Maserati 3200 Updates

[tarquin]

I am STILL in the process of sourcing a decent 2001 or newer 3200GT.

2 of the 3 I have seen have had the beginings of rust on them on the nose, arches and door bottoms.

Am I correct in my assumption that the body is not galvanised and did Ferrari implement galvanisation at some point once they took over production?

Also, I have heard stories of crank failure, something to do with the clutch pressing on the end float an knackering a washer. I know that there was an updated crank fitted to later cars, late 2001/51 plate, does anyone know from what chassis number this (and any galvanisation) started from as I am keen to avoid this type of problem.

[s70jps]

never seen one with rust! There are all sorts of opinions on what goes wrong with these cars. Just buy a sound one with full main dealer history and the red key. Then live with the bills. Personally there is no point in researching engine and chassis numbers on this model they all have thair quirks.

[nigelo]

tarquin said:

Am I correct in my assumption that the body is not galvanised and did Ferrari implement galvanisation at some point once they took over production?

Also, I have heard stories of crank failure, something to do with the clutch pressing on the end float an knackering a washer. I know that there was an updated crank fitted to later cars, late 2001/51 plate, does anyone know from what chassis number this (and any galvanisation) started from as I am keen to avoid this type of problem.

To correct a few urban myths:
Ferrari were in full charge of 3200 production from day 1 - No more no less. This was the first Maserati productionised under Ferrari control.

The bodies are properly galvanised in exactly the same way as Ferraris and do not normally suffer from rust - Salt air, Owner neglect etc however could make a difference to anything.

Some instances of excessive crank end-float but mostly later models (2001 on) and affecting BOTH manual and automatic versions so the clutch theory is BS. Both manuals and autos have supercessions on cranks which may or may not be relevant - The d1ckheads using an incorrect grade of oil when servicing is a more likely cause imho ALWAYS use fully synth 10/60 (ideally Selenia Racing) - no exceptions. Current thinking is defective white metal on crank thrust bearings combined with oiling probs

Hope this helps

[tarquin]

Thanks, so from what you are suggenting Nigelo, is that the cranks for 2001 model year car suffer from a poor batch of crankshafts, is that correct. So I assume that earlier cars do not suffer from this fault, of to a lesser degree anyway.

With regard to the running cost bills, I do not have a problem with that, but its rust that I was not expecting. I understand that neglect could cause rust, but galvanisation, if not incorrectly crash repaired, is usually bomb proof.

I would just like to say thanks to anyone helping me with my problems in advance. I love these cars to bits, and usually buy top end new Alfa, but Alfa have nothing I want at the moment, so thus I am taking a dive into the second hand market for the first time in ages, and do not want to get sold a lemon.

Edited by tarquin on Thursday 16th November 09:54

[andy355]

mine started to rust, one of the reasons i sold it. boot lid near the number plate, bottoms of wheel arches. if they did galvanise them they didnt do a good job!! (car was 2.5 yrs old at time, main dealer supplied etc)

Edited by andy355 on Thursday 16th November 22:01

[tarquin]

andy355 said:

mine started to rust, one of the reasons i sold it. boot lid near the number plate, bottoms of wheel arches. if they did galvanise them they didnt do a good job!! (car was 2.5 yrs old at time, main dealer supplied etc)

Edited by andy355 on Thursday 16th November 22:01

!!!That's SHOCKING!!!

Only thing I could think is that it had been crash repaired, but probably not I think.

...getting nervous about buying this car.

[3200gt]

tarquin said:

andy355 said:

mine started to rust, one of the reasons i sold it. boot lid near the number plate, bottoms of wheel arches. if they did galvanise them they didnt do a good job!! (car was 2.5 yrs old at time, main dealer supplied etc)

Edited by andy355 on Thursday 16th November 22:01

!!!That's SHOCKING!!!

Only thing I could think is that it had been crash repaired, but probably not I think.

...getting nervous about buying this car.

I've had mine for 5+ years now and not a trace of rust.

[tarquin]

3200GT said:

I've had mine for 5+ years now and not a trace of rust.

Do you want to sell it?

Edited by tarquin on Friday 17th November 12:48

[simpress]

My Asseto Corsa has never seen a spot of rust. Additionally it is an absolute dream to own...you couldnt go wrong with buying this make/model, it is just amazing.

If you can try and get an Asseto, they are superb

Pressi

[3200gt]

tarquin said:

3200GT said:

I've had mine for 5+ years now and not a trace of rust.

Do you want to sell it?

Edited by tarquin on Friday 17th November 12:48

You have mail!

[purpleperil]

andy355 said:

mine started to rust, one of the reasons i sold it. boot lid near the number plate, bottoms of wheel arches. if they did galvanise them they didnt do a good job!! (car was 2.5 yrs old at time, main dealer supplied etc)

Mine too on the bottom edge of the boot lid - and it was an Assetto Corsa, so one of the last off the production line! Like Andy, this was also a contributory factor to me parting company with it - but I must say I regret it now

Edited by purpleperil on Saturday 18th November 16:56

[andy355]

to echo the sentiments of the previous poster, if it hadnt been for the emergence of rusty bits i probably would have kept the car...loved it. so dont let that put anyone off, just give it a very good lookover

[3200gt]

tarquin said:

3200GT said:

I've had mine for 5+ years now and not a trace of rust.

Do you want to sell it?

Edited by tarquin on Friday 17th November 12:48

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