| Author |
Message |
Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
New member
Username: Rcallahan
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 7:40 pm: | |
Thanks guys for the info. I'll be sure to read the manual before dropping the top.
Bob |
Mr. Doody (Doody)
Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 403
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 4:19 pm: | |
while you can put the top down without the car started, i find that it sucks quite a bit of power moving both seats and operating the top. by the time it's done it's moving a bit slower :-). maybe it's just my perception, but i always have the car running when the top is going up or down.
as others have stated do read the manual before you do anything. it really is complicated!
another thing to be careful of is to follow the directions. i tried to put the top down once with the door open. not only did it not work right, it caused all sorts of weird warning lights to go off and on for a few minutes. my mechanic said there was no record of a problem in the computer, and that i just shouldn't do things except according to the book :-). never had a problem since.
enjoy the car!
doody |
Joseph Caretti (Pino)
Junior Member
Username: Pino
Post Number: 69
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 3:20 pm: | |
Putting the top down requires a bit of prior knowledge:
-Key must be on
-Parking brake on
-Doors closed
-Unlatch top at header
-Pull back top until "beep" is heard (This can be tricky to the uninitiated. Pull back, keeping parallel with the car, not "up and back")
-Activate the top switch at which points the seats will slide forward and stop, and the top will do its thing.
-Keep holding the switch until the top stops moving and the seats return to their previous position.
-Install the tonneau cover to prevent damage to the top while driving.
This is for a six-speed car. I am not sure if the car must be in neutral or not for an F1.
As mentioned before, if the red LED is blinking on the center vent, then you must deactivate the alarm with remote before attempting to start. (If not, the car will crank, but not start).
Also, for the F1, one must have foot on brake, and have neutral selected before starting.
Congrats, and good luck with your spouse!
|
jm2 (Yello355)
New member
Username: Yello355
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 3:05 pm: | |
the top on the 355 is probably one of the most complicated tops ever.however , if you read the manual very carefully you won't have any problems.there isn't anything as great as screaming around w/the top down! |
Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
New member
Username: Rcallahan
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 1:10 pm: | |
Thanks for the advice Art. I used to work for Eastern (and other airlines), but for the last ten years I have been working with airline management types. I seem to make more money than when I was a full time pilot. Anyway, thanks for the info.
Bob |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 612
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 1:03 pm: | |
1st thing I would do is completely photo the car before siging the receipt. If there is any damage which you believe was not present when you made arrangements to buy, note them on the receipt. Also note on the receipt that you haven't inspected the underside of the vehicle, and that the signature does release for hidden damage.
As to the operation of the vehicle: Is it an F1 or manual? If a manual, remember it WILL NOT START unless you use the electronic key, i.e., the alarm switch. There is a small red light in the upper center of the dashboard, if it is blinking, the car won't start. Make sure you have hit the alarm and it is off. Once you turn it on, you have 3 minutes to get the car started, then you have to use the electronic key again.
As to the top: READ the manual before you touch anything.
As to not telling your wife. Been there, done that. Bad mistake on my part, hope you don't get what I got: trouble, and cost various remodeling around the house, doubled the price of the car.
Have fun with the vehicle. By the way, I have a MOdel 58 Baron, what do you fly?
Art |
Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
New member
Username: Rcallahan
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 12:39 pm: | |
Although I have been "lurking" for the past few months, I am making my first post. I just bought a 1999 F355 Spider and it should be delivered within the next few days (my wife doesn't know yet!). Although I have driven spiders in the past it dawned on me that when the trucking company delivers the car I do not know how to put the top down (the manuals are with the car). Can anybody tell me what I have to do to lower the top? Any other advice when accepting the car from the trucking company?
Thanks for the help.
Bob C. |
|