This thread will document, in pictures, the resurrection of a rolled 1985 400i. The car as purchased in October 2006: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Phase 1: Gutted, stripped, and decapitated. There's no turning back now... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
In all seriousness, now is a great time to measure for a convertible top. The 400 was born to be a open cruiser.
I'm gonna get tarred and feathered for saying this, but I actually kind of liked the wing. Don't worry though: I have a thing for original appearances, so it's going bye-bye.
Rightly so. The wing was appalling - I wonder was the car rolled when the owner was out testing the revised aerodynamics?! It probably caused lift rather than downforce.
A couple discoveries I've made so far: For those of you who keep track, this car, Chassis #55139, appears to have originally been a brownish-burgundy color. I've always thought this model, especially in black, had a very Mafioso appearance. Supporting this theory: a live 7.62X39 (AK-47) round was under the seat. The body pillars are joined at the roof line on the inside and at the belt line on the outside, and the seams are leaded. The intention is to separate the pillars by drilling out the spot welds and join the new top using the original seams. Might be useful for anyone facing the task of re-roofing a 400 or making one into a convertible. Incidentally, making a convertible out of it is plan "B" if the roof graft gets too tricky. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Preston, I posted a comment to you and it wound up in SimonC 400 Engine rebuild and transmission thread. Anyway it's post #10, about the sawsalls and hammers. Good Luck to you and I truly wish I could give you a hand with some of the hammering and fabrication. You are in for a great adventure! Ciao...Paolo
Great undertaking! But if you decide to turn your car into a convertible and your back glass is intact, would you be interested in selling it? I think this glass may fit my 1975 365gt4 2+2 that I've been long looking for. Let me know. and good luck. Rickard
Here's where the new roof is coming from. The glass has been removed since the picture was taken and it's almost been cut free. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Sorry, don't know the serial number. The only ID tag still attached to that body is the one on the driver's door frame - I don't think it gives any clue to the serial number but I'd be happy to find out what it says. Is there anywhere else the serial number is listed besides the engine bay and the steering column?
Knew I'd find my notes on a new back glass for you. The part number is 257-40-504-10 or 00 depending on what color you have. owners.ferrari.com wants $1,011 pounds for it (almost 2 grand)
I was able to have my back glass repaired, but that's still good to know. As I've been trying to come to terms with forking out $2,150 for a windshield, I've researched alternatives. There are a couple of companies that will custom fabricate a polycarbonate windshield, but I haven't found one to do it out of glass. I don't think I'd trust a plastic windshield, so I'm sure I'll end up swallowing the expense, but for side or rear windows it's worth looking into. That is, if you live in a State where it's legal and/or doesn't do inspections. I will check that ID tag next time I go to the storage unit.
I thought I found you a windshield for $1,800. italiancarparts.com I sure wouldn't put lexan or plastic in the sides. Good luck ever trying to sell it with those in.