Just tore massive hole in Mondial top-now what?

Before you think the only option is to replace the entire top, please give this place a call ---> http://competizionecars.com/

Last week they had an F355 from New York getting the top repaired.

 

You cannot own a convertible car and hope the top will last forever. Tops that are falling apart, yellowed windows etc., they make the whole car look like crap. 22 years is a long time for a top, seriously, and if it lasted that long and still looked good you cant complain.

But I dont believe you can complain about it not being a Porsche or any other car, a top is a top, pretty much. I put a new one on the Mercedes 380SL a few years ago, the top was about the same age. The top on a Porsche, or a Jag, or anything else in the world wouldnt have lasted any longer.

So buck up and deal with it the best way you can. Either stitch it up and try to get through the summer, or bite the bullet on a new one. Once the new one is on youll probably realise how crappy looking the old one was. It most likely tore because the fabric wasnt soft and supple anymore.

 

22 years on a top is pretty good, we only got 15 (although not torn the glue was disignerating). We ended up paying around $700 for an aftermarket top from Rich and Famous. I waited for the winter to install it but it kind of sucked working in the cold. Maybe do it in late september or take it to a pro in the winter. I was quoted $750 to have it installed by a local upholstery shop. Fortunately when I opted to do-it-myself I had the help of a friend skilled in restoration. It is a dooable project and allows you get a look at some hidden parts of your car. But, if you have to have the little horse in the window it will cost you.


Cool video. I love the sound of the exhaust.

Ciao,
dave

 

My 1984 Mondial has the original top. No tears.... yet. (Knock on wood). Though it is old and dried up. The window is yellow. I wash it with an uphoistery shampoo vacuum and mild soap.

On one side over the window, the canvas is very thing, close to ripping. I took it to an uphoistery shop and they glued a few strips of canvas from underneath. It looks pretty good. It will keep the top going until it is time to replace it.

Good luck.

 

Have it sewn and duplicate the stitching on the other side done to match for now and find a new top in the fall or when your budget allows Any boat canvas shop will be able to handle the repair . Good luck,Gilligan

 

GAHH

http://www.gahh.com/store.php?cPath=38_3406_138_1024&products_family_id=1

 

call Futureline in Exton. PA.

Then sit back and let him do his magic.

He can repair or replace it, although replacement sounds like the way to go.

301 S Pottstown Pike
Exton, PA 19341
(610) 363-7977

 

Joe,

You should have just called me first and saved yourself all this aggravation.

Who knows everyone on the Main Line when it comes to this stuff???

Moi!!

Wait until the fall, leave the top down all summer. Stick a roll of duct tape in the trunk. IF you get caught out in the rain, just tape up the hole until you get home.

D

 

Uh oh! So far so good. It looks exactly like the original except that the inside liner is black instead of tan. I did get the German canvas which was a little extra money. Also they do not include the two 1 1/2 inch wide straps. I asked them to make some up but they did not sew the important non stretchable nylon in the center (however, I am sure they would if you asked them to). Also, the fit over the rear buttresses is not perfect (a little loose revealing a slight wrinkle). As far as holding up, I don't expect any trouble. The top appears to be very well made.

For $400, I would probably go with the recommendation of the shop.

If It wasn't such a long drive I would run it up to cars n coffee Pa and show it to you. I would also like to get a look at your car one of these days.

Ciao, Dave

 

Done! But, did you remember our car has four seats when you made the offer?

Dave

 

Nice video Joe and sorry to hear about your top. Although the timing for repairs is rarely in our favor, they are inevitable. I'm sure you'll be much happier with the replacement top.

 

Actually, the power top on my Porsche 993 cab had to be guided into position or the lining would snag and stretch.

What he said.

Hey, you could buy a Ferrari California...

 

There will be no complaining in the 308/328/Mondial section, please.

That's why we have a 348/355 board.

 

I dunno what OCD has to do with this vid clip but it's great! I'm sure it took a little bit of time to set up the different shots but I love it! Now get back to it, but have your cam man use a tripod

Very nice looking car btw

 

No worries Joe - the 'interwebs' boards are rife with otherwise well-intentioned folks who it seems struggle with staying on the topic at hand. Like me - my other post and this one have nothing to do with the topic, but at least I'm not telling you not to complain

Egads! I just pulled a Tex and double posted