'm finally ready to take the plunge and buy a Mondial! | FerrariChat

'm finally ready to take the plunge and buy a Mondial!

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by Alden, Apr 13, 2015.

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  1. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #1 Alden, Apr 13, 2015
    I have been lurking here for a while and have learned a lot from all of you.

    The stars are all aligned now for me to finally buy my Mondial!

    I am in Central Florida and will be looking at a few local cars to get a feel for how they drive, but I am not limiting my search to any specific area.

    I know I want an 86+ but not a "T." I like the fact that I can work on the pre T models myself. I am a pretty good wrench, given enough time and patience and have a great running Jag XJR to show for it.

    It took me three years to find and buy the perfect Jag, so I am not in a hurry for a stable mate for the cat.

    Thanks for all the info I have devoured over the past few years and if anyone can point me towards a good car, or if you have any additional advice, I would appreciate it.
    Alden
     
  2. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    #2 Meister, Apr 13, 2015
    The T's are plenty work-on-able :) by a DIY'er. Sure you need a lift but that is a "fun" problem to have.
     
  3. gsfent

    gsfent Formula 3

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    #3 gsfent, Apr 13, 2015
    If Wade's 3.2 is available, it would be a very well sorted car for you. Shoot him a PM, he is not far away from you.

    Regards,
    Jerry
     
  4. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #4 Alden, Apr 14, 2015
    I am already talking to my Wife about how "convenient" it would be to have a lift in our 3 car garage! We'll see............
    Alden
     
  5. Cadillacbart

    Cadillacbart Formula Junior

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    #5 Cadillacbart, Apr 14, 2015
    I just ordered mine. The garage guy was here today changing the door to a high lift. Now I need to install the jack shaft opener this weekend. Hoping to have the lift ready to roll by this time next week!
     
  6. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 Wade, Apr 15, 2015
    Thanks Jerry but I'm pretty sure he's looking for a Cab.
     
  7. sidtx

    sidtx F1 Rookie
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    #7 sidtx, Apr 15, 2015
    Best think I ever did to my garage (besides putting a Mondial in there).

    I have a 4 post Direct-Lift. Also had the high-lift tracks for the doors installed and the Liftmaster/Chaimberlain Jackshaft on both doors. Now I can raise the Mondial up to the full 10ft ceiling.

    Sid
     
  8. sidtx

    sidtx F1 Rookie
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    #8 sidtx, Apr 15, 2015
    Some of us think the Coupe's are the way to go!!!

    Nothing like a pretty blue Coupe! And yes, I admit it, I'm prejudiced - Love the Coupes.

    It could also have something to do with the pain of having to install a new CV top. Currently doing (still - after 4 weeks) a top on my Karmann Ghia.



    sid
     
  9. 123howie

    123howie F1 World Champ

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    #9 123howie, Apr 15, 2015
    Take the plunge? Are You atop a high cliff?
     
  10. AlfistaPortoghese

    AlfistaPortoghese Moderator
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    #10 AlfistaPortoghese, Apr 15, 2015
    Sid,

    Although I'm the proud owner of a Cabriolet, I don't have a hard time at all getting what you're saying. The coupes are also very, very charming Mondials indeed. Coupes turned my head long before I decided to pull the trigger on my Cabriolet, blue and black being my favorite colors.

    Kind regards,

    Nuno.
     
  11. Rapalyea

    Rapalyea Formula 3

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    #11 Rapalyea, Apr 16, 2015
    My sister asked if I minded the reclining position she assume the car required. I told her not only do I sit upright, but have more headroom then any other car I have ever owned. More like a Ford F-150 pick up truck then an F-1! It is the only car in which I can comfortably wear my cowboy hat. With the obvious exception of my convertible Corvair ;).
     
  12. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #12 Alden, Apr 17, 2015
    My daily driver is a 2014 F-150, great truck! My wife used to drive one too and at one time we had two F-150's parked in our garage.

    Since she just bought a new Ford Escape she mentioned that we can fit another car in the garage along with hers and my Jag.

    So started the search in earnest for the Mondial!
    Alden
     
  13. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #13 rdefabri, Apr 17, 2015
    Get a 3.2 Cab - can get under $40K and reliable.

    Good luck!
     
