In the event of needing a tow? 456 1995

Purchasing 1995 456 tomorrow. Will soon be the proud owner of a Rossa Monza/ Beige 456GT. I will be driving it from OC to the central coast of CA midweek.Truly looking forward to the drive through LA. I realize that there is no spare w this model. I have reviewed previous threads. I have 2 questions.

In the remote possibility that I need a tow (I hope not post PPI), is the tow hook an essential item to carry. The car I am purchasing does not have a tool kit with it. Can it be raised onto a flat bed without it?

Secondly, there is no tire inflator w the car. Previous threads have suggested that certain based inflators could damage the internal tire. I assume this is based on the chemical content of the fix a flat chemical. Is there a specific brand or formulation you all recommend. Is it advisable to carry a 12v compressor in addition.

Thanks

AK

 

Two rules that you should try not to break:

1. Don't get a flat.
2. Don't break down.

If you happen to break one of these rules, you will need a tow hook for the flatbed to winch you up, which is no small task on these cars that sit very low to the ground. In addition to specifying a flatbed, you will want them to use nylon bridles over your four tires. You do not want them attaching chains to your suspension parts. When I had my 550 transported, it took the operator 30 minutes to move my car on and off. Because I carry no spare and cannot fit the flat anywhere in my car anyway, I carry several off the shelf fixit parts and two slime inflation cans. Who cares if your wheel is messy when the tire store goes to fix it? Your goal is to get home or to the tire store. We are talking survival. Yes, carry a 12v air compressor.

 

A tow hook is important but you can get away without it.

Just buy one. Dealers usually have them and so does Ricambi.

I am unaware if any of the fix a flat type products are any better than any other.

Go to a car parts store and see what they have and read the cans.

A drive up H1 should be fun. Weekdays are always better too.

 

Rifleman: I will certainly buy one but explain how one can get away without it. I am picking car up in 1-2 days and will not get it in time. Driving only 160 mi in LA but want to be ready in the event of any problems. Should not breakdown since PPI was stellar and wo any problems.

Thanks for the referrals to Michael in Ferrari Service in Costa Mesa. He was great to work with and very reasonable. Compression and leak down were perfect. No other issues were identified.

Probably should just pick up the car and enjoy the ride home!

Thanks

AK

 

Congrats. I looked at that car exactly a year ago. It was pristine. Very good purchase.
I regret not buying it. I am very happy with my 550, but I could really use a back seat to share the Ferrari experience with my 3 little kids.

I will never forget going to the seller's house. He let me park in his driveway and walk down to Trestles to surf. Did he tell you of his predicament? PM me for details if he did not.

Scott

 

Tow hook is a non issue now. Mechanic today verified that the tool kit and hook are in the trunk! Thanks for ALL THE SUPPORT in this 1st Ferrari purchase!

AK

 

On 456 there is no fragile bodywork down low and there are strong enough structures that are accessible to attach to in a conventional manner. Prior to the Testarossa none of the cars had tow hooks and they were towed daily all over the world. Surely not everyone has forgotten how to do that.

 

I once spent several hours on the side of the road because no one would take on the liability of a Ferrari on a flatbed because they only had the usual chains and hooks. AAA literally told me that I was SOL. Though it is possible to tow these cars that way, it may be impossible to find someone to actually do it. The correct equipment is four nylon bridles over the tires.

 

For tying it down you are correct but the nylong straps over the tires are of little use getting the car aboard.


I agree, a tow hook is best and I strongly suggesest everyone have one. I even provided 2 sources but it is done often without when none are available.

If not there would be many Ferrari's stranded by the side of the road even as we speak.