10/8/08
SN1747: Wheels and Radiator

After the calipers were removed, I removed the rear axle seal retainers. The rubber seal was rock hard, and not doing a good job at keeping the the gear oil in the rear axle.

I found a stowaway tucked under the front belly pan of the car. This Pacific Northwest rodent has been riding in this panel for a long time, and was finally disposed of in the yard!

I found the PF number “894” or “394” on this panel. Can someone confirm which one is right for this car?

The coolest thing I discovered on this car was a working radiator blind! Rarely are these things still found on a car, let alone still operational.

The one on my car was still at François’ shop, so I took it out to compare the differences. Mine was completely seized, so it was nice to see how one actually worked. I guess these radiators were too efficient for colder climates, so Ferrari solved the over cooling issues with a blind that would cover part of the radiator in winter. Most of these things failed after being exposed to the elements, so many people removed them and threw them out.

The PF coupe blind was a little shorter, covering only 2/3 of the radiator, but the one that came with mine could cover practically the whole front of the radiator.

It looks like we’ll be sending the wire wheels out for refinishing. I believe the size of the wheel will limit our choices at 5-1/2 X 400. We’ve got some time to look, but if anyone has any leads on some good tires for road rallying that fit these wheels, let us know.

Just a reminder, I’m looking for a new Vintage Ferrari Project. If you have, or know of a restoration project, please let me know. It would be great to restore another car on this website! My E-mail.

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