Side Pillers on Cabs

They are not too special. Looks like a simple vacuum / pressure form part.
What is the problem with the original part? How do they fail?

- Ron

 

Art, I see what you are referring but why replace, and both? Damage? Also agree not a difficult part to remfgr.

 

Mine are a bit worn. I think they say Mondial on them. One is worn smooth, the other is faint. They have a texture assocated with them as well. They may wear against the cover when the top is down. I've seen a few torn in pics over the years. I'd also have to say mine are probably not as black as they would be from new but my car has a balanced patina at this time so they don't stand out.

 

I found a pic of the pillar, not mine but they do seem to be falling apart. Mine is not as bad as the one in the photo but I understand it is a problem on most Mondials.
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Mine are also chewed away where they mate the body when the top is put up. I have asked about this before, and haven't found anything except buying new for stupid prices
RussLasVegas

 

I had thought you guys were talking about the A Pillar trim. This part is a bit more involved.
I wish I had taken a good look my part before storing my car for the winter.
Maybe I can go by the facility to take a good look.

 

I'm happy to say that mine are fine.

 

Mine are like the picture Mike posted. The lower section is gone.

 

I think it is called a "moulding" even though it is really a gasket. It consists of a metal bracket mounted to the convertible top structure, attached to this is a hard plastic center covered with foam and a rubber-like skin. There is also a rubber window gasket that seals (I use that term loosely) to the front window. There is a separate rubber gasket to seal the rear window.
It seems all of these wear in the same location, the bottom. I think it has to do with how the top folds down and rubs the rear window (even when the window is all the way down). With the foam/rubber missing at the bottom there is the potential for a significant leak if you are driving in the rain. Of course in my 1990 "T", the "mouse" seatbelt electrical connector is located directly below this area (under a trim piece) and I would bet that is why there are many failures of this component, it gets wet.
I have been trying to get one of these since I got my car in April of this year. It's NLA, unless there is stock at a dealer somewhere. I would expect to pay an insane price if you can find one of these items.

DavidJ

 

I think one side is still available but can't remember which.

 

Both of my side pillars are bad.

 

My passenger side has virtually the same damage as this picture. I've tried to pick up used ones when someone is breaking down a mondial for parts but so far no luck.

 

I had the same problem and I wasn't able to find a less expensive solution than changing both (at crazy prices, I have to admit).
Roberto

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350500

 

Hmmm. If ever my top is up I'll consider.

 

I dreamt about this last night and in my dream found mine were damaged. Guess I'll have to go look at them now. After the dog gets walked and the DMV papers are collected.

 

Ron, this might be a good "new" winter manufacturing project for you. You know, if things get slow at the crazy little electronics shop you work at

 

Right, Russ - - we both know this particular item isn't quite like Ron's top latch hardware or his new A/C center vent angulation pieces, in terms of cost to recreate or upgrade.

Seven years ago, the bloody things were about $400 each, which I felt was obscene!!! Now ............ well, forget it !! That little pillar piece can be Rachel's one and only "messy" war scar !!! Efffffff It !!!

Cheers & "be thirsty, my friends".

Hankie

 

Thankfully mine are perfect, but how or why do they deteriorate? How does one protect them from aging, other than just keeping them clean, out of the sun and well conditioned. I guess that should be enough.
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Ted, yours look factory fresh. Ours are showing the early signs of wear. I think a combination of the rear windows on initial contact and the rub factor when stowing the top eat away at the lower portion of the pillars. I am wondering if a replacement could be milled out of hard rubber and tailored to accept standard window gaskets as Art mentioned.

Dave
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I do have a spare set of these Ron. I bought new ones several years ago at the "exorbitant" price of $350 each. Now they are showing early signs of wear like Dave's. I have traced this to slight misalignment of trim pieces and the metal bars supporting the top when you stow it. do not think it has anything to do with the windows.

Just send me your shipping info and I will send you the chewed up old beasties. You can also see how I unsuccessfully tried to repair them with black weatherstripping adhesive..

Best

H

 

I just went and took some pictures to give all an idea of what they could look like. Mine are worn but it will give you an idea. These used to have texture and say Mondial Cabriolet on them. Do the replacement ones say that. And look at the texture that used to be applied. I actually didn't realize there was text on the one side until I had owned the vehicle for quite a while.
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