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white writing on 328 control arms

Discussion in '308/328' started by karabil, Oct 1, 2011.

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  1. karabil

    karabil Karting

    Feb 22, 2010
    114
    Australia
    #1 karabil, Oct 1, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Anyone know what these markings on a 328 mean? I have 2 1987 Uk 328 GTS with the same or similar letters on them. It is only on the top side of all upper control arms. Both cars have around 30,000 mile on them and there is no sign of suspension rebuilds. In a detail should I preserve or paint over??
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  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,822
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, Oct 1, 2011
    GB = British Version

    GD = the Italian abbreviation for "Vetture Guida destra" = R.H.D. Version

    M9 = ?
     
  3. furmano

    furmano Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 22, 2004
    32,215
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Furman
    #3 furmano, Oct 1, 2011
    For the record I have "MB USA" on my US 1987 328 GTB.

    -F
     
  4. alberto

    alberto Formula 3

    Aug 25, 2001
    2,404
    San Diego
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    Alberto
    #4 alberto, Oct 1, 2011
    Excellent feedback.
     
  5. Peter

    Peter F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 21, 2000
    6,440
    B.C., Canada
    #5 Peter, Oct 1, 2011
    Preserve.
     
  6. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
    4,334
    Sydney
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    maurice T
    #6 maurice70, Oct 2, 2011
    I have an 87' as well and have the exact same markings.
     
  7. karabil

    karabil Karting

    Feb 22, 2010
    114
    Australia
    #7 karabil, Oct 2, 2011
    Thank you. What great feed back. I will definatly preserve by cleaning and ckear coating. Thank you. As a matter of interest what % of cars do you think still retain these markings?? and what was the difference between a RHD and LHD control arem???
     
  8. karabil

    karabil Karting

    Feb 22, 2010
    114
    Australia
    #8 karabil, Oct 2, 2011
    Thanks Maurice Is your car Aussie delivered or UK delivered ??
     
  9. andyww

    andyww F1 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2011
    2,775
    London
    #9 andyww, Oct 2, 2011
    There is usually similar graffiti on the doors under the trim panels. Cant find a pic at the moment....
     
  10. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,822
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #10 Steve Magnusson, Oct 2, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2011
    I don't think that there is any difference in the A-arm itself, and, I don't know this for sure, but, more likely, the marking was placed on a larger, more complete, front suspension subassembly that also had the steering rack included -- so the need to mark GD (RHD) vs GS (LHD) -- and that's a convenient, highly-visible, place when you've got a bunch of them stacked in a warehouse or sitting on a rail car and you're trying to keep track of inventory or an order.

    What would be different between RHD versions to require the specific marking for GB versus some other market, I don't know, but it is an era where some places had banned asbestos-containing brake pads and some places had not yet banned them -- just a thought...

    You can always "recreate" them, too, after refinishing, if you want/desire -- no one is going to recognize the handwriting ;)
     
  11. karabil

    karabil Karting

    Feb 22, 2010
    114
    Australia
    #11 karabil, Oct 2, 2011
    Thanks Steve---It is interesting that the rears also have the same markings so maybe it is not directly related to the front end/steering rack etc. I will check my concours 1988 GTB as to date we only have 1987's with these marking.
     
  12. doug328

    doug328 Formula 3

    Mar 11, 2004
    1,599
    The Space Coast, FL
    Full Name:
    Doug B
    #12 doug328, Oct 2, 2011
    Yes preserve. On my right rear lower A-arm there is a dot of yellow paint. I quess from when it was assembled and somone was painting the upper bushing bolts after tightening them and a drop of paint fell onto the lower A-arm. Something individual about the car that I will keep.
     
  13. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
    4,334
    Sydney
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    maurice T
    #13 maurice70, Oct 4, 2011
    Mine is a UK delivered car.
     
  14. karabil

    karabil Karting

    Feb 22, 2010
    114
    Australia
    #14 karabil, Oct 4, 2011
    Thanks Maurice, As a matter of interest how many miles on on your car and do you have the M9 printed on the control arms. I am trying to get an idea if this writing is indicitive of the mileage/overall condition of the car.
     
  15. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
    4,334
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    maurice T
    #15 maurice70, Oct 4, 2011
    My car had 17000miles on it when l bought it 3 years ago.l will have a look at the arms again as lm. it sure if it had M9 painted on it but l do remember seeing the GB writing on it.At first l thought it had been in an accident and the a arm was replaced with a used spare from a wrecking yard.I will check later on this afternoon..
     

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