Mondial Roof Latch Assembly - Failure | FerrariChat

Mondial Roof Latch Assembly - Failure

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by ronfrohock, Nov 18, 2008.

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  1. ronfrohock

    ronfrohock F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 16, 2004
    4,154
    MA
    Full Name:
    Ron Frohock
    #1 ronfrohock, Nov 18, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hi,
    As many of you already know, I have been making and offering new toggles for the Mondial Latch Assembly.

    I recently had another failure with another part in the assembly and am considering making a "new improved version" of the part in the enclosed image.

    If there is interest, I would be happy to make additional pieces as I know that others have experienced the same problem.
    For know, I would just want an indication of interest. I know the first question is "what will they cost". Once I get an idea as to how many are needed I will be able to address this question.

    Thanks
    - Ron Frohock

    ps. I have also included a picture of the toggles that I have been making for your reference.
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  2. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
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    Joe
    I would love it if someone would make the bracket that's mounted to the windshield. I just replaced mine. I was shocked at the poor quality of the original.

    I can't imagine the OEM replacement part is going to last terribly long either.
     
  3. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    what method is your plan: casting? milling?

    rik
     
  4. D.Mauro

    D.Mauro Formula 3

    Jun 18, 2006
    1,266
    Cumming/ Hlwd Fl
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    Dominick
    Joe, just carry an extra one in the car, for now because you never know.
     
  5. ronfrohock

    ronfrohock F1 Rookie
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    Aug 16, 2004
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    Ron Frohock
    If there is not a buch of interest, I can simply get one of my 3axis milling machines spun up. Certainly would be more structural if machined from stainless.
    - Ron
     
  6. davebdave

    davebdave Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 18, 2007
    2,381
    Northern VA
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    Dave W
    what we really need is for someone to come up with a completely new design that even my 11 year old daughter could operate. Come up with something that looks good and can be operated from inside the car and I would pay a considerable amount of money for the upgrade. Dave
     
  7. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    Aug 5, 2007
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    +1 on that. What an unbelievably crappy and needlessly difficult design. The top latch couldn't be worse if it was made out of candy.
     
  8. Shark49

    Shark49 Formula Junior

    Mar 31, 2005
    773
    Boone, NC
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    Yeah and redesign the seal at the top of the windshiled so it doesnt leak when top is up.
     
  9. Bad Dogg

    Bad Dogg Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2006
    433
    Avon, CT
    Full Name:
    Howard
    But then it wouldn't be a Mondial!! ;-)

    Back on topic - I would be interested in this assembly if you make it Ron.

    Howard
     
  10. spbogen

    spbogen Karting
    Owner

    Aug 23, 2007
    92
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Bob
    I've worried about them breaking..especially since I've already replaced the 'U's.

    I agree with Shark49 - I have the tabs as far back(tight) as they'll go, and the seal still isn't perfect. I've been thinking about some sort of small/wide clamp that would tighten the top frame to the window frame...haven't figured it out yet.
     
  11. sonfield

    sonfield Karting

    Jul 17, 2008
    101
    Florence, SC
    would love to get two,,,,broke one yesterday..let me know what I need to do
     
  12. randyleepublic

    randyleepublic Formula Junior

    Dec 2, 2007
    825
    Beautiful Reno
    Hi Ron,

    Got a new one for you: the A/C vents. I'm sure you've seen the ones Ricambi shows in their catalog - a tremendous improvement!

    Here's a link: http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=221714

    Supposedly they are made from a BMW 320 vent piece mounted in the aluminum case as pictured. Well, I should say were made, as according to Daniel Pass, they are NLA *arrrrg* I was all set to get myself a set after Christmas, and now, no go.

    So, what do you think Sahib? Can Frohock Enterprises come to the rescue?

    Looks like a good item, since it will fit all the Mondials, like the toggles. Actually better, as it can be used with both coupes and cabs.

    BTW I haven't detected any stress on my clamp bodies yet, but now that you showed that broken one, I am going to give mine a good look. I suspect that by using my independent arm method, I put less stress on that obvious next weakest link.

    Best regards,

    Randy Lee

    P. S. the spoiler project is on hold indef. Other priorities.
     

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