GranTurismo rusty panel query?

[zoros]

I have a 2008 GT. The car is in very good nick overall. Having climbed all over it during these last few weeks I have come across a 10" x 10" pressed steel plate (patterned) on either side of the car just inboard of the front jacking point. It spans a portion of the brake pipeline channel that runs front to back along the car but doesn't seem to have a purpose?>

Anyway - unlike the rest of the underside, these two steel panels are in a terribly corroded state of disrepair. In fact one has part crumbled and this weekend I removed both plates and threw them in the bin as they were crumbling in my hands!

Does anyone have any idea what these are there for?

[I also note that some of the front and rear suspension rods,supports etc have got what looks like 'wind deflectors' made of hard plastic just in front of several of these suspension struts - anyone?].

 

[Yeti]

These were a "free" warranty replacement from Maserati, that said I am still waiting for Graypaul to get them in for my car. They have probably "forgotten" now that it's out of warranty. However, I do believe they are only about 8 quid each.

 

[BigR]

I've been warned of these in so much as they do corrode (but mine haven't yet), and have been told they're a £10-15 part and small amount of effort to replace.

As to what they're for???

 

[zoros]

Yes but what purpose do they serve?
Anyone?

 

[Yeti]

Yes but what purpose do they serve?
Anyone?

Maserati fit them just to annoy you......

 

[zoros]

Excellent response, I knew there was a good reason........

 

[Felonious Crud]

Not just to annoy. Also to baffle and intrigue.

 

[Blu Elettrico]

Mine too have gone rusty and cars a little over 18 months old. Hence they WILL be replaced under warrenty when in for a service. I think they call them chassis plates but don't seem to do much other than perhaps hold the car together!

 

[mowlas]

I do believe they are break pipe cover plates (I was told mine needed replacing on the QP by the dealer as they were corroded).

 

[zoros]

Well my car is 0.2Kg lighter now. Should mean an increase in 0-60 of 0.000369 seconds.
I spoke to the main dealer and he said it protects the brake pipelines. I said what about the remaining 20 feet of brake pipe that was open to the elements? Alas - he was unable to respond constructively.

My theory is that "should" an errant 'gofor' accidentally misplace the positioning of the car jack, he would encounter these steel plates which would offer a modicum of protection against further collateral damage to the brake pipes.
I have no intention of replacing said rust attractor plates.

 

[allandwf]

Possibly to stop wayward stones damaging a brake pipe?

 

[AndyG]

Brake pipes on the n/s and fuel pipes on the o/s and yes they are there to stop idiots jacking on the pipes, replaced mine 18 months ago and these are going rusty already, I've also just found that my n/s panel behind the headlight is rust as we'll, so new panel on order and there going off to be powder coated.


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[Felonious Crud]

I've also just found that my n/s panel behind the headlight is rust as we'll, so new panel on order and there going off to be powder coated.

Hi Andy. Stoopid question, but how did you notice? I mean, where is the panel visible from - from under the plastic under-bonnet trim or behind the wheel arch liner? I need to check mine. The chassis plates can come off for a good session with a wire-brush and a coat of Hammerite.

 

[AndyG]

I'll take photo in the morning, but the front part of the under tray bolts to it, I was carrying out a full service and the front bolts just broke away, further investigation found zero rust prevention on both sides


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[zoros]

Brake pipes on the n/s and fuel pipes on the o/s and yes they are there to stop idiots jacking on the pipes, replaced mine 18 months ago and these are going rusty already, I've also just found that my n/s panel behind the headlight is rust as we'll, so new panel on order and there going off to be powder coated.


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Thanks Andy - I will get some replacement plates done myself in 316 gauge SS.

 

[BigR]

Doesn't this thread just sum up the love / hate thing about Maserati / <insert any Italian car brand>...!

 

[Felonious Crud]

Doesn't this thread just sum up the love / hate thing about Maserati / <insert any Italian car brand>...!

Haha! Yes.. any other car we'd declare them a piece of worthless **** and make a note to never buy one again. But what they lack in consistently flawless build quality they more than make up for in charisma. I can live with removing, cleaning and re-painting a couple of panels in return for what my car gives me back. It just needs some sweet love to keep it delivering.

 

[zoros]

Andy G : where are these pictures of your rusty front panel? I need to check with mine!

 

[AndyG]

Sorry manic day

 

[AndyG]

Now that's starting to look better, a good de-rust session followed by a coating of inhibitor followed by good old dinitrol chassis wax!