328 GTS water traps and new targa roof/spoiler | FerrariChat
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328 GTS water traps and new targa roof/spoiler

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by SCOPE, Nov 25, 2004.

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  1. SCOPE

    SCOPE Karting

    Sep 27, 2004
    120
    melbourne australia
    Full Name:
    tony
    #1 SCOPE, Nov 25, 2004
    not really a technical question, but has anyone worked out how to wash the 328 GTS without getting water into the side windows "drain trap" area and under the aluminium sills on the door bottom frame.

    i am very careful but find that,after each wash, i have to spend time using the chamois to dry the side window area where the water is supposed to drain away and water always collects under the aluminium sills on the door frame.

    both areas are potential rust areas.

    or:use silicone sealant to make waterproof?

    for interest,i needed additional head room with the standard targa roof in place.

    with the help of this site i found a company in the usa who could supply such items.

    so recently obtained and fitted a new carbon fibre roof and matching spoiler which roof shape has given me another 25 mm of clearance and improves the driving pleasure.

    the roof/spoiler came out of japan through maranello auto sales usa.

    tony
     
  2. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #2 Verell, Nov 26, 2004
    I had my sills off last year when I did some rust removal. Yup, there was a bit of rust there, started around the screw holes of course. Gave it the old wire brush, POR15 etch & coat treatment since it was out of sight. Some clear RTV will keep that area dry.

    Haven't had a problem with the window sills, but that is a common rust area.
     
  3. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 30, 2001
    24,879
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Jim E
    #3 jimpo1, Nov 26, 2004
    BobD had the best solution for avoiding water getting trapped. He never washed his car! :)
     
  4. Morrie

    Morrie Karting

    Nov 4, 2003
    207
    Sarasota/Asheville
    #4 Morrie, Nov 26, 2004
    Mine get wet when I wash it or drive it in the rain....which I do without any second thoughts. The car is meant to be driven.

    I'm thinking of rigging up high-pressure air to quickly blow the areas under the engine bonnet, cowl and around the doors dry.
     
  5. SCOPE

    SCOPE Karting

    Sep 27, 2004
    120
    melbourne australia
    Full Name:
    tony
    #5 SCOPE, Nov 29, 2004
    yes i have air at the car and did think about that, my concern was whether i would blast the water further into the crevases and add to the possible rust potential.
    but next time i wash i will give it a go.
    thanks for suggestion tony
     
  6. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
    Full Name:
    Zane
    #6 jaturon, Nov 29, 2004
    Mind leaks at the 4 joints and the water drips in if not careful when washing or when it rains.
    Any suggestions?
     
  7. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,036
    USA
    #7 f355spider, Nov 30, 2004
    Replace the foam on the targa top for starters..but you may need to replace ALL the rubber trim as well.
     
  8. SCOPE

    SCOPE Karting

    Sep 27, 2004
    120
    melbourne australia
    Full Name:
    tony
    #8 SCOPE, Nov 30, 2004
    if you look at the rear "toggle" clamps (and if they are like mine) you will see that there are several layers of packing to set the height.

    if the current toggle pressure is not too much during normal closing function,it may be possible to take out one or two layers of packing and increase the degree of clamp pressure which might improve the contact with the rubber seal.

    my packing height is about 3mm consisting of about four layers of packing material.

    another idea i have used is with the front two pins.

    if the fit into the holes is not too tight when first locating when fitting the roof,suggest use (what i call) heat shrink tubing over the pins which again will have the effect of improving the contact with the rubber seals.

    have fun tony
     
  9. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
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    Zane
    #9 jaturon, Nov 30, 2004
    Which foam are you refering to?
     
  10. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
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    Zane
    #10 jaturon, Nov 30, 2004
    I will have a look at the clamps and see.
    Thanks
     
  11. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,036
    USA
    #11 f355spider, Nov 30, 2004
    As I stated on my post...the foam on the targa top itself. This is on the left and right side...fits against the window glass...and is very important in preventing the leaks in each corner of the top of the windows.
     
  12. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
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    Zane
    #12 jaturon, Dec 2, 2004
    Know what you mean now and will try it out and see before starting to replace the rubber seals.
    Thanks
     
  13. jlmainusa

    jlmainusa Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    20
    Mendham, NJ USA
    Full Name:
    Jeremy Condie
    #13 jlmainusa, Dec 4, 2004
    I've noticed the water pooling in the side windows as well. I wash car, dry off and then drive to blow out other water. Usually works. I then wax.
     
  14. Gary Res

    Gary Res Formula Junior

    Apr 23, 2004
    573
    Long Island,New York
    Full Name:
    Gary
    #14 Gary Res, Dec 5, 2004
    Its a pain in the a**, but what I do after I wash the car is open the window vents and dry the best I can. Then take it out for about 5 minutes just to get the water out. I also apply much wax to that area. I also dry the sills very well. Another thing to remember is to never cover the car after you wash it.Wait a day or so, so there is no moisture under the cover which will surely speed up the rust in certain areas. I haven't done it, but I know a few guys that have put de-humidifiers in their garages. I may do it after the winter. Humidity is not a good thing when its in a closed in area. The problems with Ferraris is that there are so many curves and crevices for water to get trapped that you really have to open the trunk and hood and dry after every wash.
     
  15. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
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    Zane
    #15 jaturon, Dec 5, 2004
    When you say wax it do you mean applying wax on the roof rubber seals?
     
  16. Gary Res

    Gary Res Formula Junior

    Apr 23, 2004
    573
    Long Island,New York
    Full Name:
    Gary
    #16 Gary Res, Dec 6, 2004
    No. Not on the seals. I meant to say all around the side windows. I also wax the side windows. This way the water tends to bubble off as opposed to "laying flat" on the window. I do apply Maguires around the rubber and the rubber seals around the roof. Very small amount. Just enough to keep it looking new and rubbery. If you apply too much, then it tends to "run" onto the paint, when the car gets wet. I also use the Maguires on the bottom of the rocker panels (black matte finish). Makes it look new and since its on the bottom of the car, there is no need to worry when it "runs". My seals are 16 yrs old and they look as new as the seals on my new cars. I try not to drive it in the rain which helps slow down any rust because its all that dirty water that collects in the places you can't get to that rust.
     
  17. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
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    Zane
    #17 jaturon, Dec 6, 2004
    I don't drive in the rain also but sometimes it's unavoidable.
    I will try your method and see how it goes.
    Thanks
     

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