Rebuilding The Cheapest Ferrari 348 That No One Would Buy

[@Ratarossa]

Use code rossa15 for 15% off your order at holzkern.com/ratarossa

[@thomasthacker4939]

It is important to remove oxidation from vinyl, not just polish over it. Vinyl oxidation is best removed with an anionic surfactant which is non destructive.(will also remove those oil stains). Some household cleaners are anionic, mostly the bio-ones. Not sure of brands in UK. Then it's important not to add any oils, silicone, ceramics, snake oil or unicorn poop. Once the grey layer is washed off and all nice and black, all the vinyl needs is sunblock and oxygen barrier. "303 aerospace protectant" is something i can def recommend. Other than that. What a stunning car. Love it

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

The "303 Protectant" is spot-on, the very best protectant. I totally endorse and support your suggestion.

[@jcrbama]

Adam's UV Leather & Vinyl Coating works wonders as well. Seems to last longer that 303 in my experience.

[@Ms_Princess_Zelda]

This comment is great. I have seen people say “ceramic” works to deepen and shine but this is a significantly better suggestion

[@CFerre2000]

Concerning the roof. SCRAP the vinyl junk and put carbonfiber on it.

[@garymugford3273]

Nah just spray some wd40 on it

[@gryffent]

I think I’d likely go with a new Badge for the front. That shiny paint is beautiful and a new prancing horse is the right compliment.

[@Vazzini42]

Try buffing it out first.

[@petef7323]

Yes, definitely a new badge. Mount the old one on a wooden plinth.

[@MrSimonfoz]

The old badges look great, I’ve always like the 348. Nice to see one saved .

[@gordonkachuk5457]

Hi there Rat, Gordon here from Vancouver Canada.Years ago I had SAAB 900 Turbo convertible and all of its black vinyl parts started fading badly. I found the perfect solution to bringing all these parts back to their glory days. "Mother's Back to Black" is the perfect product. Once applied it stood up really well for a long time. Try it. I don't know if Mother's is sold in the UK, but that's why we have On-Line shopping. Good luck.

[@mike158193]

My buddy had a 348TS back in the 90s, it was only couple years old when he got it, absolutely a gorgeous car, I still remember the flip down cover that covered the head unit for a sleeker look of the dash. That car ripped and had such a distinctive Ferrari sound. Love to see you bringing this one back to life. Never knew what happened to his car but if it was from western Pa at any time in its registration that would be exciting.

[@composedlight6850]

Why on earth did you get it painted before you finished cleaning or and doing mechanical work?

[@ButcherBird13]

Was thinking exact same thing ! Especially with interior and windshield needing replacing , just why ?

[@Thoth19]

Exactly! Paint is LAST! Avoids soooo many scuffing, scraping, issues...

[@miketurin5233]

Because he wouldn’t have had any content on this junk car. That was the only thing you could do. 😂

[@ozzobikes]

views

[@richardbedard1245]

Having spent thirty years restoring Corvettes, I had the same question. Why wait until after the paint job to do cleaning and exterior repairs? The risk of making contact with the painted surface is too great! The final assembly is all that should be done after the car is painted.

[@clifbradley]

Keep the original badge on the hood. Also, there is a black dye that is made from cuddlefish ink. I forget the name of it, but we used it on our vinyl covers when I worked on yachts. We would spray it on with an airgun because you want to get a good spray. If it clumps down, it will leave a dark stain that you can't match. We never needed to strip the vinyl as the sun and saltwater did an excellent job of doing that for us. Not cheap, but you don't need a ton either.

[@willemvandernest3249]

Hi Scott. Wynn's here in South Africa have a product called "black back" you will have to apply 3 to 4 coats but the final result is beautiful. It works on rubber surfaces etc but I used it on a black vinyl roof before and it looked like a brand new vinyl roof. I can guarantee you that it will make that Ferrari roof look like brand new

[@samueletognini6016]

Heya Scott, in my opinion a refurbished paint wants a brand new badge, as you're fitting new hub caps on the wheels...they are gonna match pretty good

[@dobbo4596]

Always liked the 348 , give her a new badge she deserves it. Reckon you should keep this one too Scott.❤

[@brrt1982]

Awesome transformation! Have fun working on the interior and engine. I’m sure it will turn out to be a great and reliable car!

