Before pulling the trigger : 1990 Ferrari Mondial T Convertible!

Post this in the Mondial section of this site. Mods.. if you could move it that would be ideal.

 

Congrats, awesome choice but thinking the Mondial may be one of the "less" expensive models to maintain
Of course post some pictures of the car so we can all drool together.

 

Thread moved to Mondial subforum. HamadUP, you will get better responses here.

 

One of the bigger expenses is changing out the timing belt. In the t, it requires dropping the rear subframe and engine to get to the belt. Once removed, it is not particularly difficult, but like everything else, there are tricks and you need to be precise. Dropping the rear subframe is labor intensive if not doing it yourself; you will need to figure out the best way to secure the subframe as it is lowered from the vehicle. Do a search here, many have gone before you.

Other things to check are the electrics, a known weak spot. Bad grounds and inadequate fusebox are the typical culprits. Upgrading to a better fusebox (Dave Helms has a very nice upgrade for example) will solve a lot of those issues.

These cars came with R12. If not converted, that is getting expensive. There are differing opinions on R12 replacement.

I am sure there are other items, folks will chime in. These are relatively sophisticated cars, given they are approaching 25 years old. Power steering and adjustable suspension are bonuses to having 2+2 seating. One of the very few Ferrari's that can be joined with the word "practical" in the same sentence! Prices seem to be on the rise, so now is a good time to secure one.

Don't be bashful about driving the car once it is warmed up. Most people here believe if you drive the car the way it was intended, it will last a lot longer and perform better, to say nothing of being more fun!

Regards,
Jerry

 

Be prepared for lots of complements. Let the fun begin.

 

Actually what I found is 'poorly managed' Mondials are 'expensive' to maintain.

A lot of these cars have been neglected and not properly cared for...which causes problems to snowball...causing even bigger (and more expensive problems).

A properly cared for Mondial I argue is manageable to maintain.

Of course I only have a sample size of 1, but so far the biggest problems I've had all were due to the previous owner doing stupid things.

They:
1) Installed a bunch of electrical junk that taxed the system
2) Did not replace things during the last 30K that should have been no-brainers (hoses and pumps)
3) I've driving my car for about 4K miles and have small minor hiccups here and there (that sort themselves out)

It could just be psychological, but I really do feel the more I drive it - the better running it is.

Just do a proper PPI with qualified inspector - they will quote (X) to bring it back to full glory...as a margin of expectations...multiply this value by 2X - use this as a negotiating tool and you'll be happy!

So if the Mondial is going for say 40K - PPI says it will cost 8K to bring back to full condition - I would argue - offer 32K for the car (showing laundry list of things wrong from the PPI) and expect about 8K to spend after that...

I know this sounds a bit aggressive, but I rather give you as sobor of an estimate as possible - you'll probably do better then my guestimate, but at least you won't be surprised or disappointed...once these cars are sorted and driving regularly - you won't go back!!!

Just my $0.02 Welcome to the brotherhood!

 

No matter the price there is always work on a 25 year old car!

Prices are rising dont expect deals, .....much to what my brothers are asserting..tsk tsk gentlemen


MONDIs are coming into favor!

Back to the subject.... fill in your stats so we know where you are at cause there are huge differences in world prices for Mondis

The T is an excellent car ! especially for a person that has their own tools !

Buy it and enjoy!

 

If one is capable of working on a "sidewinder" (3.2 & before), I have a feeling, they would not feel as if they were on Mars, as regards working on a "T". But do remember, "capable" embraces common sense, knowledge, an open mind - - and of course, lots of experience.

All of this dialogue regarding what one can, or cannot do on their Mondial - - is starting to make me (urp)

Do we want the 'T" upgrades and refinements? Or do we want the 3.2's more elementary, raw mechanicals? The difference in cost for a major service between the 3.2 and the T (engine out), is only about $1,500, if your top notch guy does it.

Eh-beh-de, Beh-de, Beh-de ......... so what are the features you really want in your Mondial? That really is all that matters.

I would say this - - If you're on the fence regarding the purchase of a 3.2 or a T, you must drive them both. The drive will answer more questions than you were aware, even existed. Seriously.

Cheers,

Hankster

 

.

Some people say the T handles better,
some say they can't tell the difference.


Not many have driven both.
Besides, most people don't really push their cars to the point of "difference".

That leads to the question -- do we buy the car because we "like" the car?
or do we buy the car to drive the car?


YMMV

 

+1 yep that is the difference from our top notch guy!

 

Hi FCnew,

I'm driving along in Rachel - (yeah, the one with the Daytona seats and the Valeo clutch system), anyway .......... we're just cooking along side the beach on the 101.

If I were driving a 41 Ford with a blown flathead, I'd be just as stoked!! I'm even quite happy to drive my Chevy Astro van.

It ain't about the car .......... it's about your head.

Be well & happy, my friends,

Hank

 

Thanks Hank ! Thanks for sharing your state of mind.


Not everyone gets to drive the 101... I only drove it once, and much treasured the experience. I have forgotten what I was driving, and yes, I was pretty happy driving whatever rental I had that week.

.

 

Ditto Paul, times...whatever number you want to insert.

 

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