Need advice on buying a 1989 328 GTS in long term storage

As I said on FB, I'm with JohnK, disconnect the fuel pump, oil the cylinders, turn it over a while and then compression test. If the engine internals are good and you can do the belts, hoses, brakes, flush tanks etc. yourself it is a good buy at 50k or less. With the VIN out there now, move quickly

 

Even turning the engine by hand, I would first take off the timing belt covers to keep an eye on the belts.

 

Lots of great advice here. I only have one question. With all of the existing well sorted and documented 328's in existence, with all of the variables that have been identified throughout this thread, why would you take a chance on this car? Do you think that you will get a good deal from the current owner? If that is the motivator, in my experience with basically getting three Ferrari's back on the road, this will be a more expensive proposition for you.

 

“It has been in non temp. controlled storage in a steel farm shed”

Knowing this - I’d run, unless he’s basically giving it away. There are lots of things that just corrode on these cars even in the best controlled environments (leather breaks down, seat foam, carpet fibers, gaskets, radiator lines, interior material liner, I could go on and on). Who needs it. There are many good 328’s out there with similar miles and little to no headaches. It’s a 328, not a 275. It isn’t worth it. Make great memories for yourself not a nightmare.

 

In defense of the OP, there can be great satisfaction in resurrecting the dead. It just depends on what parts of the car hobby you enjoy.

... I always find the hotrod characters interesting; they spend $100k and years building a hotrod, get it finished, immediately lose interest and sell it. Not rational, but they are having fun.

 

But that dead needs to come pretty cheap on the front end of the project.

 

Yes please

 

With this info, you will be just fine! Lots of prudent advice here but also a lot of fear mongering which many owners and wanabees like to propagate to justify what they have had to pay in the past. These cars are not made of sugar and ferry dust and the same basic principles you have used pulling any other car out of long term sleep will apply with a few other little considerations. Congrats on a great find.

 

I think this car will need quite a bit of work, time and money to bring it back to a happy place. But it's always nice to see someone do a Ferrari restoration.

And given you've done restoration many times in the past, I expect the "headache/shock" factor will be less than someone else buying it as their first project.

So, best of luck. Be sure to post your pics and progress.

 

All looks correct. Just missing the spark plugs. Take a look at my post #69 in this thread:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/328-concours-prep-questions.396751/page-3

 

Looks like the cosmetics are done.

I hope the mechanics have no surprises.

You have a nice looking 328. I think you did pretty well. Keep us updated!

 

The original warranty book could be signifiant ( and window sticker ). Other books and pouch could be take up easily.

Congrats for your purchase

 

Did he tell you why he parked it? Now that you've paid he may share more

 

Congrats on your purchase. The roll and bag looks complete.

 

Love the office!...especially that red paper weight- until it starts rolling. Congrats!

 

If you can, obtain VIP C 9 fuel for a little better performance and it doesn't have the ethanol found in current fuel.