328 winter projects????? Looking for advice

Gearbox oil and coolant are DIY items if you're inclined, otherwise have them do them if it's time. Distributor caps...leave them alone if they're good. Aftermarket replacements are nowhere near as good as factory originals, and the caps were never intended to be replaced periodically like most other cars. Plugs if they're old enough. Service the injectors? Clutch when it needs it, not before. Cables, sure if they're beginning to fray.

One thing I'd recommend, as I've had it done on my 46k mile 89 328 - rebuild the suspension with all new bushings. The improvement to the way the car rides and handles was startling.

And, by all means replace all fuel hoses if they haven't already been done. That's a must for cars of this age.

Major service...I've not seen that defined anywhere, and a few years ago there was a big discussion about what it entails. My take is that it doesn't mean anything specific, it just means taking care of all the stuff the car needs to be refreshed after 20-30 years.

My general rule is (with some exceptions) leave it alone unless if's either broke or about to break. Timing belt and tensioners/bearings are two of those exceptions.

 

Interesting. I got the cold shoulder from Shaun when I stopped-in to inquire about their capabilities to service my '79 Euro GTB. Maybe it's the carbs they didn't like...or maybe I should have mosey'd over to the showroom and given them the impression they had a shot at selling me a new car.
Whatever it was, he certainly didn't impress upon me either their expertise or desire to work on the car.
I second all of Dave Bertrand's recos above...but it sounds like you may not have your car's Warranty Service booklet? If the 328s are like the QVs there is a recommended 45k mile service and your booklet would specify all of the recommended service items. I mean the sky's the limit regarding systems and components to check, but the other thing that springs to mind is a brake fluid flush/replenishment if it hasn't been done in the last two years. Brake fluid absorbs moisture which can lead to reduced braking performance in the short term and corrosion of the hard lines and other components over the long term. Needs to be changed on a regular schedule just like your coolant and engine oil.
- Dave

 

Thanks Bob. To be completely fair, Shaun didn't refuse me outright but he made it very clear they were only interested in performing the most basic services on the 308 - stuff I don't need a shop's assistance with - and his attitude the whole time was the opposite of customer friendly....life's just too short.
Fortunately, I've since discovered that Avant-Garde Collection is now accepting outside service work (they formerly only worked on cars in their inventory). They've prepped and sold a number of 308s and it was obvious the tech I met - who was in the middle of a Countach engine overhaul - is a true enthusiast who loves the shirt out of these old Italian cars.
So we'll see...I had my former QV serviced at two other Indies in town with nightmarish results so Avant-Garde Collection may be my last hope for competent local service.
Off topic: Looking forward to a run across McKenzie Pass Highway next week. It's a work trip so it won't be in the 308, but rather my wife's audi S3; paddles and all. It may not be a Ferrari, but that little thing is still a hoot! It's got 80 hp on the 308 and the AWD really helps put down the power coming out of those those greasy, moss-covered switchbacks. Should be fun; something there's been far too little of in my driving this year.
- Dave

 

Regreasing the front wheel bearings would be useful to add to your list.