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F355 Spider Top

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by eyboro, Apr 16, 2008.

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  1. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    May 30, 2004
    989
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Eitan
    #1 eyboro, Apr 16, 2008
    I just had LFSC complete a 30K service. The car runs and sounds amazing better then new. I had CV joints replaced as well they were broken. The engine looks shiny like new. But I don't think I will enjoy driving it with the top closed. It is like having sex with a woman with her clothes on. The problem is with the top opening on my 1997 F355 Spider. When I use the regular or the emergency switch the top only moves back to the right side. The left side gets stock in the middle while the right side will go back all the way down. I bled the system, I had Lake Forest Sport Car look at it. They changed a sensor but that didn't solve the problem.
    I probably need a new RAM for the left side but they are expansive and I'm not sure if this will solve this issue. If anybody knows where I can buy the bottom left ram inexpensively please let me know. I read deferent threads but no body had the same description problem I had where the top goes down cockeyed to one side.

    Please email me at [email protected] if you have any suggestions.



    Any help will be appreciated.
     
  2. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #2 f355spider, Apr 16, 2008
    In my service records, the previous owner of my 1997 355 spider seemed to have a similar problem. New ram fixed it. It appears to be a problem with owners letting the hydraulic fluid run low. It should be checked and topped up every 18 to 24 months.
     
  3. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    #3 eyboro, Jun 18, 2008
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2008
    Continental Auto sports (Hinsdale Illinois) was able to fix my spider top. It wasn't as expansive as I thought. The top works like new. Only 20 seconds to open or close. I finally get to drive the car and enjoy it.
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
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    #4 f355spider, Jun 19, 2008
    So what was fixed or replaced?
     
  5. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    #5 eyboro, Jun 19, 2008
    Nothing was replaced. I guess they lubricated every part of the mechanism for the top and bled the system. When I got the car back I smelled the lubrication oil. The top opens and closes perfect now.
     
  6. sfeigin

    sfeigin Rookie

    Aug 9, 2007
    19
    #6 sfeigin, Jul 16, 2008
    The spyder top seems to work better when it is used often. Don't let it sit in one position for months, like when stored in the winter.
     
  7. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
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    #7 f355spider, Jul 16, 2008
    Good advice. Low hydraulic fluid level is the biggest danger/problem though. Check every 12 to 24 months, longer and you risk running low and damaging the hydraulic rams.
     

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