I have about the 328. I wish the leather on the seats were more durable, but the seats are easy to recover with new better leather. Ferrari should have used a much better fabric due the the crap that builds up on it from the windows being open, and its impossible to clean, its that simple. Thank you
Garbage? The Connolly leaher that Ferrari fitted on the 308-328 seats was the top available. The problem is exactly that top level: it's pure top quality leather without any plastic surface on it, so it's not much strong nor much wear resistant. Ferrari are not earth moving machinery! ciao
Actually, and if my memory serves me well, Conolly was indeed very reputed at that time, but among the different leathers that Conolly offered, the one used by Ferrari was the second best; the first grade was the one selected by Rolls-Royce. I shall do a bit of research on the matter, but I think it has something to do with the grades "Autolux" (1st grade) and "Vaumol" (The "VM" in the Ferrari leather reference) which was the second grade (?) Rgds
According to this source, seems it was the reverse: "Vaumol" was Connolly's first grade, used by Ferrari until the 512BBi; for the V8s, Ferrari used Connolly's "Autolux" initally (not dyed the same way, and thinner than Vaumol), then after 1984, "Autolux" was used for all cars. http://www.330gt.com/Encyclopedia/Leathers.htm "[…] Connolly leather came in several finishes. The Vaumol finish is a surface dyed color and it was used in most Ferraris through the 512BBi. The V8 production used the Autolux finish which is vat dyed on a thinner leather. In 1984, all production changed to Autolux until 2001 when Ferrari stopped using Connolly leather. Note, Connolly went out of business in 2002”. Rgds
I have on the Classiche red books the VM 8500 for black leather and Autolux 3997 for the cream ones, but the grade ranked leather look and not durability. In fact the leather look (grain, flaws) is much more important for a very light color like the cream rather than for a dark color like the black is. ciao
I saw copy of Ferrari invoice to Maranello concess. LTD from 1988 with 328 and Testarossa. Six cars with interior color Sabbia 3234, Crema 3997 and Nero 8500 : ALL are noted as "AUTOLUX"
My black VM 8500 are up to 1986 (66731). My cream Autolux 3997: one from 1983 and one from 1988. And then I have a beige VM 3218 from 1980.
There is only one place know and it's someone in Italy. He only does business via bank transfer. I can look for his contact ...
One year ago I have replaced the entire interior roof of a Lancia Delta. If I compare the material used of what is on the website, i.e. the original Ermenogilde Zegna cloth, the difference is that you can only stick it on the invisible sides ( small borders ), otherwise it is almost impossible that the glue does not pass through the fabric. In other words, the result is not going to be pretty. The material I used for the Delta is made somewhat waterproof on the inside and does not let the glue pass through to the visible side, and it is also a flatter uni-color design. But you won't find the same Ferrari design elsewhere than on the website indicated above This is the website where i did buy the clotch https://www.etsy.com/be/listing/1445227934/platgebreide-hemelbekleding-316-met-foam?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=headliner+fabric&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1
I mean how do you get the carriers/ the fixed elements out. For example, the middle piece that covers the 2 flat side pieces, I can't get it to move in any way. Is it possible that this piece is screwed on and needs to be loosened from under the hood?
I believe that is secured with a nut near the firewall in the back. I tried to find it myself but was unable. Why on earth they would secure a piece of trim there is beyond me... but there are a lot of things that are confusing to say the least on these cars.
There is a nut (maybe a wingnut) from the engine bay side, installed upside down so you have to feel around for it. If you are a product designer and you design a nut that is installed with a washer in an upside down position, you need to be absolutely fired.
I doubt if the engineers were concerned with someone 35+ years later trying to remove those trim pieces. When they were originally installed, it might have been before the engine and deck lid were installed, thus making it easy to get in there with both hands to handle the upside-down nut/washer combo. Far worse IMO is that they put the fuel filter, a common item requiring periodic replacement, in a place that is a royal PITA to get to.
For those intrested This is the answer i received from [email protected] "Hi Chris. Are you referring to the striped brown/beige headliner ? Just verifying. If so yes. I believe we have a few meters in stock so we could ship right away. Price is $290 per meter (most people order 2-3 meters depending if they also need to upholster the parcel shelf or not) Ciao Marco" he send me a foto to and it is the original headliner file:///C:/Users/CHRISC~1/AppData/Local/Temp/pid-816/U72000.jpg
So you are located in Belgium but you want purschase a Italian product via an US dealer for the twice of the price ! Of course you do what you want
