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550 with frame damage

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by Reuvenh, Sep 4, 2018.

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  1. Reuvenh

    Reuvenh Rookie

    Jun 26, 2016
    21
    #1 Reuvenh, Sep 4, 2018
    I'm looking at a 1997 550 which appears to have some frame damage. Specifically, there's a 6MM variation on the distance between the front rails. Based on the scrapes my guess is that a prior owner ran over a curb pretty hard.
    Aside from the obvious value implications, I'm keen to hear this group's feedback on the car. I believe the car tracks straight and drives well.
    It has about 37k miles and I'm assuming it will need a major service.
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  2. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,195
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #2 tazandjan, Sep 4, 2018
    Would not surprise me if it came from the factory with a 6 mm difference. That is less than 1/4"
     
    Jon Von Bon likes this.
  3. scowman

    scowman F1 Rookie

    Mar 25, 2014
    2,550
    Scottsdale AZ
    Full Name:
    Stu Boogie
    #3 scowman, Sep 4, 2018
    Looks like every well driven Ferrari I’ve ever crawled under. If you are worried you can do a 4 wheel alignment right? If it won’t go in spec then worry.
     
  4. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 10, 2003
    22,422
    Atlanta
    Full Name:
    Juan Sánchez Villa-L
    #4 henryr, Sep 4, 2018
    i was thinking exactly what terry posted. did Luigi car about 6mm ?

    and if it does have frame damage wouldnt that have thrown something else out of whack ?

    who inspected the car ? a dedicated F car specialist ? does it line up on the frame rack ?
     
  5. Reuvenh

    Reuvenh Rookie

    Jun 26, 2016
    21
    #5 Reuvenh, Sep 5, 2018
    Thanks for the responses. Your opinions and perspectives are invaluable.

    The inspection was done by a body shop that does work on exotics in general though not an F specialist. I spoke to the technician who measured and he was not overly concerned but he was just reporting his findings...

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  6. stardoc

    stardoc Formula Junior

    May 5, 2005
    669
    The big oven
    Full Name:
    K RA
    #6 stardoc, Sep 7, 2018
    I've owned Ferraris with 15mm of variation in original paint thickness. I wouldn't worry as much about the variation as I would with how well it has been maintained.
     
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  7. Reuvenh

    Reuvenh Rookie

    Jun 26, 2016
    21
    #7 Reuvenh, Sep 7, 2018
    Ok, so I'm past the frame. Here's the next step...

    PPI revealed:
    - Rear view mirror loose
    - Left rear caliper binding
    - Upper and lower control arm bushing left front soaked in ATF and failing
    - Power steering reservoir and hoses leaking
    - Parking brake not hooked up on right rear
    - ABS light on
    - Oil on timing cover
    - Bezel on dash broken not allowing switches to be used
     
  8. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,064
    socal
    #8 fatbillybob, Sep 7, 2018
    I have never measured either of my 550s' but these are not 308's from the 70's. The 550 is an assembly line car with robotic technology use in assembly. I would actually be surprised if the 550 chassis wasn't exact and built as good as a GM chassis at the time which are basically perfect. By this time 1197 all bodyshops have alignment jigs they put the cars on. Then the factory has about 100 points in 3d space with landmarks that are used as reference points for where things are supposed to be.
     

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