Leather on top of center AC vent is rippling | FerrariChat
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Leather on top of center AC vent is rippling

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Nautilus1, Jan 24, 2013.

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  1. Nautilus1

    Nautilus1 Karting

    Apr 24, 2011
    224
    NYC
    #1 Nautilus1, Jan 24, 2013
    I noticed in early Sept that the leather on top of the center AC vents was rippling. Its as if moisture got into the leather from running the AC and warped teh leather. This is not happening on the side vents but only on the center vents. It started on the right side vent and it is now starting slowly on teh driver center vent as well. I spoke to my dealer about replacing the leather on these vents and teh answer has been somewhat disturbing. First, Ferrari did not want to honor the warranty. Second, my dealer said they would honor teh warranty and reapir it BUT that it was a 15 hour job that would require teh entire dismantling of the dashboard to get to it. The dealer said that they would be worried about squeaking or rattling, or something worse after the took teh dash apart and put it back together again. My warranty is up a year from now but they said tehy would write a letter stating that i pointed out the defect while teh warranty was in effect. I am inclined to just leave it alone because teh dealer scared me as to what could happen in teh wake of removing the dash. In addition, they told me they have a spot for an early build for a new car if i wanted. Any advice here would be appreciated. Thanks.....
     
  2. Davidcbrown

    Davidcbrown Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2011
    278
    #2 Davidcbrown, Jan 24, 2013
    I think that answer is crap from the dealer. They should be able to take it apart and put it back without issue. If not why go to them?

    I would ask them for compensation then because it might have a potential impact on the value of the car in the future.

    I would do it, dont take it back unless its perfect... if they push back on you call ferrari corporate and tell them.. they will handle it. lastly, call around some dealers in the country and ask them. You could get one your comfortable with and ship the car. Cost you some money but it ll be done right...
     
  3. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    #3 PhilNotHill, Jan 24, 2013
    What are the lemon laws like in NY?
     
  4. hotbmwm3

    hotbmwm3 Formula Junior

    Jan 11, 2006
    554
    Melbourne and London
    Full Name:
    Owner -09 California
    #4 hotbmwm3, Jan 24, 2013
    I get a similar attitude from my dealer, it should be fixed without questions

    It's not like the dealer pays, it's Ferrari NA or Italy that pays
     
  5. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,679
    virginia usa
    #5 LARRYH, Jan 24, 2013
    I do not think there is any reason they could not fix it back to perfect .. If you do not like what your dealer says and have a little time drive by another dealer if it is not to far just for a second opinion. There are plenty of places around that can take a dash apart and put it back together with no problem . It will come up when you try to sell the car .. of course another thought is to wait a little longer and see if the other vents end up with the same problem>??
     
  6. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,186
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #6 tazandjan, Jan 25, 2013
    Most Maranello dashes are removed to replace the dash leather at one point in their lives. I know mine was. Time consuming to R&R, but not that difficult and their tech data tells them exactly how to do it, just like my workshop manual tells how to on my car. Good chance all that is required is regluing, so you will have a perfect color match.

    Get it done while under warranty because the old "it was reported under warranty" promise will hold water like a fork.
     
  7. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,201
    Vegas baby
    #7 TheMayor, Jan 25, 2013
    I'd fix it. It's only going to get worse.
     
  8. mjc_123

    mjc_123 Formula Junior

    Oct 16, 2010
    512
    NYC - Long Island
    #8 mjc_123, Jan 25, 2013
    can you post a photo so we can see what you mean? I also notice minor surface irregularities on my dash leather but always thought just related to variations in the hide. also, who is your dealer in NY?
     
  9. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    5,894
    #9 MalibuGuy, Jan 26, 2013
    If your car is under warranty, then I would press them to fix it on their dime.

    Do you use a sun sheild protector? I park outside a lot and never had a problem with my 360 (7years) or Cali (3 yrs). Search one of the threads. My sun protector is a folding single piece silver fabric. Fantastic product and inexpensive.
     
  10. Nautilus1

    Nautilus1 Karting

    Apr 24, 2011
    224
    NYC
    #10 Nautilus1, Jan 26, 2013
    Do you guys think that by taking apart the dash that it could create a major problem with the systems or that it would rattle and squeak afterwards. The dealer said that in their experience there is a risk tht the car is never the same after such a repair is undertaken. That's my fear. A small cosmetic problem them becomes a real issue with the car. Thanks again or all your thoughts.
     
  11. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
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    Jun 3, 2011
    9,679
    virginia usa
    #11 LARRYH, Jan 26, 2013
    . I know my 550 dash was recovered and many of the older cars are recovered with no problems. Do you have another ferrari dealer reasonable close to you. this is pretty routine stuff do not really understand the issue they have. get them or some other dealer to fix it while it is under warranty. Just out of curiosity what dealer is it.
    Larry
     
  12. cheesey

    cheesey Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2011
    1,921
    #12 cheesey, Jan 28, 2013
    have it repaired under warranty... the bigger question is why is it that happening ? Could there be an air leak where the cold A/C air is causing condensation that eventaully gets to the leather... a mis fit with the air ducts or a lack of insulation allowing for condensation to form
     
  13. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Feb 11, 2008
    106,201
    Vegas baby
    #13 TheMayor, Jan 28, 2013
    I'll be honest with you... this is a silly question.

    The part failed and needs to be replaced. If the dealer put its it back in and it rattles, is that your problem or their problem?

    Their problem.
     

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