[@garyblackman7264]

Watching from US in Alabama. Very much enjoy your channel. It fun watching you bring these cars back to life

[@jeremyb4493]

North Mississippi here😁

[@bruceeide4359]

I'm in the middle of a '76 GT/4 right now!! Same thing, stored for 30+ years, repainted TWICE in resale red... Returning it to the original Copper color... So much work! 🙂

[@conniebenny]

A new Ratarossa Ferrari video? Fantastic! Thank you for making my evening. That's an amazing paint job Scott! The car is unrecognizable, it looks so good now 🙂. Plus with the rest of the exterior virtually done as well now, the car is almost back to looking like it just left Maranello. Regarding the badge, I understand that you might want to keep the original for its character, however if the rest of the car is gleaming like a new pin, I really think the badge probably should as well. It would be great if the original one could be refurbished in some way, but if not, I think a new one is the way to go. Whatever you decide, please keep up the great work!

[@MiddleChildRyan]

IMHO - Scott could be refurbishing and restoring old sewing machines or rebuilding the garage - I’d still watch, enjoy and learn some cool things. Thanks Scott, keep ‘em coming!

[@leeclark6970]

Gtechniq C4 for the roof refurbishment Scott! Awesome stuff...348 was the first Ferrari I ever drove so big soft spot for this build!

[@simonacuthbert1]

Nice to see you back in the bosom of Ferrari, Scott. Those previous videos of you pratting about with bloody Teslas were a real turn-off.

[@maverick4177]

2 tonne milk floats with an iPad…….ghastly things

[@maverick4177]

2 tonne milk floats with an iPad…….ghastly things

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Aren't they duty free to drive into London? The 25£ note could buy one a nice mask to hide your twisted visage..

[@Lemma01]

My 2005 Elise can drive to Heathrow, and any old MG can scoot round London for free. If the alternative is a Tesla, I'll walk.

[@Lemma01]

Dont like negative remarks - but 100% signed up to the "scrap the crap Tesla content" club. What we need to see are piles of rusty bolts get shiny ❤

[@logo9387]

Ceramic coat the targa roof, works great in the last for me to brighten up faded black trim, lasts very long and simultaneously protects the vinyl for years

[@organiccold]

Yep ceramic coating had work very well for me also with the black trim

[@CFerre2000]

Concerning the roof. SCRAP the vinyl junk and put carbonfiber on it.

[@madmike6942]

u and Sreten are 2 legends...Sreten brings back BMW'S and u Ferrari's....absolute legends...Cheers from Cyprus

[@mildmanneredthinkingman9323]

I think those 2 need to work on a project together.

[@ricatiman]

Looking Good ! Your reflection in the paintwork when you were installing the Pininfarina badge was superb! This one is going to be fabulous...

[@FridgeProductionsLtd]

Said it before. Polytrol for all types of plastics. Certainly test it. Sample pots cost £9 delivered from Luton. Will do the whole car.

[@R2D2trashcan]

M8 that sky blue grey primer looked amazing, keep it in mind for a future project! Car looks insane btw, what a transformation.

[@im_cadillac]

what you have done to the 348 already is amazing. i love the black accents against the red. it would be a hard decision on whether to keep it or sell it....at least for me. thanks for always sharing your adventures with us.

[@TheAngelos29]

I vote for new badge since everything else is redone, but of course dealers choice! We like whatever you show us, cheers mate!

[@PaulMathias1]

This channel deserves more than 262K subscribers. Top, top viewing.

[@rugu6869]

The paint work and exterior have turned out fantastic! Great clue that you need the space for your next project. Can't wait to see what's next and what you're doing with the engine on the 348.

[@tomhinde2835]

Typically, isnt it best to repaint at the end of a car restoration so as to not damage the new paint?

[@nismo269]

Exactly

[@ftboomer1]

Look at "collision wrap". It is a self-adhesive protection film that will keep scratches on paint so you can work with a good level of confidence small abrasions won't further damage paint. I use this for general repair work on my cars but it will also work when refitting after paint.

[@Bonnie_robbie78]

Looking absolutely fantastic. Love the originality of this car. Always loved these. Already looking forward to the next instalment.

[@yhp99]

Id keep the original badge. To me its a great way to pay tribute to the origins of this beauty while revitalizing the rest of the exterior. It represents for that particular ferrari when it was first created at the factory and the original badge was placed onto it earning its place. Something about that is sentimental and valuable imo

[@brianjonesg8aso403]

