Can Maint Really Be THAT Bad?

johnk... · Apr 22, 2014

Terry said: ↑

or like this
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I guess I need to get to work on the cross members.

Terry · Apr 22, 2014

How about some detail
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MalcQV · Apr 22, 2014

There is no better F355 I have ever seen than Terry's. I don't care a jot which dealer/specialist works on your car it won't be any better.
Terry is proof that DIY'ers do a damn good job.

fatbillybob · Apr 22, 2014

vrsurgeon said: ↑

I actually like PPIs. But, it depends who you hire and what you expect. When I bought mine, the general lookover and drive confirmed it condition as it arrived. Now that I have some experience with 360's, I know what to look for in the nooks and crannies to tell the condition of the car. When I get a 348 in the future... I'll like a PPI, but I might just look for myself as I know where to peep on the body for issues.
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I hear you. I have bought 6 Ferraris 1 maserati no ppi's and no surprises. I have helped others buy their first Ferrari and we are still friends! So must be OK. I expect a buyer to know what he is looking at. If I was a mechanic for a living I would not even do PPI's except for a very very small number of customers.

Steve Harkness · Apr 22, 2014

Challenge said: ↑

There is one often overlooked, but hugely important, variable that favors the prepared and patient competent home mechanic: time.

When I work on my 355, I usually have researched any issues for hours before stepping into the garage. I have no time limits. I am not concerned with book time. Racing against the clock is one way the pros make mistakes.

There is also the satisfaction of knowing I can handle most small issues and maintenance myself. I don't "hope" the work was done right; I know it was done right. I don't have to put my car on a truck or drive 2 hours each time something comes up. Saves time, money and mileage. Plus, I am inquisitive and like to learn.

And just because a maintenance item is routine, does not mean the "pros" are always better. I personally know of three shops (two independents and one authorized dealer) that each overfilled engine oil (a 355, a 360 and a 430). Overfilling the 430 cost the owner over $2k.
He went to the authorized Ferrari dealer.

Me...I don't care if an oil change takes me 5 hours. I end up inspecting every component with a flashlight like it's an airplane. I'll check for loose nuts and leaks. Or maybe I just find myself polishing the cats while I'm under there.

If you know your limitations, have the time, space, tools and the desire to do a superb job...a regular guy can perform maintenance on these cars with results as good--and in many cases far superior to--those jobs done by the pros.
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Well said we must be related ur nearly as anal as me!!

Steve Harkness · Apr 22, 2014

Steve355F1 said: ↑

That's fair enough Steve. My view is not meant as a personal attack on those people who choose to go down the self-maintained path. As I've said, I admire anyone who has the skills, patience, and dedication to do it PROPERLY.

I'm simply saying that as a buyer and someone with virtually no mechanical skills there is no way for me to know whether the owner was a genius or a hack. You, on the other hand (and several others on here) would probably be able to work it out and make the right call.

I liken it to the difference between an enthusiastic private pilot and a professional.
Of course there are some private pilots who are very skilled, stay up to date with all the latest information, and do their level best to be as good as they can be.
There are also some who are a danger to themselves and others.
But regardless, it's hard to see how even the best private pilot is going to operate at the same level as someone who flies day and night, year after year, for their living.

There are exceptions to every rule of course, but I'm more comfortable taking the odds that a professional mechanic who has worked on these cars for decades and gained a great reputation along the way is who I want to look after my car.

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That's a fair call! If you don't have the mechanical skills stay well away!

Steve Harkness · Apr 22, 2014

Terry said: ↑

and one from the top
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Outstanding work terry!! John u need to lift ur game hee hee

johnk... · Apr 23, 2014

Steve Harkness said: ↑

Outstanding work terry!! John u need to lift ur game hee hee
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Yep. Got to get to work on the under carage. Thinking of having it gold plated.

drbob101 · Apr 23, 2014

Terry what did you use to clean and polish the aluminum?

Terry · Apr 23, 2014

drbob101 said: ↑

Terry what did you use to clean and polish the aluminum?
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Bob I used these two products. The deoxidiser is slightly acidic so removes stubborn ground in stains. Quite easy to use via a stiff brush.

The Jet Laq did not seem to do much although it is stated to "protect and enhance metal surfaces" so I used it anyway.

I am based in the UK so purchased from here:

Glass and Metalwork - Race Glaze - More Than Polish
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