[mic125]

I am the proud new owner of my long awaited first Ferrari ( I have owned it for some7 months), a red/black 1995 456 GT. It is not my daily driver but every day I think about the next time I am going to drive it , I love it The question I have, knowing the issue with the windows is; when I put the cover on it in the garage, is it best to have the windows open or closed? Or does it not matter?

[Granucci]

Welcome: The 456 is a very under rated car, and at these prices, even if needing to extra work I feel they are a great bargain.

Now, my first question is, don't take it wrong, why are you covering it in the garage? Covers can abraise the paint. The garage should offer dust enough proofing and protection.

BUT, if you have a nicely OEM or equiv. soft cover that is clean, then I might see no problem.

As for the windows. That is an interesting quesition. The leather keeping 'moist' and pliable without harsh exposure to [especially] sun elements or severe temperatures would be my only concern, and I would expect the windows up to tackle that issue.

In my covered garage, I keep the windows down for the 456 or Mondial T. Matter of fact the T hardly ever has the top up.

If dust is a problem, then I strongly suggest windows up and cover off. The soft cover does not protect against fine dust and IMO will actually harm the finish, over time. If dust is prev. then you'll be fighting that lost battle of always wanting to spiff up the car for presentation as the cover will give 'streaks' on the car: As me how I know .

I also, 24/7 have a small space heater always on, and that includes the Summer. My house has solar so I pay by law a max [in my case] of under $8/month. However, if I paid more I would most likely keep it on. My interior temp in garage is about 70F average. Some would think too high, but not I: I can basically have the car warmed up [fluids] within a couple min. due to a warmish garage, but I normally idle it until the major fans change pitch.

Not sure this helps, but don't know the area or climate or reasons for you.

rik

[Mr. v]

Originally Posted by mic125

The question I have, knowing the issue with the windows is; when I put the cover on it in the garage, is it best to have the windows open or closed? Or does it not matter?

Which window issue?

There are two common window issues with a 1995 456 GT.

The most common one is the window not sealing flush and correctly, leaving a gap that allows noise and water in.

This seems to be typically caused by people repeatedly closing the door by pushing on the top of window, which puts strain on the regulator and mechanical bits inside the door, stretching it beyond tolerances.

The other problem is the micro switch and circuitry designed to slightly lower the window the instant you attempt to open the door.

Sometimes the switch / circuitry fails, or balks, causing the window not to lower slightly.

Both problems can be satisfactorily addressed by a competent mechanic who is familiar with this car and these problems; the problem of course is finding one.

FWIW, I got my '95 456 GT the same time you did, and it also came with a car cover.

I would only suggest using it if the car won't be used for some time, e.g. during winter; keep a battery tender on it, and all should be well.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by Mr. v

Which window issue?

There are two common window issues with a 1995 456 GT.

The most common one is the window not sealing flush and correctly, leaving a gap that allows noise and water in.

This seems to be typically caused by people repeatedly closing the door by pushing on the top of window, which puts strain on the regulator and mechanical bits inside the door, stretching it beyond tolerances.

The other problem is the micro switch and circuitry designed to slightly lower the window the instant you attempt to open the door.

Sometimes the switch / circuitry fails, or balks, causing the window not to lower slightly.

Both problems can be satisfactorily addressed by a competent mechanic who is familiar with this car and these problems; the problem of course is finding one.

FWIW, I got my '95 456 GT the same time you did, and it also came with a car cover.

I would only suggest using it if the car won't be used for some time, e.g. during winter; keep a battery tender on it, and all should be well.

The other problem is the micro switch and circuitry designed to slightly lower the window the instant you attempt to open the door.

Sometimes the switch / circuitry fails, or balks, causing the window not to lower slightly.

Both problems can be satisfactorily addressed by a competent mechanic who is familiar with this car and these problems; the problem of course is finding one.

FWIW, I got my '95 456 GT the same time you did, and it also came with a car cover.

