F430 Top issue

Unfortunately, I have the same mark and on the same side as you. I have no idea why and how I could have done anything to prevent it. The car had no marks when I bought it 5 months ago. I've written it off as one of the countless engineering flaws of the F430.

 

Folding soft tops on ANY car are a compromise and will show wear and tear (if you actually drive the car, with the top down) Purchase a small matching iron on patch, apply to inside surface. This should extend the life of the top.
Cheers

 

These could be pictures of my car (04 360) only perhaps mine's a bit worse, with two holes in the same places. When I bought the car 18 months ago, there were two very faint marks which would go away when sealant was applied. Gradually deepened over time and then the fabric was abraded. I've put 8K miles on the car and we drive with the top down a lot.

It looks like the top is either rubbing when cycled, or by vibration when stowed. I'm thinking about putting a new top on, but not until I can find out what's happening.

 

I used them to extend the life of two of my Viper Roadster tops, my 430 does not have this issue.

 

My '07 had the same problem when I bought it (long story; don't ask) and has gradually gotten worse during the 8 months I've had it. I was told by Karl Troy ( European Road and Racing) that the fabric is "not seating properly" when the top is down. When the cover closes it is compressing and rubbing the whole top with enough force to cause damage to the fabric. I can live with the damage, but we are going to look into why it is not seating properly (after we get done fixing a more pressing problem).
In my research, it sounds like it is quite common for these tops to have damage on the sides (driver's side especially) and it is over $25000 to get a new top. I wonder if my car was one of the ones you rejected because of top damage? I bought it in the mid-April to mid May time frame ('07 Black/black with yellow piping).

 

Told by my F car dealer that as and when the time comes they have a specialist that will produce a new roof at a fraction of Ferrari's cost - they tell me they have already done so on many occasions since the 360 shares the same roof - even get to choose the colour.

 

My car was originally from Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale (April 2007). It had several owners and then made it up to North Carolina in late 2014.

Actually, I just checked the records and the top may have been serviced then (in Charlotte). Are you West Coast or East Coast of Florida?

 

My 06 has the same thing, where does one get these iron on patches????

 

Was this car stored outside without a garage?


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I just posted this after I your saw your post..probably the same problem.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/507450-f430-360-spider-canvas-top-holes-issue-~solved.html#post144368290

 

Good information
Thanks!

 

This is one of the downsides of having a soft top. Wear and Tear and Noise while driving.
I recently found a small tear on the side as well. Since it bothers to see that and not doing something that ends up costing me a lot more than it should. I just keep the top down at all times. But we love the top down driving.

 

Keep in mind that the holes are made ONLY when the top is down and tucked away in the back.
So if your keeping your top down 100% time make sure the bar is retracted back otherwise its just burning a hole the whole time. So it's actually better if you keep the top up all the time.

 

Hey everyone,

I believe the problem with the tears is very common with all 430 and 360 spider models, and I find it weird how come no one talked about a solution since this problem is happening with all convertibles. So please if some found a solution, share with us some real info.
Just please dont reply by saying keep the top closed or some irrelevant answer. Thx