Ferrari 296

[The Junkman]

On 5/31/2025 at 8:55 AM, Matt Bacon said:

Amazing work, my friend!

Is there anything like this in the US? https://www.heritageskillsacademy.co.uk/

The classic and historic industry is taking the risk of losing skills very seriously, and there’s even a category for “apprentice of the year” in the most prestigious historic motoring awards…

best,

M.
 

 

There are a number of colleges offering degrees in auto restoration.  I found a year old article about just that subject.  https://classiccarjobs.us/2024/05/29/top-colleges-and-programs-for-classic-car-restoration/

[Brudda]

On 2/28/2025 at 9:02 AM, Ace-Garageguy said:

Just out of curiosity, what is y'all's thinking on the micro-cracking on the surface of those rotors?

Hello Ace, just talked to a tech on the composite brake rotors. The micro cracking is ok. They watch them closely. If the cracking gets to the edge of the rotor, they replace them. If these were steel they would be replaced immediately. These were in an accident and were replaced as soon as it was returned to the mechanic’s shop. The cost was extremely expensive. 

[Brudda]

F2 -3 parts. F1 next?

[Brudda]

From this to this…. So far

[Brudda]

Now this. Ready for the paint shop. I am using other parts I have straightened. Two fenders at $7000 each and a hood at $12,000. Not cheap by any means. Put a new 1/4 panel on at &15,000 and a new left door at $10,000. Repaired the rear upper new panel. ( new parts always come in damaged)  I’ll have pics after paint. 

[Brudda]

This paint scheme is interesting 

[Brudda]

Will be at laguna seca 12-14. ( now weather tech raceway, was Mazda raceway). Anyway I will post pics of the event. They were cool and paid for everything. My attire I have to wear. 

[Brudda]

1 minute ago, Brudda said:

Will be at laguna seca 12-14. ( now weather tech raceway, was Mazda raceway). Anyway I will post pics of the event. They were cool and paid for everything. My attire I have to wear. 

Can you believe it, this is my job. I have to do it. 

[The Junkman]

1 minute ago, Brudda said:

Can you believe it, this is my job. I have to do it. 

Is it OK to hate you now?

[Dragline]

Those cracks seem shallow and surface as Ace said... But they get toasty I know. That's the reason they are there in the first place. I am willing to wager they are expensive and since they are a racing rotor all the more so. What surprises me is not carbon. 

[Brudda]

Laguna Seca. The cars I worked on. This is my work. Retire? Are you kidding

[Brudda]

My car took second. Going to Italy. 

[Brudda]

More pics

[Brudda]

[Brudda]

Lemans 296. A big difference to the challenge cars. I am not certified to work on these. This is a whole diff animal. 

[Brudda]

my assistant Harriet, she showed my around and how it works. 

[Brudda]

A small video

[Brudda]

This is my work. Friends and people ask me when I’m retiring, but if this was your job and you were very well compensated for your time would you give this up? 

[Brudda]

Had to put a new rear aluminum frame section in a 296. Not all fun and games. Got to work at 4am to put it in. Got her finished in a few hours. The section cracked. A lot of stress on these cars, the trans, engine and suspension will be in today and off to Italy she goes. The pay was good so it didn’t hurt too bad. Just might have to celebrate and get another mfh kit. So I can go more crazy. I think I have reached the definition of insane. Here is what had to be done. First pic is the cracked section. Which was welded at the track , a temporary repair. Then came back to my shop to put a new one in. New one is on the floor in the last pic. Rattle canned the frame section. Under the gun so the paint job is not the greatest. Primed it then put a red coat of heat resistant paint. It’s totally covered up so it cannot be seen with the engine and gas tank in the way. Not my best paint job for sure but it will not corrode. They loved it because of the time frame. I’m their aluminum hero.