As you know that is a 348TS, I had one new from Bob Houghton, but mine had nasty matt black sills and lower spoilers. I had them painted red to match. There are nasty mild steel black kick plates on the top of the sills, they have no primer and are secured by tiny self tappers plus the most unbelievably strong adhesive, they have a small space where they are not stuck on and water creeps in by capillary action, so they go rusty from underneath and so does the steel body. The roof is a pain to treat, I hope you find some decent coating and it is right to keep it black. The main problem is squeaking on the rubbers, it needs silicone grease to keep it quiet, but when you wash it this goes away and the noise comes back. The idea is to store the roof behind the seats, but you can't drive it if you do that unless you are a dwarf or something. Beware, this is an evil car and is trying to kill you all the time you drive it, it also wants to do a 180 most of the time. In the dry it handles like it's in the wet, in the wet it handles like it's on ice, please take care, I am still alive but mine had a good try several times, to wipe me out. This is the last car without traction control and the last of the steel bodied cars. Beware of the throttle cable jumping out of the ferrule on acceleration and leaving you with 3000 rpm tickover! use some heat shrink to keep it in place. Please sell it before it injures you, they are lethal.

[@marklee7545]

I hope you had better luck with Lexi’s gifts than I did, Scott. Ordered a watch for my wife for Christmas from Holzkern. It stopped on 20 January! We now have to send it back to Austria, where it will wait 7 days to be registered and another 1-2 weeks to be processed … except that their returns website is saying there could be delays of up to 3 weeks. She’s really upset and I’m very annoyed. I’d recommend anyone else who’s considering ordering not to bother. I wish I’d bought her something from the local high street 🤦‍♂

[@armandocardenas6094]

I see the Ferrari lawyers approaching with their Hermes suitcases and Montblanc fountain pens.

[@sidrens1047]

This channel has gone to a whole new level!!!! It’s awesome!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@itsnevo8757]

I love it! Great job Scott!! I’m glad you’re saving another Ferrari!

[@EliteRock]

Exceeding expectations yet again (oh ye of little faith!). Hoping the oily bits come together as sweetly. ETA - not sure about being purist about the roof, I'd colour match it myself, it'd just look a lot better than cheesy vinyl (the only purpose of which is to tell everyone "hey, this is a TARGA!!" and/or save Ferrari a few quid by using the same panel for every car whatever colour) IMO.

[@marklr5716]

7:12 look at those reflections!! awesome paint job..

[@joetrentmann--N0JVW--4REF1]

Another brilliant build Scott! Really enjoyed this one and proper Rosso Corsa Fer 322! Will be interesting to see the targa panel restoration. Cheers ☕️!

[@romainejohnsonsr.5997]

Pop a new emblem on the front.

[@RealRickCox]

This car was the poster child for what a "ratarossa" looks like. You've done a brilliant job of getting it back to what it looked like when it came off the line. I'd love to see you put a new emblem on the front and maybe wrap that targa top with a matte black vinyl.

[@dalerowley6039]

It beggars belief why these cars are so unloved. The styling of a 348 is sublime. 80s icon. Thanks for bringing this one back to how it should be. 😊

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

I think - deservedly - the past few years the general opinion on the 348 has become more favorable. The slats, louvres and hard edges have attained a pretty unique place in Ferrari history.

[@marcusott2973]

It has a couple of odd quirks. One is, if the battery goes flat, you have to take the dashboard out to reset the AC. Possibly, people have found better ways of doing this now, but that's what the factory mandated. Cam belts are also an engine out job, which is just eye-wateringly expensive at a Ferrari workshop.

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

@@marcusott2973 battery in my 348 has been flat multiple times, never had to take out the dash. Perhaps it's because I've got a late model. But the fuel cap has proven to be 'quirky', the solenoid that is used to flip it open (same part as in the Mondial and F355 BTW) has fried itself 3 times. Since it's rather embarrassing to roll up to the gas station and not being able to get the cap open, we converted it to a manual solution - suits the car 🙂

[@marcusott2973]

@kasimirdenhertog3516 I had that with my wife's old car, I even ran out of petrol at the station because I couldn't get it open, fun call to road assistance 😅.

[@TheGreatDotfish]

Thanks for the video. No primer on inside of fuel flap gave my OCD a twitchy moment, but car looks fantastic. Deffo new badge vote here.

[@rintin1874]

Brilliant video Scott watching from Edinburgh Scotland UK 🇬🇧 👌 👏

[@paultubby6878]

Re roof. Clean and clean and then I’d use cherry blossom shoe / boot polish. Brush on leave twenty mins. Buff of then repeat. If gets wet beads brilliant. No grease - silicone running down onto body or screen if gets wet and anti uv and it lasts. I use it on my austin 1300 GT vinyl roof and I’ve tried all products. Can’t beat old fashioned shoe / boot polish trust me. Also fit a new badge. That paint is so nice and just lets the car down now.

[@bmwloco]

303 is want you want. Originally used on the SR71 Blackbird for clean up and conditioning. It'll make the top black.

