Hughes Supercar Services

28/07/2023

I'm a stickler for details and one tiny detail that has been a bug bear and pet peeve for many of the 36 years I've been ferrarifixing is the old fashioned strip style clamps used to secure ducting and tubes are often not fastened correctly. This generally doesn't affect their functionality a great deal. But it can in some cases, and in others it's just messy, wrong or can leave sharp edges if done wrong in one of the many ways of getting it wrong.

So I thought I'd use my tea break to post a mini tutorial for all ferrarifixers, dabblers and tinkerers out there...

In my tutorial, there is no tension applied as the duct isn't fixed to anything, so the final picture doesn't show the clamp as perfectly snug flat as it is when tensioned fully. But the steps shown to get there are the only correct way of doing it.
Wrapping over the pin is wrong, it must be under so the strip stays flat. NOT doing a double lap is wrong. (If the strap breaks it must be replaced if it's not long enough any more). Leaving the tail out leaves a sharp edge that has cut my hand on several occasions.

It's so important to ME to get these details right. The factory did it this way when new, always. I've seen so many, I'm 100% schooled up in this!

This post is to help others get it right. It's not to pick holes in anyone.

All ferrarifixers out there are welcome 🙏!

28/07/2023

Details🔎 👀 👁

Ferrari Classiche preparation for a fibreglass 308GTB. Original 14" x 6.5" wheels restored. Keeping the high content magnesium perfectly dry throughout the preparation process to avoid corrosion triggers, then applying the correct primer and paint in the right quantities so as to not lose the definition of the original lettering.

Then fit original "Wonder" brand aluminium valves, then fit special "Wonder" branded dust caps as the valves come with non branded ones.

Then of course, a set of juicy Michelin XWX 👌💯🇮🇹😊🏎

New old stock correct centre caps not pictured but also fitted.

17/01/2023

It looks like I forgot to post anything on this work page last year! Oh well, let's see how 2023 pans out.
How about we kick the year off with some fresh stock of a tried and proven product I developed.

I've just collected this fresh batch of 3D printed repair kits for the notorious shock absorber actuators on 355, 550, F50, Mondial T and others (even Corvette use these).

These allow the actuator to be salvaged in the highly likely event of a mechanical failure. Be aware they do NOT allow a fix if it has failed electrically but this seems to be very rare compared to the common mechanical issues they have.

A page of easy to follow instructions accompanies any shipment of this repair kit, and any competent mechanic can do it. No special tools are required and you don't even need the SD1 or SD2 tools to calibrate and set up.

With OE actuators almost impossible to find and costing well in excess of $1000USD if you can find a good one, these kits priced currently at only AUD$150+GST RRP each its a no brainer for any Ferrari workshop to have a few on the shelf (for a trade discount bulk purchase discount).

The kit doesn't automatically include the aluminium gear (pictured) to drive the adjuster rod, but I do stock them and can add if needed.

25/01/2022

And welcome back, and into 2022...

And let's say that again in a Richie Benaud voice, because I'm feeling all crickety after just fitting a very sweet sounding Quicksilver exhaust to Victorian Renegade batsman and BBL rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk's Jaguar F Pace.

Exhaust supplied by Mike at .com.au

A very nice system, super light and not too tricky to fit, just requiring some minor manipulation. A subtle smooth idle note but then a really tough braaap and a cheeky crackle on the gear shifts 👌😎🏁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

14/12/2021

Testarossa window fix...

From barely twitching, not opening more than a few mm, to up and down TWICE in 25 seconds without replacing any old parts for new, just fixing...

The cable drive gear wheel spindle required custom bronze bushes made up. But the 1988 built originals all good after a service.

The old sticky grease needed cleaning out and repacking with fresh.

The switches needed stripping and cleaning the switch contacts and the fulcrum contacts.

The wiring loom connectors required sorting out where over heated and oxidised.

Added window accelerator control boxes. These are potted relays that shorten the ground path, bypassing poor earthing/circuit issues.

12/12/2021

The next Hughes generation earned some stripes this weekend, crewing and engineering for me in the Radical SR8

26/10/2021

Refreshed!

Beautifully made pedal box from a very cool and unique race car to Australia.

Oreca made components...

Who knows what car it could be for? Bearing in mind, Oreca have been awarded the contract to build Ferrari GT cars after Michelotto contract finishes soon.

18/09/2021

Most signs seem to point towards some light at the end of the covid tunnel, and although work never really dropped off catastrophically anyway, there has been a lot of movement of cars being bought and sold lately, with strong prices on all Ferraris being made. Record levels for most models.

If you're considering buying a Ferrari, as ever, sooner is better than later as they just keep on trending upwards.

23/08/2021

Forza Ferrari ! 🇮🇹🏁🏎🏁🇮🇹

https://www.facebook.com/150405995322328/posts/1481735932189321/

The 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the oldest and most prestigious endurance race and the fourth round of the FIA WEC World Championship, was dominated by AF Corses 488 GTEs, which triumphed in the LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am classes.

14/07/2021

This lovely old girl benefiting from some love at Hughes Supercar Services. Yet Another case of FRAM oil filters being used by someone of limited knowledge on these cars.

This filter entirely collapsed and restrictive internally, causing slow and potentially damaging oil pressure upon start up and low pressure generally.

FRAM goes in the bin, no exceptions.⛔❌

02/07/2021

If you didn't twin turbo, wide wheel and body kit your 512BBi, did you even 1987 market boom at all?

This "coke and hookers" special in for a new b**b tube, leg warmers and peroxide blonde makeover.....

Seriously though, its an Emblem.Sportscars special. A crude but effective boost job, just lowered compression then standard ignition and injection with minimal mods, couple of big turbos and intercoolers and away you go. A Genuine 200mph/330kmh car...... if you're brave enough.....

10/06/2021

A brand new set of Borrani wheels for this 330GT 2+2 mk2, with new Pirelli Cinturato and tubes.

I've fitted and balanced plenty over the years, but this time I also spent the extra effort to modify a tool for mounting to my wheel balancer, seeing as Borrani went to the trouble to say exactly what is needed 👌

A special treat for me, was to have No1 son come to work and help for the day seeing as school is out for this deadly pandemic (🙄). His expertise in all things bicycle got him the gig dealing with these very valuable (worth more than a small new car!) beautiful spoked wheels. He did a great job, very proud of him, and how he watches, listens, learns and then acts upon what I teach him. I'm even pleased he buggered up one inner tube doing it, because he learned much more making a silly small cheap mistake and is even better off now for it.