I would only suggest using it if the car won't be used for some time, e.g. during winter; keep a battery tender on it, and all should be well.

The window problem is not how it is shut, but more than likely the number of times the window is operated: VERY poor design...you should see the inside of the older Ferrari junk..windows were an afterthought.

Ferrari allowed a window "fix" [not] at about $8,000 per job: mine got it and the driver's side is still an issue.

The lack of flush sealing comes from a worn inner window routine. One needs to take of the inner door panel off and fix the pulley and tension to get the window seating properly.

Perhaps there is some truth to the window being used to shut the door, but I would doubt such as a lot of windows are down, and most users use the door sill to shut their door.

I have noticed almost without exception, it is more typically the driver's side. RHD vs LHD shows such to be true. Why? Driver usually fiddling with the window a lot more.

I can post a link later showing how to fix. would actually come from 'the other' side

But the OP's question is about windows up vs down IIR his post correctly. UP causes no problem, unless garage is too hot, and I mean desert hot as the leather will dry quicker. I used to put a small bottle of water in the cab to help with moisture in REALLY hot days.....that was years ago.

THEN I left the window cracked until some clown taking his frustrations out on someone put a lit cigarette into the window causing a burn!!!!!

Leave them always up now

I just keep the leather moist now and 'almost' keeps it pliable easier. I drive my 456 or she does almost every day. We go from coastal Bay Area fog to Sacramento HEAT.

The leather in some model issues are not going to last a long time anyway. Buy a light cleaner, and moisturize it. The worst way to treat leather is with salt, which is what perspiration contains. Lightly wash that out.

We have a couple detailers here, that are better at describing the care.

IF your garage is normal [60-75 F], leaving windows up/down will likely be about the same.

I would be more concerned about particulates [dust, etc.] just getting in the car because personally I [just me I guess] HATE polishing all the nooks and crannies: IT becomes an anal exercise of patience, and the job never seems to be to my satisfaction or ever DONE.

I hate it...would now rather pay someone.

[mic125]

Thanks Rik and Mr v
I live in Adelaide, South Australia which generally has a mild climate. The car is garaged in a relatively dust free environment. The cover I have is a Ferrari 'original' which is clean and soft. The window issue is the drivers side -- the window not sealing flush and correctly, leaving a gap that allows noise and water in. Theres is not alot of wind noise and at this stage do not intend correcting.I do keep a battery tender on the vehicle during window and that works fine.I am very careful ( paranoid)how I and others open and close the doors ,never psuhing on the windows and always waiting that split second for the window to slightly lower. I will leave the cover off and windows down for a while and see if there is any difference.

[Mr. v]

Here is a link which might be of interest to you:

Wind noise through windows - FerrariChat.com

I also employed Craig at The Jag Shop in Portland, Oregon to correct the window problem in my 456 GT.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by Mr. v

Here is a link which might be of interest to you:

Wind noise through windows - FerrariChat.com

I also employed Craig at The Jag Shop in Portland, Oregon to correct the window problem in my 456 GT.

+!

Also, this is the link for the 'fix' I mentioned earlier: 1995 456 GT Windows fix - FerrariChat.com

I, still, have problems with my window and tried to perfect the fix above, but honestly do not have the time or facilities.

Also know of Portland having success. So much so, I was considering sending the car there for the repair.

Ferrari's 'fix' was sometime very good, but still needing an adjustment down the road, and sometimes not good.

They may be able to cast an engine block with virgins, but had a devil handling other nibbles and bits.

[mic125]

Thanks again,I now also subscribe to Ferrari Chat

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by mic125

Thanks again,I now also subscribe to Ferrari Chat

It would have happened sooner or later.

Don't be a stranger here: You'll find the crowd a lot more friendly at times and less friv. postings towards you. For instance you would never be able to link this site's thread in Ferrarichat! Nonsense restriction and fear on their part if you ask me.

I find value in both, but owners here seem to be better mannered.