THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS.
It’s now a year since Jack bought the car and now at last began the countdown, the plater has hit the car the first blows. He began his work in the right rear wing, his intention is to straighten the whole car without much hesitance and afterwards soften all areas so that the lines are perfect. Attached corresponding photos.
GOOD SMOKE
In former photos you could check that the exhaust was a little wrinkled, so Jack would need to repair it. After consulting several companies Jack found that budgets varied widely. He finally made it by a local company because he would save transport fees, it was the cheapest and especially because it allowed him to do some tweaks when fitted to the car in case it got wrong, the repairing cost 150 € which, to my point of view, it is what it should cost because after all it only had to change a tube and fit it. There was another company in Coruña, much more popular, that would do the job for the over-budgeted amount of 450 €, the problem was that Jack should go with the car to ensure precise positioning, and that was impossible for him.
Before assembling it, the result seems satisfactory and the difference with the original will be invaluable with the rear bumper assemblied.
Before assembling it, the result seems satisfactory and the difference with the original will be invaluable with the rear bumper assemblied.
RACECAR PARTS
Some time ago Jack asked for some F355 Challenge parts, the racing version of the F355, he received them last week, they are the backets anchors to the body and harness-style safety belts.
Jack was looking for these parts long ago, but not in the official Ferrari dealer but in its official supplier of racing that is OMP, in OMP they cost half the original price of Ferrari. OMP harnesses are four points and 3 inches, identical to the original with the exception of embroidered shield and the text "F355 Challenge," also much cheaper than the originals.
Jack was looking for these parts long ago, but not in the official Ferrari dealer but in its official supplier of racing that is OMP, in OMP they cost half the original price of Ferrari. OMP harnesses are four points and 3 inches, identical to the original with the exception of embroidered shield and the text "F355 Challenge," also much cheaper than the originals.
90% OFF
In photos of some weeks ago should you see that the rear glass that separates the engine compartment is broken, It’s not a very large glass, 300x1700 mm approximately, its main characteristic is formed at 90 ° in each corner making it a too warped glass, so I guess it’s a complex and expensive construction.
It took Jack 3 months looking for it, the first shock was its price as new part, Hang on!, 2500 € without VAT, of course it had to be found 2nd hand, it was found 2 months ago for 1300 € but, but, but, for transport it had to be packed in wooden box (300 € more) and then pay for transport (250 € approx.) total € 1850. Jack needed to find a cheaper solution.
Consulting in environments related to race competition he was told cars used a Plexiglas one or Lexan on cause three main reasons, the lower weight of plastic, much lower price than the original and security (doesn’t break into pieces in case of impact).
After consulting shops specialized in plastics and acrylics products, Jack came at a price of 550 € more reasonable for his pocket, packaging and transport apart. But Jack kept looking and found a local supplier that could build it. He could fabricate a copy in Lexan for a cheap price or 360 €, no packaging either transport fees, just take the original glass to copy.
Then taped the glass on the chipped area and pulled it out in one piece to take to their studios where they would make a mold for the replica.
It is true the car lost originality but Jack saved 90% and the Lexan fits perfectly in the transformation into a race car approved that is intentioned.
It took Jack 3 months looking for it, the first shock was its price as new part, Hang on!, 2500 € without VAT, of course it had to be found 2nd hand, it was found 2 months ago for 1300 € but, but, but, for transport it had to be packed in wooden box (300 € more) and then pay for transport (250 € approx.) total € 1850. Jack needed to find a cheaper solution.
Consulting in environments related to race competition he was told cars used a Plexiglas one or Lexan on cause three main reasons, the lower weight of plastic, much lower price than the original and security (doesn’t break into pieces in case of impact).
After consulting shops specialized in plastics and acrylics products, Jack came at a price of 550 € more reasonable for his pocket, packaging and transport apart. But Jack kept looking and found a local supplier that could build it. He could fabricate a copy in Lexan for a cheap price or 360 €, no packaging either transport fees, just take the original glass to copy.
Then taped the glass on the chipped area and pulled it out in one piece to take to their studios where they would make a mold for the replica.
It is true the car lost originality but Jack saved 90% and the Lexan fits perfectly in the transformation into a race car approved that is intentioned.
NO RETEX
Jack is also sometimes critical of the way of making the Italians and in particular the Ferrari (not everything is rosy), he noticed several cars and now can be compared with criteria but would like to assume that the models from 2000 are a little better designed.
If for any need to unscrew the spoiler under the gate or Pininfarina badge on the side then we must prepare to pay a big bill because it takes time because it should remove a lot of parts like fenders, radiators, oil of water, air collectors ... just to access two screws that hold the spoiler and badge clips.
It is true that not much thought but a simple takedowns previous analysis of the engineer in charge should solve this problem of lack of RETEX because small-series cars can not expect the returns to experience. The end is very ugly to submit a repair bill exorbitant due to disassembly, because the owners of Ferrari pay anything, until one day a client comes to them like cars well aware of them.
