Hello everyone, I just became a owner of a 1991 Ferrari Mondial T (My First Ferrari), that I purchased from out of state at RAC Motorsports (Don't Recommend). The salesman (Denver Johnson) gave me a great song and dance, about the $16K of service they just did to the car, so I stupidly decided to purchase the car sight unseen without a PPI. "Needless to say, I won't do that ever again." Bottom line, the car showed up, dropped off, and was grossly misrepresented. I knew there was an issue when the car showed up with the top down. I got the top up, and there were tears in the cloth, and now that the top is down it won't go back up. NICE...So I am in the market for a new top, anyone have suggestions for where to buy, and who can install. I am in the Los Angeles area. Also, after 50 miles of top up driving, the clutch went out. I was able to limp back to the garage, but now I have a very expensive paperweight on my hands. I am open to suggestions for someone who can replace the clutch? Does the engine have to come out? Can the clutch be replaced by a amateur mechanic such as myself? I have contacted R2 Racing in Santa Clarita, but I am open to suggestions. Thank you, Craig
Top Rich & Famous Auto Tops They installed mine also very reasonable ~$1300 tell them Don sent you Wreching Eugenio's http://emelbon.tripod.com/eugeniosferrariservice.html HOLD the "chatter" folks. .. OH BY THE WAY WELCOME TO THE MONDI FAMILY ! we will help you out! no mondi left behind!
First, welcome to FerratiChat And second, don't feel too bad. It's my opinion that most people who buy old (not vintage) Ferraris "sight unseen" end up with similar stories, we just never hear about theirs. Quick answer on the clutch (sort of), try perusing the 348 forum since yours is the same as theirs (the early 348s anyway e.g. dual disc). Plus there are an incredible amount of DIYers with an awesome amount of knowledge as well. Yes, there are intricacies involved with these clutches so, while not "easy" per se, it's not impossible either.
Hang in there Craig, in the spectrum of things that can go wrong with the Mondial - a bad top and bad clutch are a lot more managable.. Think of getting the top replaced as something that definitely adds a ton of happiness equity anyway - my previous owner did a bunch so silly things - the few things he did do right was replace the top...you won't be disappointed how much a new top makes the car shine.... As far as the clutch is concerned - the fact that you don't have to take the engine out is HUGE...you'll probably would have to have replaced it anyway - based on the big picture - if those are the only two things that wrong with it - consider yourself lucky!
Welcome Craig. Ts are nice! Would love to see some pics. If are you are a DIYer this might be interesting for you. I do not own a T but I guess removing the muffler and the bumper you will have full access. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/296274-348-clutch-removal.html
I bought a 1986 3.2 coupe sight unseen because I liked the color. My only stipulation to the car dealer [not Ferrari] was, upon delivery, it would do two laps of the WalMart parking lot without spewing fluids and parts in its wake. I then ran the hell out of it and scattered a clutch. I then printed all the DIY birdman clutch stuff, took it to my local wrench and asked: "Can you do that?" He said yes. Cost $2,000 labor plus rebuilt parts. And my understanding is the design of the "T" makes clutch work even easier. [But that might be the only thing that IS easier.] You now have a genuine adventure. And there is no telling the outcome. You seem likely not a person who would invest more then he could lose. My advice is to take the roller coaster. After 9,000 miles in two years mine has actually cost me less then expected. Besides the clutch just a starter. And it runs better and faster then when I bought it. If you are like me you might have "Exotic Anxiety Syndrom". But its a car. My only advice is not to baby it. With the possible exception of pretending the red line is 6,500. Exercise the vehicle in a modest way but in every way. I also recommend 8oz of 2cycl oil for every tank of gas. Don't get me started but everyone with a Bosch K-Jet, be it BMW, Fiat 124, or Ferrari will eventually hear this. Marvel Mystery Oil is often mentioned. I am not making that up. PS: Microsoft has apparently enabled links within this post that I did not do. Microsoft is evil.
Welcome to the Mondial community! Changing the clutch was quite easy, I did the full dismantling and re-greasing with the help of the instructions at my348.com and I am not a skilled mechanic only stubborn - but take a look before you order parts, my T had been converted to a single disc clutch by some previous owner! I got the kluber grease, clutch disc and the pressure plate sorted by MDclutches in UK (Home) and I could not be happier - might be a bit costly for you though to mail the components to them though.. Cheers, Niclas
Hello, just read your comment and did a little googleing, and it sounds impressive. Ive used it for my air tools before, but never thought about the gas or oil in a engine. Thanks from Norm
Hang in there. Just remember there are no such thing as a cheap Ferrari. Once all straight you won't regret the decision. Welcome to the family. The best Ferrari owners around are right here on Fchat. Everyone here will help you along the way and most are very knowledgable. Good luck. Post some pics we must see the gem.
We've all more or less been there, even with a PPI. No sweat. Better to spend money in your Ferrari than in hospital. Welcome to Ferrari Chat, all the best! Kind regards, Nuno.
Thank you all for the welcome, and the advice. It is much appreciated. When the car showed up, I felt like such an idiot by not doing my due diligence. But things could be worst. I am now a Ferrari owner...and I guess my car issues are nothing more than a "High Class Problem". Looking forward to being a part of this group. Attached are some photos. 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 Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Absolutely stunning. Great photos and great choice, thanks for sharing. Enjoy in good health! Kind regards, Nuno.
From what I can say about the photos... yes, just like internet dating. Or in your situation, a mail-order bride. She's beautiful
Hi Craig, your car looks great! I own a 92 and live in El Segundo, maybe I will see you some day? I do the monthly car shows in PV, they have a Ferrari section, tons of free fun!!
Congrats, I'm a newbie, and just love all the great info this family has to offer daily. I to was taken by the dealer, but now I know what has been done, found a great mechanic.
Craig, congrats on your Mondial! looks great. Being in L.A you will probably drive with the top down most of the time anyways?? No? Save your money for now. Clutch isn't too hard on yours.
So from the pics it looks pretty decent except for that digital clock display. So cosmetically is it ok and you just have a bad top and clutch? Or are there other issues?
Craig - welcome to the forum. I bought a '90 T-cab about a month ago. It seems like no matter what there are always issues to sort through. I've already replaced battery and tires and up next is going after some oil leaks. From the pics your car looks great, so at least you are not having to do any cosmetic work. Once you get it back on the road, drive it as much as you can. The car is a blast and you'll have a lot of fun. I look at as I rescued the car from someone who didn't care anymore. You're always going to be able to sell this car for what you paid for it (maybe more someday) - so the money you put in is just the cost of enjoying it.
'DITTO THAT' And it might not be all that much trouble anyway. OK. I scattered a clutch out of my own negligence using cheap Alpha hydraulics. My local wrench charged me $2,000 labor plus whatever the rebuilt parts cost. Total perhaps $3,500. Since then one NAPA starter at $450 and nothing else at all. Nine thousand miles later. The car sits in my carport and its what I drive. Everytime I get in to go out for beer I feel like I am sitting in a Space Shuttle. "All systems go."
