360 top issue. Broken bracket. Any DIY ideas? | FerrariChat
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360 top issue. Broken bracket. Any DIY ideas?

Discussion in '360/430' started by ketel, May 23, 2021.

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  1. ketel

    ketel Formula 3

    Aug 6, 2007
    1,355
    Sausalito, CA
    #1 ketel, May 23, 2021
    Gang,

    The top on my new-to-me '03 360 Spider does not align properly. Basically, one of the two brackets that sits on the undersides of the tonneau snapped off at some point during the previous owner's ownership. It's the passenger side bracket. (pictured). The previous owner just JDWeld'd it back onto the fibreglass rather than repairing it properly.

    It just came off altogether today. Has anyone experienced this problem? The guy that did the PPI thought I might have to replace the entire tonneau cover but that sounds extreme.

    This bracket is the post that fits into the hole on the right flap and holds the tonneau down flush with the body. I haven't tried to drive with the top down since. I assume I cannot drop the top without this bracket affixed. Let me know if I am wrong on this

    Any ideas on how to repair it? Are there ways to mount it back onto the underside of the tonneau?

    thanks you guys

    ketel
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  2. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,312
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    #2 Qavion, May 23, 2021
  3. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    May 25, 2019
    1,853
    Memphis, TN
    Full Name:
    John
    #3 EastMemphis, May 23, 2021
    Last edited: May 23, 2021
    The simplest and probably best answer is to just clean it up and glue it back on. The issue of why it broke is really more important. If something is out of alignment, the bracket will just break off again and maybe next time, it will take something more expensive with it. If you have other troubles with your top, you should address them first.

    As for gluing it back on, you can get the tonneau to stay open by starting the opening cycle, and when the tonneau is fully open, stop the process. Then get out, prop it up (quickly) before the pressure in the system drops. It should stay up about 30-60 seconds if everything is tight in your hydraulics. Once propped up, turn your key off and the pressure in the system will zero out. Once you complete the repair, carefully remove your blocks while manually holding up the tonneau, then gently lower it down. At that point, turn on the car and complete the cycle.

    JB Weld is pretty good. I suggest mixing in some fiberglass strands to beef it up.
     
    ketel and Qavion like this.
  4. ketel

    ketel Formula 3

    Aug 6, 2007
    1,355
    Sausalito, CA
    #4 ketel, May 24, 2021

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