  14. rob

    rob F1 Rookie

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    #14 rob, Apr 17, 2015
  15. sidtx

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    #15 sidtx, Apr 17, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2015
    Another F-150 Driver! I have a 14 supercab with the 5.0 Coyote! It's a great truck. Comfy, loud (love that coyote growl), and can tow 9000lbs.

    Anyone that collects or works on "classic" cars should have a truck. You never know when you are gonna need to tow an acquisition home. I pulled a 5000lb Mercedes (on a 2000lb) trailer up I35 from San Antonio. Truck didn't even feel the weight back there.

    And, as for fit another car in the garage, if you haven't already done so, try to talk the wife into allowing you to put in a 4 post lift. Instant extra parking space.

    Sid
     
  16. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #16 Alden, Apr 18, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2015
    We have always had at least one F-150 in the family. I am in agriculture and have several F-350's, both dually and 4WD and an F-250 at the farm, so no shortage of trucks.

    I towed my XJR to Road Atlanta in November with my new '14 F-150 4x4 to run her on the track. (It is a great track car, BTW even though I was not the fastest one out there!) I have the 5.0 and got about 16 MPG towing about 5,000 lbs at 70 MPH most of the way.

    Newer F-150's ride great, are quiet and comfortable and they changed the exhaust this year so you really get a wonderful growl at WOT too!

    I am working on engineering for the lift. I may have to raise the ceiling in my garage by a few inches or so to make it work. Can anyone tell me the exact height of a Mondial with the top down? If I store it with a tonneau cover with the top dropped, I may have enough height, we'll see...

    The four post models are nice for storage, but the two post models would allow me to use it like a real lift, better access and I could take the wheels off for cleaning and brake service, etc. The manufacturer says the two post models are fine for storage too and some are even cheaper than the four post models.

    My Wife just rolled her eyes when I said I was going to install a lift, she knows me pretty well by now and I am grateful that she supports all my "hobbies."

    I am a regional coordinator for Jaguarforums.com and this forum seems just as friendly and helpful as the Jag forum. Believe me, some hobby forums out there are downright hostile to newbies, I appreciate the warm welcome and assistance.

    Thanks again for all the helpful comments.
    Alden
     
  17. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #17 Alden, Apr 18, 2015
    Thanks for the lead. The black looks great on the Mondial, but I think I am going to fall into the "red for my first Ferrari" hole here.

    I also think I am going to go for a 86-88 model.

    The rustproofing added to the 86 models and electrical system mods to the 87-88's seem attractive.

    Please keep them coming!
    Alden
     
  18. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    #18 Meister, Apr 18, 2015

    Maxjax by Danmar
     
  19. Cadillacbart

    Cadillacbart Formula Junior

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    #19 Cadillacbart, Apr 18, 2015
    I believe the cabriolet is 50" high with the top up if that helps.
     
  20. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #20 Alden, Apr 19, 2015
    Thanks.

    Is it any shorter with the top down?
    Alden
     
  21. bartzagato

    bartzagato Formula Junior

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    #21 bartzagato, Apr 19, 2015
    I think the difference is marginal. If it comes to that, you will touch the ceiling once.

    A friend of mine had the same issues and made a recess in the ceiling. He installed a sunlight dome.

    You gain a few inches with a 2 post lift over a 4 post lift.
     
  22. rob

    rob F1 Rookie

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    #22 rob, Apr 19, 2015
    I agree IMO the 3.2 is the way to go.
     
  23. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #23 Alden, Apr 19, 2015
    Yes, I already talked to an engineer friend of mine and he said raising the ceiling a foot or so was no big deal.

    So the 2 post is shorter than the 4 post?
    Alden
     
  24. sidtx

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    #24 sidtx, Apr 20, 2015
    Hi Alden

    Some of the four post lifts come with a sliding lift jack that allows you to jack up one end of the car for wheel removal or other work. This has worked well for me.

    As for the wife, I got the same reaction. Now, she loves the lift as it added to our available parking space, and makes it easy to get under and work on the cars (including her hold MB).

    Sid
     
  25. sidtx

    sidtx F1 Rookie
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    #25 sidtx, Apr 20, 2015
    Hi Alden

    My ceiling height is exactly at 10ft. I can the mondial on the lift, along with 1 other, smaller car underneath (i.e. 2011 BMW 328 fit, 2013 Hyundai (daughters car) Elantra fit, F150 - no way, 2015 BMW X3 - no way).

    Sid
     
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