Aluminium Instrument panel on a 328 ? | FerrariChat
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Aluminium Instrument panel on a 328 ?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Franco63, Jun 24, 2009.

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  1. Franco63

    Franco63 Guest

    #1 Franco63, Jun 24, 2009
    Now that I've taken the plunge and deviated from OEM spec on my car by fitting 18" wheels and painting the targa, I'm now considering changing the steering wheel and dash panel to the early 308 style ....ie. brushed aluminium dash panel and steering wheel spokes.

    The 328's all black colour scheme is too bland for me ........ reminds me of Porsches I've owned in the past and I've always admired the earlier 308's aluminium trim

    Sourcing the steering wheel is no problem but the dash panel would need to be fabricated from scratch to accomodate the different instrument layout of the 328. I've managed to buy a sheet of brushed aluminium which looks perfect for the job so I may as well give it a go.

    Has anyone else gone down this route ?

    Cheers
    Franco
     
  2. rolindsay

    rolindsay Formula 3

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    #2 rolindsay, Jun 24, 2009
    Taste and preferences are so personal. The only thing that I don't like about my carbed 308GTB is the aluminum bits. They remind me of a Mustang. Still, they are 'correct' and will stay that way. -rick
     
  3. AHudson

    AHudson F1 Rookie
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    #3 AHudson, Jun 24, 2009
    Though some will consider this heresy, I say if you like it go for it. I imagine it WILL look good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this'll be easily reversible for the next owner who may not share your taste.

    To answer your question, I've not seen it done, but my 993tt had the aluminum trim option and it REALLY stepped up the looks of that bland - as you describe - Porsche interior.
     
  4. icecar-1

    icecar-1 Formula Junior

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    #4 icecar-1, Jun 24, 2009
    The change is nothing that can't be returned to stock later on if the next owner wishes. I agree it's a little bland in the gage portion of the dash so I had my own 328 panel done in carbon fiber. It was easier than trimming out the gage bezels in an aluminum finish. Enjoy the change...
     
  5. Franco63

    Franco63 Guest

    #5 Franco63, Jun 24, 2009
    My teenage son has already claimed his inheritance of my 328 when he becomes "of age" so returning it to stock will be his problem ! Be a long while before he'll get his hands on it though as I'm enjoying driving it too much to let it go without a fight !!

    I should be able to beg/steal/borrow a set of hole cutters from somewhere so don't envisage too much difficulty profiling the panel. I seem to remember seeing a picture of a stripped out 328 panel somewhere on this forum which showed 4 mounting brackets attached to the back of it ........ might need to tig weld or bond them on to the new panel.

    Will post pics when I'm done.
     
  6. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 jimpo1, Jun 24, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2009
  7. Nurburgringer

    Nurburgringer F1 World Champ

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    #7 Nurburgringer, Jun 24, 2009
    sounds like a cool project.

    I'm with you on the steering wheel. I've always liked the Momo Monte-Carlo (had one in a CRX, and would take it over 99% of other stock wheels), but in the 308 I perfer an earlier style with silver spokes so at some point I'll probably switch it out.

    cheers
    Kurt
     
  8. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
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    #8 dave80gtsi, Jun 24, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    My 308 came with the Darth Vader black interior / wheel combo, too.

    It always bugged me, so I went to an early 308 dash panel and matching Nardi silver spoke wheel (Nardi black was OEM for mine).

    Before and After pictures follow.

    While you are at it, swap out the old Veglia (a.k.a. "Vague Liar") gauges with proper VDO's.

    Do a search on "VDO", as I have posted the play-by-play of this gauge swap here in the past.

    Cheers - DM
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  9. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #9 GrigioGuy, Jun 25, 2009
  10. Franco63

    Franco63 Guest

    #10 Franco63, Jun 25, 2009
    Dave

    Seeing your before and after pictures confirms that this is definately the route that I want to go down. It really transforms the blandness of the facia and gives the interior a more 70's classic sportscar look.

    Tillman.... looks like those four studs are bonded or welded onto the back of the facia plate. Dont imagine they carry much load so I'll bond on some new ones using some industrial strength aluminium adhesive. You pictures are very helpfully ....thanks !
     
  11. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #11 GrigioGuy, Jun 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Seems like a lot of work to fabricate a new one. The black sands off easily enough, just get a spare 328 faceplate and use it.
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