Hi guys, After reading the forum i decided to order a soft top from CK Cabrio for my F430. I skipped doing the job myself even though i found a really good guide here with step to step explanation with pictures and all. So after leaving it at a company that has been doing this type of work for years, some things are not perfect. I wonder if this has to do with the material being to new and stiff. I will let you be the judge. When closing the roof it struggles a little bit to get the front locks in but ultimately manages to lock itself in place. And it seems like my plastic window already has started to get marks. Also the rear section doesnt seem to sit flush with the car and is a bit elevated. Is all this due to stiff fabric or can something be re-done during the installation? I’m still pleased over how it turned out, looks really good and they were also very happy with the material that CK Cabrio provided. Best regards, Daniel Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
A new top should be very tight and will struggle to close for a bit. You should help it by reach up and around and pulling it down. A few days in the hot sun will help. Your rear plastic also not folding correctly. This will happen because you likely didn’t replace the back straps but also because it has not been trained. When you lower the top, take your hand and push the plastic backwards in the center of it so that it folds properly. Also watch the front corners like a hawk. If the rear buttresses don’t open properly, the front corners will push into them causing dents. hoping you had your headliner replaced as well as the two should always be done together. otherwise, looks fine.
Thanks for your replies as always and for your input. Could you elaborate a little on the learning process? Should I stand next to the car and press the window inwards?
Sure thing. You do not have to get out of your car. Seated in the drivers seat, take one hand and push backwards against the plastic window as the top begins to fold. If the window rolls forward instead of towards the back of the car, the hold down clamps for the center of the top lid will press into the window leaving the marks you see already.
Thanks I will try this from now on. Do I repeat the process untill its not needed to push it back anymore?
I still do mine every time as it's pretty simple to reach back to ensure it folds correctly. As the top "trains" in this position, it will naturally want to follow the same path, but it's such a complex mechanism that there are random scenarios where it doesn't want to follow the previous course. Like if it's a hot day and the material is more loose, or if it's colder and the window is stiff. Doesn't hurt to give it a quick push backwards when folding.
You know what else you should do... Theres a bar right above your head that rocks back....so from front to back...it will rock back 180 degress. This will also insure you dont start to burn tiny holes on the new top. Heres the thread that explains it https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f430-360-spider-canvas-top-holes-issue-solved.507450/
Some Meguiars Plastic Polish will remove the scuffs in your rear window since they are very minimal now.
