360 convertible top cable

On a 360 one of the cables that run through the top (sewn pocket) has broken. How difficult is the replacement.

Thanks

 

Is it the one that tensions the rear flap? (see link below)

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/389295-360-spider-top-problem-help-please.html

I had this happen in my 360 and took it to the dealer who sent it to an upholstery shop. $250 for the cable and $250 for labor.

I recently had it happen to my 430 (same side) and replaced it my self. It is difficult but can be done. You have to pull out the broken cable and then thread the new one in from front to back. Make sure to note where the cable exits the flap. It is tricky trying to start it into the plastic "tube" through which it runs, and then trickier still to fish it out the back end (I had to use a wire to catch it and pull it through). You then have to crimp an eyelet on the end and screw it into the top frame through the eyelet. Finally, you have to run it forward and attach the other eyelet to a spring on the side of the top in the cabin. The top has to be partially open at different positions to make it all work. Having done it once, I can do it again faster (probably 30 minutes), but it's still a PITA, and I found it nearly impossible to replace the shrink wrap that was around the forward part of the cable and spring, so I didn't.

 

Hey Sckoms,

Just wanted to say thanks for your write up. I just had both upper fin tension cables break on my 360 top and was quoted $1800 to repair. I ended up doing it myself after reading your post. I got lucky and found the break at the ring terminal that connects to the spring. Rather than replacing both cables, I was able to drill a small 5/64" hole on the remaining ring terminal crimp and reconnect to the springs. It took about 3 hours taking my time but I wouldn't not have tried without your write up. THANKS!

 

Glad I could help Mark. I have gotten so much from others on this forum. It is gratifying to know that I could help someone else. Still, $1800?!? Yikes!

 

Hi,

On my 2004 360 Spider I've got the same problem than SCKOMS.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/389295-360-spider-top-problem-help-please.html

I've found a diagram with the different cable from the soft top.
Could you confirm which cable was broken in your case ?

Thanks for your help,

Vincent
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Vincent it was #9

 

OK thanks.

I had a look on my soft top and it appears, that the rear attach of this cable is behind the seal of the fin. (black arrow on the picture below)
Did you detach a big part of this seal. Wasn't it too difficult ?

Other question : Was it required to order other parts or just cable #9 (part ref: 66375800)?
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Boy that is a lot of "stuff" to keep the rain off your head. Mine is a piece of sheet metal.
Alan

 

You should be able to carefully lift it away to expose the screw holding the cable eyelet in place. You just need to order the cable. It will come withe the eyelet detached, which you will need to crimp to the end of the cable after you have threaded it through the "tunnel" in the canvas.

EDIT: You have the correct part number 66375800

 

Here is the page from the workshop manual

EDIT: Duh! You already have that!!
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Thanks Spiro.
Yes I've downloaded the workshop service manual too.

But I really appreciate to have some comments from other non professional mechanics before doing the repair.

My next question is about the front end of the cable.
According to the WSM, it seems that I would need to "degraf" the canvas from the front frame in order to access the spring where the cable is attached.
I really don't want to do that.

How did you access the spring ?

Thanks again for your help,
Vincent

 

Vincent, I did not see that in the manual. You can find the front end of the cable under the roof liner, just above and maybe slightly behind the headrest. It is (was) connected to a spring and this is typically where it breaks. If I recall correctly, you have to have the top partly open to take the tension out of the cable. I hope these photos help....I meant ot post them earlier but had to dig them up from my old phone.
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Yes thanks a lot, these photos are really helpful.
I'm going to verify on my soft top.

 

After verification, it is the exact same problem for me.
The break is at the ring terminal that connect to the spring.
I will try to drill a small hole to the remaining part.

What tool do you recommend for this operation, while the cable is still in place?

I sas thinking to use a Dremel with a small bit?

 

Here's another couple of pics that might be helpful. The first shows where the wire had broken. In the second, the flap is vertical and the black "cord that you see running up the center is where the wire is threaded. You have to unscrew the eyelet from the rear part of the frame and pull the cable through, paying attention to wear it enters the flap. The tricky part is getting the new cable started into the "tunnel".
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You are lucky then, because my cable had broken. You definitely have to do it with the cable in place. I would open the top until the flaps are vertical, before the front part of the top begins to lift. Then try to secure the ring terminal with vise-grips if you have them and drill with whatever you can.

 

Yes, if I could avoid changing the whole cable, I would be happy.
I'll go to the shop tomorrow for buying a very small drill bit for the Dremel.

Many many thanks for your help Spiro.

 

It's repaired !

1) The Culprit
2) The tool
3) The first step of the operation
4) After the operation
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And the result on the fin tension.
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Great job Vincent!

 

Thanks Spiro!
Except for the pictures! I didn't see they were so bad on my phone screen.
Anyway, the most important is that I can enjoy my Spider under rain again.

 

Do you remember what size drill bit you used? I have The same issue

 

As far as I remember, it was a 2 mm drill bit.
I'll check and come back to you.

 

I confirm. I used a 2mm hss drill bit.