[@thomasthacker4939]

303 is amazing. No.1 for us in the marine game. Didn't know it was used on the SR71

[@IntegraDIY]

13:57 personally i would’ve put the emblem on after the orange peel was cut and buffed. overall turned out great 👍

[@sotirisbakaimis3276]

In my humble opinion 348 is a collector's car/item. So keep her as genuine as you can and you will be rewarded. The value will be sky rocket high and you will feel it while driving!!!

[@Ms_Princess_Zelda]

This car is my dream Ferrari. Pininfarina knocked this one out of the park. What an ICON

[@matthewelliott2213]

I love the 348! The more 348 content the better imo! Thumbs up!

[@Reality_Dystopia]

Recommendation/observation Why don’t you clean the interior prior to painting the car?

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

New Badge, I'd even put the prancing horse on the front grill even though the early ones never had them. She's looking great, nice to see some love going into a 348. I'm sure theres a way to restore the targa top, kinda cool having it black, I like that.... I'm keen to see how you're going to approach the engine and drive train...

[@jasonmalpas4574]

One way of making black vinyl or plastic back to original black that I have heard but not tried myself (yet) is heat!!. Warm it up with hair dryer or hot air gun to release the oils then wipe. It sounds strange but a cheap option to try. Hopefully, you will give it a go and put in one of your videos so we can see if it really works 👍

[@WayTooManyToys]

The best products for refinishing that vinyl top are either the Aero Cosmetics Rubber Care spray or Lexol Vinylex Protectant. These are very similar products which will bring vinyl/plastics/rubber to a like-new appearance without any residual greasiness. Really good for tires to give them a new black look without flinging goop all over the fender.

[@TotalRookie_LV]

I really envy and adore people, who are able to do such restorations, as I not only lack skill, knowledge and funds, but now I'm also handicapped, thus all I can do is watch, I'm no longer even able to drive a car with a manual (unless it would have hand controls). Keep up the good work!

[@bwhaggis199]

Honestly ferrari should be sending you a thank you letter for the work you do on restoring these pony's dude people will be able to enjoy them for years to come

[@murry001]

They should send him a LaFerrari

[@stuartblack9258]

Yes Scott!!👍 its looking Sooooo good truly awesome work mate well done!

[@sja9836]

What a transformation Scott! Yeah New Badge mate. I remember the 348 when they were new. I didn't like that Ferrari had ditched the round rear lights. It was a good looking car in its day but when the 355 arrived Yeah Baby! Love the channel as always Scott @Ratarossa another brilliant episode.

[@leonardgore7948]

Yeah. New badge

[@sleepysamk1400]

New badge on the immaculate paint job

[@AllTorque]

For me I would try solution finish first with quite a few coats and then go over it with G Techniq C4 .. that should give you a really nice black finish and provide some protection. I've used this combination on a variety of cars and usually with good results. I will say solution finish is messy when you use it and it does benefit from patience and multiple applications.

[@beebester4106]

I can't tell you how impressed I always am with auto body professionals. Amazing, super hard work.

[@tenoch71]

I have never been a fan of the 348 but with that paint job the car looks amazing

[@davidc6666]

That paint flows out to perfection...good job paint dude

[@OneFlyingLap]

Definitely a new badge, keep the original for wall art and memories but that badge lets the car down. Great video and update, all the best 💪👍

[@wingerfan1]

You'll have to watch videos on how to do it but if you use a heat gun gently, you can melt the top layer of the vinyl going back-and-forth and it will bring back a glossy shine to the layer beneath. Otherwise, they have several chemicals that would help out with this.

[@feron450]

I will never understand how a car like a Ferrari any Ferrari can ever end up in such a bad state. Those are cars to aspire to own. To take care of and hand down from parent to child. It hurts to see them not taken care of. I love that you fix them. Much respect.

[@chriscarol4965]

All sorts of people can run out of money or get sick and suddenly have other preferences… that’s life.

[@Mountain_Bike_Archaeology]

G Techniq C4, for getting that top black and keeping it coated. Nothing else like it.

[@JohnHonda101]

Back in the 1970/80's all the boys used to use black shoe Polish and polish the roofs like a pair of boots.

[@timgosling6189]

One up on the original, which didn't get a clearcoat finish. I assume the joins between the aluminium buttresses and steel rear wings got treated while the paint was stripped.

[@TheMeisner87]

It good to watch the parts where you restore your cars.I like the way you think.Keep on going the same way 👌

[@ektrolleyboy]

If you painted the seats. You can paint the vinyl targa panel. Just get a vinyl paint. Easy as peas! 🫛 Also. New badge: 100%.

