355 Center console bubble

From what has been posted in the past, you can:
1) Buy a factory replacement and wait for it to bubble again.

2) Buy a carbon fiber replacement from one of several sources on the Internet, which may/should last longer.

 

Try searching the archives in the old site, or do a "google" search for "355 carbon fiber" or something like that...

Also, check the sponsors page, one or more of them should also offer them.

 

I don't have such problem with my central tunnel pannel.

For my own understanding - and to try as much as possible avoiding this kind of problem - are you offen parking your car outside? And hence having very high temperture in the cabin for long period?

 

Perhaps, but what is annoying, even a Hyundai doesn't have this sort of problem. This has been a problem for several years and models of Ferraris. The interior peices should be able to withstand normal operating conditions without self destructing. One would think that Ferrari should stand behind their product and fix this for free, since it is a known defect in their quality and workmanship. $1400 for a faceplate? Even if it includes all the controls, that is outragous.

But I still intend to get a 355 in the next year or so....oh well.

 

But really I think owning a Ferrari is all about Compromise (Am I sounding like I'm married to my Ferrari or what )

The green lighting of the gauges annoy me, the leather on the seats is so fragile it annoys me, the top on my spyder jams up and it annoys me, the centre consol is bubbly it annoys me, the leather dash above the air vents in the centre has wrinkles and that annoys me, I have the feeling that the whole car is fragile and that annoys me

BUT

when I floor it and the revs build up, and that unearthly sound behind me builds up, 3rd, 4th, 5th (crap traffic slow down) that I forget about all those little nasty things.

I knew what I was in for when I bought it but sometimes it gets out of hand.

 

That's been a problem with the 355....seems to be more frequent in warmer climates.

The problem is caused by a "rubberized" paint used by Ferrari that is intended to reduce glare. Go to the old F-Chat site and do a search.
This also occurs on the door handles and air vents.

Some members have scrapped off and repainted with good results. As for carbon fiber...seems to be available for 348/360 but have not found a source for 355. A sponsors on this board is still working on it.

Here in FL there is an individual who will resurface the components for about $1100. He works with a respected independent, Tim Stanford. If you need info send me a PM.

Frank

 

Vref,

I can sell you the carbon fiber replacement (from one of the F-Chat sponsors). Contact me by pm, e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 810.625.3677 and we can talk about it. You can also check out our website at www.dexmllc.com.

We'll be at Cavallino Classic in Florida next week with some parts, too. So, if you'll be there, come see us.

Best regards,
Brent

 

Brent - I will be there and will want to talk to you also. I assume you will have a booth?

 

FL 355,

Yes, we will have a booth in the paddock at Moroso on Thursday and Friday and at the Breakers on Saturday. If there is something in particular you are looking for, let me know today and I can try to get it in time for the show (you are under no obligation to buy, of course).

Contact me at [email protected] or at 810.625.3677. I look forward to meeting you.

Brent

 

Bring a 355 center consol...

I'll be at Moroso Thur and Concours Sat.

Prob at Dinner Fri...see Martin's post...Fri at 8:00PM

 

It's been my experience that armourall or like products produce the bubbling. Car that have no been treated with those products don't seem to develop the problem.

 

its from the solvents and cheap silicones in them. The best thing to use on the interior plastic and vinyl parts would be 303 protectant or Enzinnet interior products.

 

http://www.imola-racing.com/

These guys do carbon centre (center) consoles.

 

english presentation not available, have you purchased from them before?

 

veref:
I've been told that you can razor the film around the edges and glue it back down....but I've never tried it. I have examined the part and it looks reasonable enough.

If I were going to attempt it I'd set up some flat wood blocks with holes to clear the knobs so that I could clamp/press it flat after I got the glue in there. I'd probably use clear silicone because it won't attack the graphics and should withstand the heat....the trick will be getting it flat....maybe working the bubbles out with your fingers after the glue and before the block/clamp. All this said, yours doesn't look bad, and your messing with a pretty expensive part.

I've been trying to get an old one so that I could develop and produce a film replacement kit or service.....if you or anyone can help on that front, please let me know. There are hundreds of cars in need of this fix.

 

I have had success in sanding off the crap in my 348. At least until I got to the a/c vents. They are really tough to get clean.

 

I just saw a 355 center section on ebay (used - but looked in pretty good shape) currently at $73 bucks... The carbon looks great - but if you want time before upgrading to carbon center console, door sills, break handle, instrument panel, etc. This could be a inexpensive alternative...

I have seen a few with just the center console - it looks a little odd in comparison to those who do several parts - gives more continuity IMHO.

Here is the link to ebay http:
//cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40017&item=2462159801

Copy and paste into your browser.

Hope that helps,
Rich Wallace

 

I don't think that will help as it is the piece below that which is bubbling.

 

Brent,

Can't seem to find this on your site. Where should I look?

 

Keep the revs up and you'll forget all about the bubbles.