Maintenance. How hands on are F-chat owners?

If you want to know the percentages, you should make this a poll!

So far (2.5 years ownership of a 1984 308 GTS QV), I've done 100% of my own work, including a major service (timing belts, valve clearance adjustment, etc). I probably would not do an engine or transmission rebuild myself, though.

 

Depends on the model.

348 and older is fairly simple to work on (and a lot of things on the 355 as well) .

I am fairly hands on, have done everything myself so far. We did a major as well, but that was mostly my expert colleagues that did it.

 

old mechanic. 400ai or 365 gt4, easy.550 oh sh-t. need SD3. I just purchased one it will do my 2002 Maserati CC and some things on my 550. but at 77 I got too old. no strength in hands, arthritis. back has had the course. so I have been spending big dollars over the last three years trying to find an honest capable shop.($500,000) SO FAR ZERO. I tried using one shop for all my cars(38) they got sorry real fast. now I have five shops working on five cars. this is working much better. if you want to read about my latest nightmare see: 365 motor assy complete with transmission

 

I am a mechanic by trade, so I am VERY hands on.

In fact, the Brother and I are fixing the a/c in my 348 right now.

Burnt wiring, shorted coil on compressor clutch, but the front compressor seal is leaking anyway.

So a new compressor and receiver ordered today, will be here tomorrow and we will be Ferrari driving tomorrow afternoon.
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Hey, Pap, where was the burned fuse? Was it a replacement for the infamous "hidden fuse"? Doesn't look at all original.

Best of luck getting that A/C repaired! Where did you source the dryer? Gotta find the leak in mine one of these days...

As to the OP, 100% hands on here.

 

I've done oil change on both my Italia and Speciale my self but last time the brake pads on the Speciale needed to be changed, I let Ferrari do the job. But perhaps I can do it my self next time Shouldn't be much of a problem or?

 

Heya mate,

Nah, this fuse was not the 'hidden one', this was a fuse in the trunk compartment that fed power to the hidden fuse.

I have not seen this one before, but it looks like someone put a 2nd fuse in place before the hidden fuse. So this one blows, (in my case melted) before it blows the 'hidden fuse'.

I blew an a/c hose on the compressor many years ago. Circa around 2007. I sourced a new OEX RDX244 drier from a local Ashdowns store and paid $130 for it back then.

I went there today with the same part number off the drier and that number does not exist anymore. Luckily they had a parts book dating back to 2009 and they found it.

We then matched up the size of the male/female ends and cross referenced it with an RDX241.

The drier cost me $38 today and a brand new Sanden SD7H15 compressor to suit the 348/355 was AU$550.

I also put dye and fresh oil in my a/c system, so if something else leaks I will be able to find it a little easier.

If you need a drier or compressor let me know mate.
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I wish! Years ago, I would tinker, and my garage has all the tools, but unless topping up fluids and putting in gas count, 100% hands off. I'm terrified to mess the damn thing up!

 

No way. I am really good at my profession and have neither the desire nor the ego to think I can master someone else's. I pay the professionals to maintain my car.

 

Poll added.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I don't enjoy doing it, hence I won't when I've a Ferrari either. I would love to know how it's done, and perhaps I'd do it then, but I find other things more enjoyable in my spare time

 

Tackle most things,except the inside of the gear box.

 

FYI the only reason I didn't put "master" is because I don't have a lift in my garage.

 

who is a (ASE Certified) mechanic.

Between the 2 of us, we will tackle almost anything.

Sid

 

Way back in the day when I took auto shop classes I was willing to try most anything
Today with all this electronic crap and wiring, I can't even tell if the car has a 2 or 4 barrel carburetor ...... hell I can't even find the carb now

 

I have a good sized workshop that's coming together and will do everything myself. (95 F355)

So far mechanically have only fabricated a couple of parts.
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Yep!

Actually, I think I have an inkling for Step 1... that'll be "acquire Ferrari" in my case. Step 2 remains to be seen.

It's a fascinating idea for a thread. I hope the poll gets a good number of responses. I'm keen to see the demographics too.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I checked 'Jedi mechanic' but everything I know is from Frankensteining old fiat 850s together in high school.

Gotta say, I've had the car 5 yrs and the thing just doesn't break-that 308 engine is fantastic. It's never seen a mechanic since I've had it-and I'm def doing the next belt change

 

A 34 car garage. Show place. Do not, cannot work on them any more

 

Forgot
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Rust repair and transmission internals are not for me. Everything else is game.

However, I could fabricate but don't have the equipment for it.

These photos, "almost" inside.
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Here are the pictures of the inside of my gear box.
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I am between second and third options.
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