With how easy it is to modify the logo replacing the front attachment of a hitch in the form of "L" and leave the rear with washer fixation autoclavante and make a hole giving access to the screws on the spoiler in the air collectors radiators .
Finally, beside minor defects that gives you emotion.
If for any need to unscrew the spoiler under the gate or Pininfarina badge on the side then we must prepare to pay a big bill because it takes time because it should remove a lot of parts like fenders, radiators, oil of water, air collectors ... just to access two screws that hold the spoiler and badge clips.
It is true that not much thought but a simple takedowns previous analysis of the engineer in charge should solve this problem of lack of RETEX because small-series cars can not expect the returns to experience. The end is very ugly to submit a repair bill exorbitant due to disassembly, because the owners of Ferrari pay anything, until one day a client comes to them like cars well aware of them.
With how easy it is to modify the logo replacing the front attachment of a hitch in the form of "L" and leave the rear with washer fixation autoclavante and make a hole giving access to the screws on the spoiler in the air collectors radiators .
Finally, beside minor defects that gives you emotion.
SURPRISE
Jack has dismantled the exhaust pipe to repair, when It was in his hands he realise that it was not the standard. He cleaned it, took some pictures and sent them to several companies to ask for repairing it, his surprise was that in the manufacturer plate put something like "tube style", then went to internet and saw "Tubi Style", a pleasant surprise! because it is the very best in racing exhausts for Ferrari, as with Capristo.
The first picture below is of Tubi Style´s catalogue and the others are the Jack Ferrari exhaust, the brown color is due to the heat of its 8 years of use, it has a date of manufacture in Sept of 1999. Upps… last century!!!!.
The first picture below is of Tubi Style´s catalogue and the others are the Jack Ferrari exhaust, the brown color is due to the heat of its 8 years of use, it has a date of manufacture in Sept of 1999. Upps… last century!!!!.
LATEST PARTS
Though Jack have bought the necessary original parts for the repairing, the reality is that the not essential ones have not been bought yet, he will focus on them from now on.
The table below details a list of them with all data, are parts that Jack must find and if not found will manufacture from scratch.
The table below details a list of them with all data, are parts that Jack must find and if not found will manufacture from scratch.
OMP PARTNER
While dismantling Jack kept on researching on commercial parts F355 to transform into the "racecar", summing up we are talking about: seats, their carriers, harnesses, fire extinguisher and steering wheel.
The official supplier of Ferrari racing in 1995 was OMP therefore the search was very short, nevertheless Jack still had doubts about the stearing-wheel and setting the chassis harness.
The seats are, although without the insignia of Ferrari, the GRIP model, and brackets to the floor of the car are in the OMP catalog and are specific for the F355.
About the stearing-wheel Jack found nothing he ought to use the serial one until 1996, but Jack prefers the modern removable above all to facilitate entry and exit of the car.
The official supplier of Ferrari racing in 1995 was OMP therefore the search was very short, nevertheless Jack still had doubts about the stearing-wheel and setting the chassis harness.
The seats are, although without the insignia of Ferrari, the GRIP model, and brackets to the floor of the car are in the OMP catalog and are specific for the F355.
About the stearing-wheel Jack found nothing he ought to use the serial one until 1996, but Jack prefers the modern removable above all to facilitate entry and exit of the car.
NOW THE RIMS
Continuing with the racecar look Jack tried to find the rims of the F355 Challenge Cup and it's amazing but got a price reasonable. He found them in Germany, specifically bought them from a competition team that sold all the material of its F355 Challenge Cup.
The wheels are Speedline brand, Corse model, magnesium and white colour, 18 inches and specific to the F355 Challenge Cup. When he began to look for them asked for the price, new cost around € 4600 VAT included. There were only six complete sets and no more were built. Again he searched the entire Internet in Hong Kong one were sold, in southern Spain 3, he balanced the idea of gathering a complete set from several suppliers vendors. Later came out another vendor in central Spain (Madrid) who sold five wheels with tires for 3000 € and just when he was about to go for them contacted by mail with a particular seller from Germany selling a "F355 Challenge racecar, asked if he had tires available, replied yes, and so managed the purchase them of 1500 €.
Three of the four wheels came still with slicks tires competition. The complete wheels are huge, almost does not fit in his wife's car (Peugeot 206 SW), they seemed The Flintstones flintmobil, the rear tires are about 295/680-18, the front ones are 235/645-18. Notice the comparison with 195/55 R15 tires.
The wheels are Speedline brand, Corse model, magnesium and white colour, 18 inches and specific to the F355 Challenge Cup. When he began to look for them asked for the price, new cost around € 4600 VAT included. There were only six complete sets and no more were built. Again he searched the entire Internet in Hong Kong one were sold, in southern Spain 3, he balanced the idea of gathering a complete set from several suppliers vendors. Later came out another vendor in central Spain (Madrid) who sold five wheels with tires for 3000 € and just when he was about to go for them contacted by mail with a particular seller from Germany selling a "F355 Challenge racecar, asked if he had tires available, replied yes, and so managed the purchase them of 1500 €.
