Pulling In The Bumpers On A 308 | FerrariChat

Pulling In The Bumpers On A 308

Discussion in '308/328' started by canadiantifosi, Oct 5, 2008.

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  1. canadiantifosi

    canadiantifosi Formula Junior

    Jul 2, 2008
    919
    uh...guess...
    Full Name:
    Canadian Tifosi Sr.
    #1 canadiantifosi, Oct 5, 2008
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2008
    Greetings Tifosi.

    I was looking at another 308 for sale and the seller mentioned that the bumpers had been pulled in slightly. I kind of liked the look and an auto enthusiast friend of mine made the comment that the only feature on the car that dated it to the early 80's was the protruding 5 mph bumpers. I got to thinking about the one for sale and asked seller how he did the work. Here is his reply on how the work was done.

    "The bumper shocks are relatively easy to take off. You have to remove the carpet in
    the rear trunk to access & loosen the bolts. Once you have them off, using a drill
    press, gently drill a hole in the shock as they are filled with oil. (it doesn't
    squirt) Compress the shock until the oil comes out and leave it pressed in about 2"
    on a vise. Drill larger holes right through and lock it in place with a nut & bolt.
    Simple. I welded the front shocks in place, on my first attempt, but I don't think
    it was necessary. "

    Has anyone else performed this modification? I understand that the protruding bumpers do give a little margin of error in case of an unplanned bump but I understand the risk.

    Comments would be appreciated.

    1982 GTSi, Rosso Corsa Red, Tan Interior. Just turned 57,000 miles today. Excellent condition all around and runs strong. Not the car to drive if you are in the Witness Protection Program :)
     
  2. david

    david Formula Junior

    Feb 21, 2001
    809
    Northwest
    Full Name:
    david
    I did this using a kit from MACarbon. Here's a link to the thread that talks about them. They have some good pictures that will give you a good idea of the whole thing. One thing about this kit that I really liked is that you don't destroy your old bumper shocks by drilling or welding, so if you wanted to bring the car back to all it's '70's glory with extended dumb looking bumpers, you can. BTW, the price quoted in this thread was a special promotion, but I would guess that the non discounted price is pretty reasonable.

    http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185132&highlight=308+bumper+tuck
     
  3. canadiantifosi

    canadiantifosi Formula Junior

    Jul 2, 2008
    919
    uh...guess...
    Full Name:
    Canadian Tifosi Sr.
    Thanks David. I think this is going to be at the top on my 2DO list. Any other 308 owners try this kit? How long of an install for an average wrench turner?

    Cheers-Colin Firth Ontario Canada
     
  4. barcheta

    barcheta F1 Rookie

    Nov 15, 2003
    3,738
    Maryland
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    Jim
    I did this too... it took a couple of hours but was well worth it
     
  5. johnb@macarbon

    johnb@macarbon Formula Junior

    Feb 24, 2004
    809
    SF Bay Area
    Full Name:
    John Borchelt
    Colin,

    Feel free to give us a call and I can talk you through how to install our kit. The kit requires no modification to your original parts. We just shipped a kit off to another customer in Ontario last week.

    When I looked at doing my rears, the struts were burried in the trunk and I had to undo a number of rivits. Not an easy job. There is a 2" spacer you can pull out though but you'll need to cut more threads into the studs.

    John
     
  6. barcheta

    barcheta F1 Rookie

    Nov 15, 2003
    3,738
    Maryland
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    Jim
    Or you can go buy spacers for the bolts and accomplish the same thing
     
  7. david

    david Formula Junior

    Feb 21, 2001
    809
    Northwest
    Full Name:
    david
    I haven't looked, but could you take the 2" spacer that you removed and use it as the bolt spacer? Just a thought...
     
  8. desire308

    desire308 Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2007
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    Peter W
    #8 desire308, Oct 7, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. david

    david Formula Junior

    Feb 21, 2001
    809
    Northwest
    Full Name:
    david
    It's never easy, is it?
     
  10. desire308

    desire308 Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2007
    1,433
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Peter W
    Nope...but it keeps life interesting! I'm thinking a carbed 308 as my next project ;) See my on my old GTSi just for a look at what's up.
     

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