Newbie just bought a 355 spyder..

Go to the 355 subsection below.
Type in TR512, he has a thread on how to convert a 355 top top to manual.
I just spent $1500 getting mine to work properly, should have converted it.
He has step by step and a video, very helpful.
No way I have the skills, knowledge or a lift to even think about DIY major service.
But there are also a lot of tips, instructions, pics and might be some video under the thread mentioned above, seems quite a few take on that challenge successfully.
I also have a 97 Spider, drive an enjoy ....... The 4 speaker stereo comes on automatically at 6000 rpm's ...... Speakers located in the back of the car

 

Under model specific discussions
348/355
Do your search there

 

Congrats on your purchase. You should be able to control the top manually. I think the manual discusses it.

 

I do my own maintenance, it's not always easy.
You can DIY a timing belt/major service but buy a lift and consider it part of your hobby toys.
You could disconnect the top and raise it manually, but optimally, just sort it out and enjoy having a power top.

If the top doesn't work right now, don't buy it until they sort it out, don't get suckered into buying a car that could be fixed by someone else unless they take a huge hit on the price.

Mark

 

Does that mean you just took their word for it and bought it anyway? I hope it all checks out like they said. Belts are anything but cheap on a 355