[@johnnyutah892]

Love this one, quick turn around, cash it in, finish the BBi and then start the new project.

[@Daud76]

As a hobby, I collect and restore vintage digital watches. My answer to your questions on keeping parts original or getting new is keep as much original as possible and only if no other way, make or purchase new parts. That is my restoration philosophy. Having said that, your restoration job is great! Would you be interested in swapping a restored Casio Melody Alarm from 1980 for your Ferrari? 😄

[@JamesPerry63]

Brake fluid on the vinyl. No joke. Test a small area.

[@robertolmedo9948]

“Like showroom new” is a product I used on my 911 Targa years ago. It worked amazing.

[@ro63rto]

For the wheel bolts, try what Elvis did on Wheeler Dealers on the chrome intake pipes for the blue Alfa GTV V6 (that AlfaNut ended up buying)

[@JasonDunlop247]

Forget everything else, that paint work is stunning 😍☘️

[@liamegan4303]

Hi Scott. Great job with the Bodywork and Spray painting. It really looks brilliant. Keep it up bro. 😅😅🇨🇮🇨🇮. The Original Badge is good enough and looks good.

[@redtesta]

Put a new one on. If the whole car was patina then yes, keep it but you have a brand new fresh paint job. You are doing new paint, rims being updated all of it, the vinyl top and you put new badges also (even though old ones were faded) Did you ceramic the paint where you put the badges? I know its fresh paint but protecting that paint where it will have a badge , just a wondering.

[@18000rpm]

Definitely get a new emblem or make it look new to match the car.

[@mildmanneredthinkingman9323]

Looks great! Question, when the painter was spraying the lights, wouldn't have been better to take the housings and bulbs out and spay individually instead of fumbling with it as he's painting? Wouldn't finger smudges happen in the paint or paint runs/overspray?

[@bountyhuntermk2520]

Here for that comment….mental flicking the lights about like an amateur

[@windronner1]

If engine and interior turns out like exterior. This may well turn into a showcase. Excellent craftsmanship.

[@DTRB56]

Definitely a new front badge

[@attipattati]

Vinyl roof is an easy fix. Clean first, use heatgun to melt top layer and restore the gloss.

[@pdcweb]

Wow, it looks amazing Scott! I'd keep the old badge for posterity.

[@allseeing357]

Go all new with everything Scott 👍 Gtechniq C4 might work well on the roof, long lasting but not entirely permanent but will give the right sort of finish assuming you didn't want to get it re-covered

[@FerrariDMC]

There used to be a slammed black 348 in either Idaho or Washington. It looked stupid but I appreciated seeing it running.

[@thespicemelange.1]

Simonize works good on vinyl. Really any kind of conditioner will bring back to that deep black shine, you might have to treat it a couple times, but simonized stuff kind of seals it too. I don't even know if you can get that stuff anymore.

[@neiljemmerson8826]

Wow what a change, definitely go with a new badge, that will wind you up in the future.

[@Nyx_88888]

keep the patina badge, for the vinyl roof you could have it re trimmed maybe if you can't revitalize it

[@mattinmalaga]

For the Targa top Duplicolor vinyl and fabric spray or VHT vinyl dye , trust me you can't beat it......but you have to order it from the US as apparently it contains a component prohibited in Europe!

[@PensacoleBeach]

I have some extra carbon fiber fuse cover panels for under the front hood that I made for my 348. I also have carbon pieces for the shifter area in the center console if you want to replace the plastic ones. I love your content and you have already saved me loads of money. I would be more than happy to donate to the cause.

[@williampinchbeck4321]

Here in the states there's a product called Cerecoat and they make a trim wipe that works very well on black trim parts!! Clean that roof panel and it should work!! Good luck!!

[@fullspectrum2752]

I like the original badge on the hood but if you leave it like that do a clear wrap to stop it from changing any more and protect its as is look.

[@seanym67]

I like the patina on the emblem, keep the old one. Small enough that most won't notice.

[@ZorroMS]

For the vinyl-roof, give it a try with Heat (hair-dryer)

[@jamiespinks3657]

That only works temporarily.

[@stevedawkins8139]

For the roof, to revive the colour try Autoglym “Bumper and Trim Gel”

[@JureŠujica]

Nice to see the car. I have a Alfa Romeo in the same stage :) as for the vinyl: find a specialist that deals with marine upholstery. There is also a matter of salt next to the sun so I am sure they might give you a solution

[@alanschreiber]

Amazing paint job! This car looks like new! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@samstocker2124]

Carplan Black Trim Wax may be worth a go on the roof... Super thick and kinda soaks into dry black plastics & vinyl bits.