This is part nine of the Ferrari restoration series on this 1960 Ferrari 250GT Cabriolet. Part One of Ferrari restoration describes the creation of a ‘measuring box’ to check the car body symmetry. Part Two of Ferrari restoration explains the creation of a new tail light housing. Part Three of Ferrari restoration illustrates patterning up the rocker panels. Part Four of Ferrari restoration looks at how the original rocker panels were dismantled. Part Five of Ferrari restoration covers the rocker panel build. Part Six of Ferrari restoration describes the rocker panel graft in and some of the damaged floor rebuild. Part Seven of Ferrari restoration covers the extensive rebuild and restoration of the Ferrari floor. Part Eight of Ferrari restoration illustrates the engine bay restoration.
After completing our engine bay restoration we move to the very front of the Ferrari, namely the mouth. the mouth is a very important characteristic of the body, so its of the utmost importance that we achieve the correct lines on restoration.
As the car had been previously hit some years ago on the left-hand side, we felt it was worth locating a nearby 250GT and observing the lines so we could perfect our restoration, particularly on the left-hand side. Our Ferrari front also contained a substantial amount of lead, especially around the vertical areas of the mouth. As this was very unstable, we had to remove and replace with new metal.
This post also shows the use of simple, cheap tooling to achieve excellent results in replicating the 250GT lower mouth panel. Enjoy the photos below.
We were lucky enough to have a reference Ferrari 250GT in our possession.
Grille insert restoration work.
Metal finishing the brass trim.
The vertical edges of the mouth were full of lead and ill fitting to the grille. This is what we set out to repair.
Rebuilding the mouth.
TIG welding the mouth – mid restoration photo.
Lower mouth section had taken a hit on the left-hand side. Patterns were taken and a new panel was wheeled up with the English Wheel.
Simple jig made to aid making lower mouth opening.
Jig chasing in progress.
A tremendous amount of shape inside a small panel.
Here’s the finished panel ready to graft into the Ferrari.
Majority of the front mouth section removed from the body and awaiting the new metal to be grafted in.
Upper mouth section in progress.
Mouth section being held in position using clecos.
Tacked into place and ready for TIG welding.
This is part nine of the Ferrari restoration series on this 1960 Ferrari 250GT Cabriolet. Part One of Ferrari restoration describes the creation of a ‘measuring box’ to check the car body symmetry. Part Two of Ferrari restoration explains the creation of a new tail light housing. Part Three of Ferrari restoration illustrates patterning up the rocker panels. Part Four of Ferrari restoration looks at how the original rocker panels were dismantled. Part Five of Ferrari restoration covers the rocker panel build. Part Six of Ferrari restoration describes the rocker panel graft in and some of the damaged floor rebuild. Part Seven of Ferrari restoration covers the extensive rebuild and restoration of the Ferrari floor. Part Eight of Ferrari restoration illustrates the engine bay restoration.