Life twists and turns my friend. Still waiting for the 850 - doubt I'll ever get it because the family selling it via the dealer are all insane and won't hand over the registration document or spare keys because (apparently) there's in-fighting within the family about who gets the money so they won't let the car go. The dealer is pulling his hair out because they agreed to sell me the car and he's done £2,500 worth of paintwork, wheel refurbishing and servicing to the car which was all part of the deal with me that they agreed to. So now he can't sell it to me and will only give it back to them if they cover the costs he's incurred but they don't answer the phone and if they do they make empty promises about collecting the car and then don't turn up - REALLY ODD bunch of people. I think there's something more going on so the dealer gave me their number but they don't answer my calls either. Watch this space.... The garage was all planned to start 2 weeks ago but while I was on holiday I spoke to a friend who was using the builders to do one of his jobs and they are royally mucking him around so I've cancelled them and and starting the "who to use/which way to do the job" process all over again. The world carries on spinning and there are people starving and dying out there so it's not that important really. But I'm pretty pissed off about all of this stuff really. they're not sure th
Just spoke to boyfriend of the daughter of the wife of the (now deceased) man who owned the 850 - he's confirmed that the sale can't proceed at present. Apparently the wife is so all over the place about the loss of her husband that she's now decided she can't bear to part with the car at the moment. Maybe that'll change at some point - who knows. I'm pretty gutted - nothing more to say about it really. Priority at present is:- Get the 365 registered and taxed for use in the UK - wheels in motion as we speak. The car is currently in the paint shop having the entire front repainted to cure the minor damage to the bonnet and a few hairline cracks around the corners where the headlamp pods retract. The front edge of the drivers door also has a tiny bit of damage so Jimmy the painter will blend that door as well. He's also refurbing all 5 wheels so hopefully the car should come back looking perfect as the rest of the car is great. Then it'll be oil, fluid and filter changes, replace hoses, brake pipes and fuel lines as necessary, replace one front wheel bearing, overhaul brakes etc etc. Young Mr Squidmark (Howard) is sending me a set of Carillo headlamps as mine are non-standard and dip the wrong way. Today I ordered replacement bonnet struts as one was weak, will post the results of the purchase as they're very cheap but hopefully ok. Then it's onto the interior, sort out dodgy oil pressure gauge reading when cold (yes, I'll swap the switch from the 400 first to confirm that's the problem) - everything else works fine. The get interior professionally valeted hopefully that'll be it for a while. Wishful thinking I know!!
My struts are very weak, I've been searching for new ones for two years... And RR (rustyractor) can get two with no problem ??? What's wrong with me ??? Urgent that we talk... !!! Btw the 'help the poor Italian who loves his 365 and would die for a paint job well done' Fund is open to voluntary contribution... Cheers Marco
I remember Ken using these guys to rebuild his struts, & if yours are not rebuildable, they can make new ones Lift Support Technologies Gas Springs - Custom to Spring Lift
I should have my replacements by Monday, If they're ok I'll let you know. Howard mentioned that you were meeting him in Oxford in October and I'll prob join you and can get you a pair of struts if you wish. The cost was £25 each which is pretty good if they're ok. As for the paint job - asking for contributions was my idea first so when everyone's helped me it'll be your turn - but not before !!
Russel, you're right... I'm coming to Oxford in October, will have a few hours on the 16th pm and Howard will be hopefully vailable for a Share Experience Session... that is, how many problems we tackled, how expesive they were, how happy we are to pay double for FIAT parts mounted on Ferrari, etc etc... diluting a drink/bier with bitter tears... sharing pics... and agree that every pain is worth the 365 experience, the sound of the 12 brothers, etc etc... hope we can make it and that you can come and join ! it's not that usual to see three 365er's around teh same table... re the struts, may I ask you to share a picture of the new ones ? I'm quite maniac of originality :-( and I'd rather stay with my old original not-working stuff rather than mounting orange brand new struts... So , loooking forward to meeting soon Cheers Marco
Send me a PM or email me to [email protected] and I'll send you some pix when they arrive. These are being marketed by a specialist strut company specifically for Ferrari 365/400/400i/412 cars - I called them and checked they were the correct length, had metal ends (not plastic) any they knew that the mounting holes were 8mm one end and 10mm the other. I didn't confirm the ram thickness or colour but am pretty sure they're black and the correct approximate diameter. Can you send me a photo of your rams so I can confirm how close they are to original ? I'm sure that the rams on both my cars have been replaced already so have no reference guide.
Sounds encouraging ! Have attached a pic of my struts (and engine after some high-P cleaning... Amazing !!!) 25 GNP each you said ? If I ask you to order now, shall I be able to pick them in October when we meet ? Ciao Marco
Got your email, I really want close up shots of the unions and ram to compare against the units I've ordered. From a distance yours look the same as mine. They deliver next day - I ordered mine on Thursday for delivery to my office on Friday but I didn't get to the office to pick them up. Once I've checked them out I'll message you.