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355 F1 Roof Mechanism

Discussion in '348/355' started by Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 5, 2016.

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  1. Gregory_N_Roberts

    Gregory_N_Roberts Karting

    Jan 23, 2013
    78
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Gregory Roberts
    #1 Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 5, 2016
    I have been searching (but perhaps using the wrong search criteria) but was curious if anyone had any experience in modifying the hydraulic system and making the roof mechanism entirely manual.

    I recall hearing from someone that they had removed all of the hydraulic components and used a 348 mechanism in its place.

    Thanks

    (the roof retract mechanism is the bane of my ownership on an otherwise terrific car)
     
  2. tr512

    tr512 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2007
    1,600
    canada burnaby bc
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    Michael
    #2 tr512, Oct 5, 2016
    I did a video on how to do it and put it up on Ytube..How to convert your 355 top to manual.
    I also put it up on Fchat just dont remember the thread.
    Michael
     
  3. Gregory_N_Roberts

    Gregory_N_Roberts Karting

    Jan 23, 2013
    78
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Gregory Roberts
    #3 Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 5, 2016
    thanks - I will hunt through youtube
     
  4. Gregory_N_Roberts

    Gregory_N_Roberts Karting

    Jan 23, 2013
    78
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Gregory Roberts
    #4 Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 5, 2016
    just watched it - thanks

    so you left all of the hydraulic components in the vehicle - except for the two post rams?
     
  5. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

    Mar 29, 2008
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    #5 Rob'Z, Oct 8, 2016
    Hi Greg,

    Let me know when you'd like to do the conversion.
     
  6. tr512

    tr512 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2007
    1,600
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    Michael
    #6 tr512, Oct 8, 2016
    Yes
     
  7. vracer

    vracer Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2014
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    Richard
    #7 vracer, Oct 9, 2016
    Gregory,
    I did it on my car, and it works "OK". It goes down easily and quickly, but it takes one person on each side of the car to raise the top again. With two people, each can move/hold the top while positioning the various hardware items that are moved by the hydraulic system.
     
  8. tr512

    tr512 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2007
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    Michael
    #8 tr512, Oct 9, 2016
    It don't take people to put up the top.watch my video you can see how easy it goes up and down.You might have the two nuts to tight where the bottom rams were.Like i say in the video only have them snug.If they are to tight it makes the top harder to go up and down.
    Michael
     
  9. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

    Mar 29, 2008
    1,024
    Tucson,AZ
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    Robert
    #9 Rob'Z, Oct 9, 2016
    I watched the video, looked like it went up/down quickly and easily with one person.
     
  10. Gregory_N_Roberts

    Gregory_N_Roberts Karting

    Jan 23, 2013
    78
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Gregory Roberts
    #10 Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 9, 2016
    Rob'Z

    is next weekend too soon? :D
     
  11. Gregory_N_Roberts

    Gregory_N_Roberts Karting

    Jan 23, 2013
    78
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Gregory Roberts
    #11 Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 20, 2016
    Michael

    Two quick questions

    Did you need to install caps on the smaller piston on the roof to prevent it from leaking?

    You indicate that you machined down two nuts - I don't have any machine shop capabilities so I will have to file the nuts down by hand. Can you tell me the thickness that I need to reach?

    Thanks
     
  12. tr512

    tr512 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2007
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    Michael
    #12 tr512, Oct 20, 2016
    If you watch the video i left the top rams in place being only held by the front screw's only.You have to remove the 13mm bolts that hold those ram's to the frame and just let them hang.Don't worry they will not get in the way of your top going up and down. If i remember the thickness of the bottom nuts should be about 3 or 4mm .Remember do not tighten those nut's to tight or your top will be hard to go up and down.Just snug.If it is hard for your top to go up and down , it means you have those nut's to tight.
    Michael
     
  13. Gregory_N_Roberts

    Gregory_N_Roberts Karting

    Jan 23, 2013
    78
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Gregory Roberts
    #13 Gregory_N_Roberts, Oct 20, 2016
    I am trying to develop a procedure that I can write down. Thanks for the info. Yes, I recall about having the nuts just snug and not tight.
     

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