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Help with Crack

Discussion in '308/328' started by Sledge4.2, Mar 12, 2008.

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  1. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

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    #1 Sledge4.2, Mar 12, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I have had my 79 308 for about 8 months, when i bought it the paint was fairly fresh (a few years old). I recently took it in to an independent ferrari shop (one old guy) to have QA1's installed. i went to check on the car today, and noticed that there was a hairline (but very noticeable) crack indicated in the attached pic, on both sides of the car. I pointed it out, and the mechanic said that is a very common problem on the 308's. it wasnt there when i bought the car in, now the paint is cracked on both sides.

    Is this normal? Without knowing anything, i would think that he didnt pick the car up correctly on the hoist. he's driven the car a few times, and the new suspension is no harsher than before, if anything its more compliant.
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  2. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    #2 Newman, Mar 12, 2008
    Without a better pic Ill assume the crack is the joint between the c-pillar and the quarter where they meet. From the factory this joint is supposed to be filled with a black eurathane sealant after the car is painted. So, all 308's would have a black flexible seam, sounds like it was possibly painted over which would be why its cracked.
     
  3. Sledge4.2

    Sledge4.2 F1 Rookie

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    #3 Sledge4.2, Mar 12, 2008
    that is exactly where the crack is and there is no sealant, so it was either painted over or removed. Thanks alot.
     
  4. Spitfire

    Spitfire Formula 3

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    #4 Spitfire, Mar 12, 2008
    Yep, you're absolutely 100% correct Newman. Mine is the same! Will be restored one of these days when I put my car back to its original colour.
     
  5. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

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    #5 Steve King, Mar 12, 2008
    If someone has a picture of the OEM finish in this area can they please post it. I have never seen this and I have even looked (I thought) at a few cars with original paint jobs and have not seen a black strip here. Thanks
     
  6. chairpilot

    chairpilot Formula 3

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    #6 chairpilot, Mar 12, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Yep. You are correct. That's a visible body joint that appears was not filled (to hide it) at the factory. Mine originally had it (and black) when I purchased the car from a PO but it was tired looking and chipped. so I cleaned it up and redid it last year. More than a few F owners have confirmed this feature on 308's too. Not sure if every year had this though.
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  7. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

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    #7 Steve King, Mar 13, 2008
    Great pix. Thanks. What did you use to fill the crack?
     
  8. b27

    b27 F1 World Champ

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    #8 b27, Mar 13, 2008
    Yes that was common with all 308's

    Obviosly sledges previous owner tried to cover up something he thought was wrong. I am sure a silastic is commonly used.
     
  9. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    #9 eulk328, Mar 13, 2008
     
  10. chairpilot

    chairpilot Formula 3

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    #10 chairpilot, Mar 13, 2008
    After a meticulous & careful cleaning with a toothpick and thinned out "Q" tip using Acetone, I masked off both sides of the crack with blue tape and then applied black GE silicone. Then I struck it off with my finger damp dipped in rubbing alcohol for a smooth finish and let it set up for about 10 min before pulling off the tape and letting it cure. Don't wait too long to pull the tape as the bead will look ragged and feathered if the caulk sets up (hard) over the tape and you pull it off later.
     
  11. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
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    #11 Newman, Mar 13, 2008
    Its the same stuff thats around the windshield trim as well, same purpose. Correct is a satin finish not gloss for those who care.
     
  12. UpNorth

    UpNorth Formula 3
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    #12 UpNorth, Mar 13, 2008
    Reading the title I thought you had a problem with drugs! LOL!
     
  13. finnerty

    finnerty F1 World Champ

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    #13 finnerty, Mar 14, 2008
    The original material used by Ferrari (Scaglietti) was a polyurethane compound --- more 'body' than silicone so it has some structural integrity to it. And, yeah the same stuff was used to caulk-in all the glass on the car as well.

    Body shops (at least the good ones) use various polyurethane caulks for sealing up seams and glass on all cars. Go into a good shop, and ask them where they get theirs.

    Nothing wrong with chairpilot's silicone solution, but it doesn't have the same OEM look ---- too glossy. The original stuff has a flat black / matte finish. I think you could duplicate the OEM spec very well if you wanted to spend a little time getting the right product.

    But, do put something in there, as that gap is a sanctuary for water to get trapped and one of the prime locations on the 308 body to generate rust.

    No offense Bob, but your car illustrates that point very well...
     

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