This post begins to cover the metal work restoration of a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Cabriolet (PF Cab), for the preview post on the measuring box click here.

The first part of this post covers a measuring device we designed and built specially for this Ferrari PF Cab and the second part explains how it was used to rebuild the tail light area.

The objective of the measuring box is to figure out if a car body was built square to the chassis and is symmetrical from side to side. Before delving into measuring the body, remember that this was a Ferrari hand built body from the 1960’s, so tight tolerances are not expected. The idea is that the Ferrari PF Cab body and chassis sit on a center line inside a 3-dimensional steel framed box. The perimeter of the box acts as a measuring datum so that measurements from the box to the Ferrari PF Cab can be taken on the left and right hand sides and then compared to check symmetry.

The 3-dimensional box is divided into 3 planes representing length, depth, and height. On each axis is 1/2″ machined holes spaced 200mm apart, these holes are locations for the measuring stations. A line runs down the center of the box and the center of the chassis is aligned with a custom stand to the body. The center line only runs length ways, as the body is only symmetrical in one direction. The body is divided into a grid, with the aid of a laser, and numbered to aid recording.

These were the findings of major significance for this Ferrari PF Cab:

the front right-hand headlight housing is 10mm further forward than the left-hand headlight

the body style line is 6mm higher on the right-hand side than the left-hand

the complete rear end of the car is kicked over to the right hand side 50mm from the rear of the doors to the back of the Ferrari. Not from accident/damage, just how the car was built.

the left-hand rear tail light housing peak leans inwards 8mm

After discussing the above findings with the client, the first issues to address was the left-hand tail light problem. Now we will show the step by step rebuild and fabrication of the light housing. Why rebuild this area? On first sight the sheet metal housing clearly looked as though the top was angled inwards and second, the housing was too big for the light bezel, which formed the appearance of a step. To be correct in appearance, the surface of the bezel should be level with the surface of the paint. As part of the ‘measuring box’ process, we recorded results showing the top of the housing was 5mm to the right of center. To fix these two problems it was most practical and cost efficient to make a completely new housing and then graft it into the fender. The following series of photos will take you through this process accompanied with brief descriptions.

Photos of Ferrari 250 GT PF Cab light housing restoration

Check out our services provided at our fully equipped work shop in Denver, Colorado.

The first post in the series about this extensive automotive restoration explains more about the measuring box created to check the symmetry of this Ferrari. Part Three, covers patterning up the rocker panels, Part Four looks at how the original rocker panels were dismantled, and Part Five shows how the new panels were created and attached to the Ferrari 250 GT. Stay tuned for more info and updates!