Three of the four wheels came still with slicks tires competition. The complete wheels are huge, almost does not fit in his wife's car (Peugeot 206 SW), they seemed The Flintstones flintmobil, the rear tires are about 295/680-18, the front ones are 235/645-18. Notice the comparison with 195/55 R15 tires.
PROTECT THE INTERIOR
Jack took this week to remove the side panel of the left door, the hit one, including the mirror that was in shreds, even bent a little bit holder on the door, also used a while protecting the dash so as not to damage the leather or another element, also protected the wiring of the central tunnel.
There are so many pieces that are out of its place that would be impossible for me the
reassembly, but Jack is very methodical and tiny, that makes him take a long time, but he does not care if it takes a year or two, the importance is to do the job with quality.
Here below are photos of the dismantling of the mirror and protection dashboard.
There are so many pieces that are out of its place that would be impossible for me the
reassembly, but Jack is very methodical and tiny, that makes him take a long time, but he does not care if it takes a year or two, the importance is to do the job with quality.
Here below are photos of the dismantling of the mirror and protection dashboard.
THE PUZZLE
Now it was the turn of the inside, Jack was devoted to dismantling also clasified and took note of each part he was taking, it is a real macropuzzle. It is a very minute job that made slower the dismantling, but Jack found it very necessary not to lose a staple and make easier the final assembly. In this process it was essential to have all documentation gathering all little parts of the car.
Jack told me he got so touched when dismantling some emblematic parts of Ferrari, the ball of the gearshift, the typical rack gears, and of course, the "Prancing Horse" of the rear of the car grill. There's an individual picture of each part.
Purchased parts are not in these photos because I’ll show you when Jack receives them.
Jack always liked race-cars and now he had the great opportunity to amend the F355 of his dreams to quit as the F355 Challenge, for that reason Jack also dismantled carpets and all soundproofed to leave the floor bare to weld securing the lugs which engage the hooks of the harness racing.
This work is carried out fully reversible to leave the car with original seats and safety belts or backets and harnesses. This way one day could go for a gentle drive and another day drive much more racing.
Jack told me he got so touched when dismantling some emblematic parts of Ferrari, the ball of the gearshift, the typical rack gears, and of course, the "Prancing Horse" of the rear of the car grill. There's an individual picture of each part.
Purchased parts are not in these photos because I’ll show you when Jack receives them.
Jack always liked race-cars and now he had the great opportunity to amend the F355 of his dreams to quit as the F355 Challenge, for that reason Jack also dismantled carpets and all soundproofed to leave the floor bare to weld securing the lugs which engage the hooks of the harness racing.
This work is carried out fully reversible to leave the car with original seats and safety belts or backets and harnesses. This way one day could go for a gentle drive and another day drive much more racing.
NEW ORDER
After another search throughout internet Jack has found and bought the rear-mirrors, always secondhand. He ordered to Eurospares with the help of Fran. As always here are the photos.
Its conservation status is correct, they are nothing special, the only thing is that very few have been made, no other Ferrari model use them. Taking into account that the F355 all versions have been made nearly 12,000 units, so the smaller series production units the more expensive parts are. The price of each mirror if new would cost around 900 €.
Its conservation status is correct, they are nothing special, the only thing is that very few have been made, no other Ferrari model use them. Taking into account that the F355 all versions have been made nearly 12,000 units, so the smaller series production units the more expensive parts are. The price of each mirror if new would cost around 900 €.
WHAT A RANGE OF SCREWS
Jack continued with the process of dismantling: back roof rack, the rear lights, exhaust heatproof fabric and seats. Some parts are perfectly out but others need previous takedowns of other parts before that normally should not be removed, there are a variety of nuts, bolts and washers, perhaps too many. Hereunder you’ll find the pictures so you can see how the car is dismantling.
Some people asked Jack how is the trunk of this car? He always replied that it was ideal to go shopping with wifes because it was so small that barely fit two bags with 1 dress each, ji, ji, ji,ji, ji,(laughs) this way they would not spend much on clothes. Obviously the concept was clear! not the magnitude. So we've got some pictures of the trunk and put inside an A4 sheets folder, as a reference, the battery place, this way everyone can get an idea of its capacity. By the way, for those who do not see it clearly, trunk is on the front and there is no spare wheel, originally it is equipped with a puncture aerosol
as the one in the Peugeot 206 CC.
Some people asked Jack how is the trunk of this car? He always replied that it was ideal to go shopping with wifes because it was so small that barely fit two bags with 1 dress each, ji, ji, ji,ji, ji,(laughs) this way they would not spend much on clothes. Obviously the concept was clear! not the magnitude. So we've got some pictures of the trunk and put inside an A4 sheets folder, as a reference, the battery place, this way everyone can get an idea of its capacity. By the way, for those who do not see it clearly, trunk is on the front and there is no spare wheel, originally it is equipped with a puncture aerosol
as the one in the Peugeot 206 CC.
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