[Graham Wood]

I object to the foam spray kits. I only know of one person that dared to use it, and it was a waste of time!

At least a space saver would get you 50 miles down the road…

When I had my QPV it had no space saver, the space in the boot for it was carpet lined and was useful on long trips for the wife’s shoes…

I still can’t get used to stop/start systems – they make me nervous – always thinking of the additional wear on the starter motor. Probably had to change too many of them on cars owned in the 80s!

[Graham Wood]

Personally, not keen on the matte finishes – just a fashion trend.

Talking to a detailer friend the other night, he also agreed they are a nightmare and require whole panel (or more) resprays.

 

[Graham Wood]

I have a part used clutch assembly for my 3200. When I had the rear diff oil seal replaced, I had the clutch replaced (obvious time to do it). The clutch removed had less that 50% wear, so I have kept it as a spare (probably a good move as they are like hens teeth now).

There is a company who are planning to do equivalent assemblies for the 3200 and they want to borrow the release bearing to measure it up so they can copy it. Mine is/would be available for them  if I could remove it from the pressure plate.

[Graham Wood]

The Thruxton Driving Skills day was an excellent opportunity to take your car out and drive it in a fun, controlled but fast (if you wanted) way with expert instruction provided for those of us not so used to track driving.

Highly recommended for those who do not drive on tracks on a regular basis.

The event will be repeated next year (but not necessarily at Thruxton)

[Graham Wood]

https://www.facebook.com/maseraticlubuk/ is the Club one.

We could just do with a volunteer to manage it…

[Graham Wood]

Nice work Frank, thanks for sharing…

 

I was at the Thruxton Driving Skills day today, and after 24 great laps in the 3200, I had the dreaded engine error light come on, and limp home mode activated – not great on a track…

After a rest all was well, but the light remained on.

At home, plugged in my OBD2 device and saw it was a P0121 – one of the good old throttle sensor codes. A quick reset cleared it.

This has happened to me once before when driving ‘enthusiastically’ on a track (about 5 years ago) – I think it is my cars way of telling me to slow down!

[Graham Wood]

Looking forward to regular updates Chris.

Is the mini garaged? If not, it will be interesting to see how it copes with UV, acid rain etc…

Taking part in another hobby I spoke to a professional detailer the other day, and his view is if garaged, then the ‘lifetime’ products such as GTechniq are worth it, and could give you 5 years worth of protection, but you still have to be very careful how you wash the car etc. etc.

His one big NO was if getting from a Dealer make sure it is a professional that applies it, and not the Dealers resident car cleaner, and, as always, NEVER let a main dealer wash your car!!

[Graham Wood]

There are also 2 Indy wiring diargrams on the CLub website: https://www.maseraticlub.co.uk/members/resources/?type%5B%5D=swinging-60s or select ‘Manauls’ for ‘Swinging 60s’ in the ‘Resources’ section

[Graham Wood]

Thanks for that Roy, another one to be bookmarked.

The ashtray (am I still allowed to say that?) on my 3200 is getting a bit ‘sticky’ so may well see if he has a good one…

David Askew had one, but in worse condition than the current one, although David is also a very good source for parts.

[Graham Wood]

Pretty sure they did not come with them out of the factory. Any cars you see with them will probably be aftermarket ones fitted. I am sure eBay would have some if you really need them.

Most mechanics recommend these days not to bother as any self respecting thief wanting your wheels will soon have them anyway…

[Graham Wood]

We know where to come if we want any ‘bespoke’ interiors for our Maseratis!

Can you post some of the more interesting car interiors you have done?

[Graham Wood]

Thanks for the update Mick, good to get a view from someone who has direct experience.

I wonder how long it would be before the dirt begins to stick, and how easily tar spots come off?

[Graham Wood]

Old bath towels are for me (washed and tumble dried before each usage much to the annoyance of other household members!!). Chamois one of the worst things for catching grit.

After Chris mentioned it, I have done a little research on GTechniq – would be really interested to know if it is any good, as said previously, I remain to be convinced. Anyone out there used it?

 

[Graham Wood]

Personally, I have never tried them. I believe Geoff Lancaster (former Trident Editor) had a lifetime ‘product’ on his Spyder once, it would be interesting to see how that fared over the years.

I also have a certain level of skepticism with ‘lifetime products’, but happy to be convinced by anyone with experience.

I do use a mix of AutoGlym and SwissVax products on an ‘ad hoc’ basis. In fact I try to clean cars as little as possible to reduce the possibility of dreaded swirl marks (even though I am an advocate of the ‘two bucket method with gritguards).

[Graham Wood]

Hi Henry,

I saw a man from the RAC do this on my car many years ago when he disabled an RAC Tracker that was faulty (that’s where the RAC place trackers, under the rear seats).

To get the seat backs off  he pressed the top of the seat down whilst pulling it out at the same time. It seemed as if it was just  metal spring clips holding it in place. It did seem that a lot of pressure was required.

You may need to talk to one of the specialists just to confirm this before you damage anything. I have also asked a friend who may have removed his seats in the past for advice.

Graham

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