I've done it. Dave's a genius. If you can tell him the problems you're having, he can isolate those issues to be sure they are resolved. Regards, Brian
I went with GT Auto parts in Phoenix AZ and am satisfied lost alot of the electrical gremlins 82 Mondial 8 It was about a grand.
Actually, the price is based on the need. Some may only require the upgrade while others a board replacement plus upgrade. BTW, Dave's upgrade eliminates the inherent problems with these fuseboxes. My 3.2 had it's board replaced a few years ago using another OEM board, which ultimately failed again. That's when I sent it off to Dave for the final repair.
Dave's overhaul ran $1300 and change for the T. I think it is a hair more for the 3.2. Call him (email) and ask.
For my 3.2 using my box it was about $1,100. If your box is too far gone then i believe he gets one from GT and puts his upgrades in, which raises the cost.
To rebuild or not to rebuild, that is the question! So I got a quote from Scuderia Rampante Innovations Inc. for a fuse box rebuild as $1336.20 plus shipping and insurance. Here’s the thing. After talking to both long time mechanics (whoI trust) – botg suggested it was just a waste of time/money. They both were pretty adamant in the “if it isn’t broke” don’t fix it camp. On the flipside, I’ve been reading nothing but great things about the upgrade from actual users in terms it seem to be the closest to a “cure all” that I can see for many common electrical demons. So here I am, pretty much just as confused as ever. Of course the question that comes up is – what electrical issues am I have specifically? Well the electrical gremlins I’m facing now are: 1) Headlights spontaneously open/close 2) The headlamps stay on…regardless if what position I have on the headline stalk, but if I take out the relay for the side marker lights – they work. 3) Slow windows 4) Radio doesn’t work 5) Engine/Bonnet/Hood/Fuel buttons work intermittently I figured the fuse box might resolve these issues – Have I fallen prey to marketing/advertising snake oil – or should I pull the trigger. Thoughts?
one more thing - a quick fix I'm been reading is clean the box - apply a 'stabilizer' on the contacts...maybe I should do that first....
Do your "long time mechanics" have "long-term experience" on multiple Mondials? Or the TR for that matter? Same problem on both...
Hi Wade, Thanks for your question - yup - both have been in Ferrari business for a combined 40 years - in fact one is a "resident" expert here - and highly praised...but I *he* will remain un-named... Cheers
Not snake oil. Everything is brighter, better, faster. As I've said before our lights used to roll up, now they pop. Even the engine seems to run better. You can disconnect your fuse box from the car in about 30 minutes. Do this, inspect all connectors, and take the back off of the box to expose the multi-layered circuit board. Then decide if it ain't broke. There is too much current flowing through the OEM box. Dave off loads the high draw items and adds another heavy gage feeder. I'm sure more is involved as well. Stabilator ain't gonna help much. Some have come up with their own solutions that probably work well. However, Thomas Edison said something like he found 1000 ways not to make a light bulb before one was reliable. I wanted a known solution so that I didn't chase gremlins until my hair fell out. The price is high, however for me it was worth it. Dave
Actually I have close to 40 years by myself so the other guy must not have much experience. If you are going to quote me you should at least try and be accurate. I never said your fuse box doesn't need repair, how could I? I have never seen it. I also strongly suggest you find someone to fix it and take their advice. If it is bad advice it is the wrong guy.
Paul, that's all well & good. But (IMHO) when dealing with a particular type of issue, and one technician's approach to solving the issue, is met with across the board approval (and no negatives), I believe that should remove 99% of "your" fear of drowning in snake oil. Best & cheers, Hank
If my car were doing those things I'd think 1,300 bucks was cheap if it had a 30% chance of fixing 50% of the issues.
I also have the Dave Helms fuse box. Just had installed the past month to fix my hot starting problems. The upgrade is designed to remove load off the current fuse box by adding a separate fuse box for radiator fans, starter, fuel pump, and a/c. This resolved the poor plastic connector that gets burned due to bad connection. Put me on the side of the road on way back from PA. Make sure your relays are in the correct location of your fuse box. I had headlight problems due to wrong relay part # being in wrong slot. I made a fuse box chart for QV model showing correct relay/part number for each fuse box slot. There are several relay part numbers, and each goes into a specific slot. The Ferrari manuals and workshop manuals were NOT CORRECT at least for my QV. Below is the link to my thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/428847-mondial-bosch-relay-chart.html I don't think the fuse box alone will solve all of these problems. Your windows are slow due to the grease getting hard over time. I still have problems with my fuel and fog light switches- probably due to poor connections. I also replaced the front bonnet switch some time ago. Though I recommend replacing the fuse box especially if you have starting issues, don't be disappointed if you have many of the same problems. I would check your white connector on your fuse box and see if there are any burn marks to show connection failure. There are multiple threads on this topic.
The Illustrious Brian Crall speaks! Hey Brian, regretful I didn't understand you in our call never my intention to misquote you, or quote you directly at all for that matter (hence I kept my source anonymous) It is exactly of your 20 (correction 40) years of experience that I respect your take on things so much. I look forward to meeting you in person in February if for anything else to not put my foot in mouth again. Thanks for for .02
Huge thanks my brothers - I have not heard a single complaint thus far about the experience - just wanted to thank everyone for their time in responding....
Slow windows are a common malady. Plenty of threads on that in this forum as well as the 308/328 forums Radio may just be disconnected A good cleaning will sometimes remedy the intermittent bonnet/engine lid/fuel cap issue Your headlights are more serious. As ssrealty suggested, start with the basics...check your relays and go from there.
Okay - you all have me convinced - if for anything else - as "preventive" maintenance. - I'm assuming I just pull out the box and send that whole thing in...sounds pretty straight forward - anything I should be aware or careful about? (you know where they say the devil lives....)
