Got another 355

[tonytubi]

After 2 years of modding the hell out of my Elise, I've moved it to the race track permanently and have picked up another 355 yesterday. I forgot how fantastic these machines are. Got a 97 Manual with Challenge exhaust.

First thing I noticed was the bypass valve is'nt opening. Hard wired it open this morning. Holy crap, I also forgot how LOUD these machines are! Sounds fantastic though.

Unfortunately the plastic trim is going thru the anthrax meltdown phase (only realized after i got gloop all over my jeans!!) so it's going in to have it all replaced/painted ASAP.

Anyway, just thought I'd say hi and good to be back in the game!

Tony

[tonyhopkins]

Nice one, m8. A GTB? You can buy CF inserts instead of trying to refurb the plasticky bits . It's next to impossible getting them back to a decent condition if they top surface has come off. I've never heard a Challenge exhaust but am told it's super LOUD Do you have any pics, pls?
Rgds
Tony

[tonytubi]

Did'nt want to go the CF route cos I wanted to keep it as standard as possible.

Just spent a couple of hours priming and then applying polymer on the car. Glowing like a Fire Engine now...

[bradley1]

Nice,

[L100NYY]

Such a pretty, pretty car.
If I had the funds that is the exact spec I would go for and I don't think that a 355 can ever be too loud.
Good work.

[murph7355]

Just checked you profile, but I could have sworn that was Leeds

Where in HK are you (roughly). Was there for 5wks a month ago.

Lovely, lovely car.

Agree with Tony on the interior. You're unlikley to get a factory finish without much expense.

[vixpy1]

I've been told to go for a GTS instead of a GTB. Is this good advice or crap?

[craig]

vixpy1 said:

I've been told to go for a GTS instead of a GTB. Is this good advice or crap?

crap

if you want open air motoring get a spider

the GTS is the poor relation - hence whey no 360 version was made

[_dobbo_]

craig said:

vixpy1 said: I've been told to go for a GTS instead of a GTB. Is this good advice or crap? crap if you want open air motoring get a spider the GTS is the poor relation - hence whey no 360 version was made

I'm not sure about that - from a purely aesthetic perspective, the GTS gives you the looks of the berlinetta with the advantage of roof off motoring.

The spider is a fantastic looking car with the roof down, but roof up it's not a patch on the hard top.

[vixpy1]

_dobbo_ said:

I'm not sure about that - from a purely aesthetic perspective, the GTS gives you the looks of the berlinetta with the advantage of roof off motoring. The spider is a fantastic looking car with the roof down, but roof up it's not a patch on the hard top.

Its also almost 10K more! I can by a TVR as well as a GTS or GTB for the same price as a spider.

[tonytubi]

murph7355 said:

Just checked you profile, but I could have sworn that was Leeds Where in HK are you (roughly). Was there for 5wks a month ago. Lovely, lovely car. Agree with Tony on the interior. You're unlikley to get a factory finish without much expense.

Clear Water Bay, near Sai Kung. I've found out how to get rid of the melting rubber, just use a cloth and some elbow grease. I'll treat the plastic with a lanolin spray than will protect it better than the rubber does.

[stuh]

tonytubi said:

After 2 years of modding the hell out of my Elise, I've moved it to the race track permanently and have picked up another 355 yesterday. I forgot how fantastic these machines are. Got a 97 Manual with Challenge exhaust. First thing I noticed was the bypass valve is'nt opening. Hard wired it open this morning. Holy crap, I also forgot how LOUD these machines are! Sounds fantastic though. Unfortunately the plastic trim is going thru the anthrax meltdown phase (only realized after i got gloop all over my jeans!!) so it's going in to have it all replaced/painted ASAP. Anyway, just thought I'd say hi and good to be back in the game! Tony

That's one sweet looking 355

I'm hoping to give my spider a spruce up in the spring. Plan it to remove scuffs from door panels and seats, and try and get my passenger airbag sorted out as it's gone a bit saggy.............anyone got any suggestions for someone good to do this for me?

Also, anyone tried the Renovo roof restorer advertised on this site? Looks just the ticket......

>> Edited by stuh on Monday 10th January 13:09

[burriana500]

stuh said:

try and get my passenger airbag sorted out as it's gone a bit saggy....

Stu - I am intrigued as to how you would know this... apart from the obvious that is!

Vixpy - if i didn't have the Spider I would go for the GTS over the TB - like Craig says, Berlinetta looks with roof out fresh air and sunshine.

They will never be as quite or as leak proff as the full Berlinetta, but the trade off is worthwhile IMO. Targa section needs to be colour coded though or it looks a bit dated, again, only IMO.

[stuh]

burriana500 said:

stuh said: try and get my passenger airbag sorted out as it's gone a bit saggy.... Stu - I am intrigued as to how you would know this... apart from the obvious that is!

I was refering to the leather that encases it, not the airbag itself - it's a fairly common problem on 355 spiders i'm told...........

[craigw]

anywhere near pik sha road Toni ?

[tonytubi]

Very near indeed...

[craigw]

my gf grew up there,In Riviera, I spent a lot of time there from age 19-25, great place.

[tonytubi]

When it's not too polluted, a fantastic place to live...