430 Miura originality/preservation/restoration details thread.

Because the general Miura thread is so voluminous, and contains information on all aspects and areas of the model, sometimes it's hard to use the thread as a resource if you are looking for originality/preservation/restoration information or details on a specific part or assembly. I decided to start this thread so that members can post photos of their restorations in progress, detail shots of original cars for reference points, questions and comments regarding original details, assistance and recommendations regarding restorations/preservation, posts regarding preservation or restoration techniques, sourcing of original parts, creation of new parts, and beneficial upgrades to cars such as installation of valve seals. I think it will serve as a great benefit to the community and cars in general. Welcome!

For the first post, here are some shots of P400 3378, currently undergoing restoration at Cairati in Milan, showing the front bonnet. Here, the metal work has generally been completed, some accessories fitted, and it is ready for final fine finishing before paint work. Later, I will be posting a full set of photos of what's known as the "body in white" which is the car, all in metal, assembled and ready for final inspection before paint work begins.

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3378's air cleaners have been painted and are ready for assembly. The inside of these fixtures, as well as the entire bases and the underside of the covers, should be painted this oxide-reddish color. Not very shiny but not matte either. I wonder why it is that they painted these as such? Perhaps because of heat issues? Not sure, but I do know they used the same type of paint inside of some vintage Ferrari engines.

I will post the covers when they are done. They are painted an off-white and the markings are not decals/stickers, they should be screen printed on.

 

Here is a short video showing what I believe is an important detail in the progress of 3378's engine build. In my opinion, the V12 engine is the heart and soul of the Miura. If it does not run well, the quality of the metalwork and paint do not matter, because first and foremost, this is a performance car that is built to be driven! One of the things that caused me to choose Cairati for my restoration was their many decades of experience and depth of knowledge with V-12 building, tuning, and racing, as well as the quality and precision of their engine work and attention to detail, some of which are trade secrets. Good machine and assembly work insures proper alignment, balance, and tolerances; reduced friction and heat; less wear; quicker throttle response; and increased horsepower. These are things you will never be able to see once the car is finished, but can immediately tell if the car is driven and compared with one whose engine is of lesser build quality. See how freely the assembled crank turns? Can't wait to drive this one. Enjoy!

 

Original aluminum P400 air cleaner cover screws. Later cars had the black plastic Fiamm screws.
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New old stock P400S/SV air vents! Injection molded plastic with plastic chrome accent on ring and foam/felt seals. Not painted.
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Enjoy the process...
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Yeah they are hard to find in good shape. I am a buyer if you want to send me a DM. Hope you are well...see you in Monterey -Vince

 

Metalwork continues on 3378 at Cairati..
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P400 Miura engine rebuild complete and ready for proving! Two day process of breaking in and testing in the dyno room.

 

Of course you may! They began work in February, and it is scheduled to be completed in October. But, looks to me like November-December will be the completion after proving and fine tuning. Still under a year so I am very pleased.

 

Here is a good photo of what appears to be an unrestored 1966 350GT, which will be going across the auction block at RM Sotheby's in Monterey this year. As you can see from the wear marks on the air cleaner covers, which do not appear to have been restored, they were apparently first painted red oxide red, and then masked with the just the top side painted white. Then, the air filter nomenclature, which has been worn off of these covers, would have been screen printed on the top. As for the bases, it appears that they were also first painted red, then masked and just the exterior painted black.

From my research, it appears that this is how the air cleaners were painted for early Miuras as well. It seems that sometime during Miura production, probably after 1st series S, the factory started painting the entire bases black and the entire tops white. My theory is that this change was probably done for cost savings and production speed.

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Agreed! Thus the reason why it was not glossy as well.

 

Well, the August holiday in Italy is finally over for most, and we all know what that means...more updates to the restoration thread!
The metalwork is complete on the chassis and bonnets, and it's finally paint time. The first step is sanding the bonnets to remove any deep marks left by the shrinking hammer or files.
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Next, the bonnets are completely washed in a special light acid solution to remove any trace of oil or oxidation, which promotes proper adhesion of base material to all surfaces and prevents electrolysis. They are then neutralized and allowed to dry in the sun.
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Washing in this manner insures every area of the bonnets are properly cleaned before priming.
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Once dry, the bonnets are immediately moved to the spray booth for a first coat of etching primer.
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