Just curious...Dino item

Somewhere in the back of my mind there's a bit about the synchronized pattern sweeping more glass area and was required by the US DOT. But I may be wrong.
But it is true that that pattern sweeps the (left) driver's glass more than the opposing type, which sweeps the center more.

My guess is that someone just decided to make the openings look nicer--the early rectangular cutouts are just that, while the later round ones are sculpted.

Jim

 

from the dino register:

S/N ??(About Formed circular brake air scoops on front underpanel

03500) replaced the simple holes on earlier cars.

my 72 coupe (03930) has the non-round holes, but rather the cut-outs.




S/N ??(About Wiper operating system changed on left hand drive

04250) versions. Early cars-both wipers parked to center.

Later cars-wipers both parked to right side.

Exact change point varied depending on USA or European

versions and also in coupes and spyders. USA spyders

changed about 04248, but some USA coupes still used

the early system as late as 05100.

Right hand drive cars retained early system throughout

the entire production range.

my 72 spyder (04274) has the center clapping wipers

 

clearly, the dino register isn't perfect, but it does provide a guide. i would be interested if any other dino owners could help us track down the differences more specifically.

 

My USA version 246GT S/N:04256 has circular air scoops and both wipers parked at right.

 

interesting. it is amazing how the series changes. this is the reason the dino register isn't 100%accurate, but also why they don't pretend to be so. i have to beleive the spyders were already in the works and just not revealed until they wanted.

after seeing the 360 stradle's being warehoused for so long, i knew that ferrari would build and store cars before releasing them. even if that meant "prebuilding them by assigning chassis numbers". i think this is the greatest reason for the conclusion. i wonder if there is a better way to tell build date? maybe engine stamping? anyone.......?

 

Need4Speed and Dino 246,

How long are your wiper blades? I assume they are the slip-on type (with the raised dot)? Mine (on s/n 4866) are 18" long and overlap the glass. I think 16" will be all right, but cannot source these. None of the usual suppliers (including Italian Car Parts) seem to have the correct blades.

 

My European production coupe, serial # 04092, has circular air scoops and
the early style center-return wipers.

 

My U.S. 1972 246GT (SN: 03000) has wipers that park to center and square inlets for air flow.

 

I've been pursuing the same issue for a while. According to Greg R. at Grand Prix Motors (former parts/shop manager, now salesperson), (oops - now Ferrari of Seattle), the longer blades that overlap the glass were required to meet DOT "swept area" requirements in the 70s (although Ferrari got around it with a few cars). He has suggested a substitute blade that I will try and then let others know if it works.

Mark

 

Thanks, Marc (DinoGTS),

That would be helpful. The slip-on wiper blades seem unique to the "right-park" wipers. ItalianCarParts sent me 16" blades, but they have the hooked ends, which I assume fit the center-park wipers.

Andy