360 spider top removal DIY/rollover valves

Nice write up Gurj and pictures. Hopefully more 360 owners will tackle their own jobs and document here for everyone .Looked like a lot of work.

 

Awesome writeup!!

 

Many, many thanks to the Original Poster. This has been hugely helpful for me to get my roll-overs done this week.

Here are a few tips to add:

1. I found the RO valves themselves are a bit tough to remove and to install. They turn ONE way only, about a 1/4 turn to remove or install. I couldn't do them by hand, and was very careful Not to put any pressure on the plastic stem--I didn't want to break a new one! I used channel pliers on the outside diameter.
Also be careful not to kink the RO Valve tubes!

2. Be careful replacing the corner panels behind the seats. I broke a few of the plastic Xmas Tree Fasteners and now need to find new ones.

3. I didn't like the lift points shown in the photos because they seemed to put quite a bit of pressure on the painted fiberglass. So I used a point on the vertical supports and across the roll bar loops (see photo).

4. After applying a good bit of lifting force, it was helpful for me to rock the assembly (push/pull on ropes) and break it loose.

5. On the driver side, I had to remove the block where the RO Valve lines clip on in order to remove and install the lines. Otherwise they don't clear the aluminum frame.

6. Be sure to check your top hydraulic fluid (bottle on the passenger side) with the top down before removing in case you need to add fluid!



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Huge appreciation for those who made and added to this thread. Just did mine today. Surprisingly not difficult really.

My only additional point would be that I just left the seats in and found there to be plenty of room to work around. This eliminated any potential for scratching or chipping something pulling them in/out as well as any headaches with an airbag light by disconnecting a belt. Mine was a 2004 so there wasn't any ground cable by the ECU's, just the two bolts on the ecu bracket and it had plenty of room to move around while the top is being raised. One connector on both sides that was disconnected (on the interior side of the thick vertical support/roll bar thingies. Also, speaking of those, the bottom on that roll bar, with the two large bolts, you'll notice there is a centering pin that can get dislodged and lean sideways, rather than point perfectly up and down which will make it impossible to seat the whole assembly correctly so just check those before lowering.
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Grant, oddly enough, I also lifted my top yesterday. I was worried about rollover valves and decided to check mine out. I have a 2005, it was, as you said, surprisingly easy to get the top off. I did take the seats out, doesn’t take much time and gives me a chance to vacuum the carpet well. What was the condition of your valves? Mine looked good, so I ordered new gaskets for them and fuel pump for a little piece of mind...Ernie.


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I thought later model year 360 spiders didn't need to remove the entire top mechanism because there are access panels in the plastic tub where the top stows when open (pictured here https://aldousvoice.com/2013/02/05/ferrari-360-spider-roof/). Is that not the case? My car is Euro 2001 so probably doesn't have the access panels (I haven't looked) so I assumed fuel pump or rollover valve replacement would involve top mechanism removal.

How long do rollover valves last? Mine were replaced by the previous owner in 2015.

 

The access pan also are only for fuel pump access. My valves are 15 yrs old and only one has a hairline crack. Again, top removal is not a big deal. If your not smelling fuel or getting a P0442 CEL, drive the car and enjoy life!


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Yep, What Ernieinky said.

 

Hi guys, im just about to remove my top (2001 Spyder) i can't see anywhere through this thread any mention as to where the electrical connections for the roof mechanism? Do you guys checking the valves only lift the roof a few inches to give you access to them? Therefore not needing to disconnect the electrics? Mine stinks of fuel hence the roof lift! And finally, a massive thank you to all who have taken the time to write these instruction... I wouldn't tackle this without them...

 

The connection as I remember are on rear firewall and just unclip. Not a big deal. How are you planning on lifting your top off?


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Thank you Ernieinky, i have a 2 poster ramp at home... So, i took it off this afternoon and its now 3 foot above the car and the leaking RHS fuel pump is on my bench... Now all i need to do is find one tomorrow! Again, thank you all for the above info... I would have struggled without it...
Craig

 

I wanted to post my experience so far with my 360 Spider. A friend came over yesterday and helped me lift my convertible top off and he had the idea to use ratchet straps and loop straps to lift it up rather than rope. This seems way more secure to me and we didn't have to wrap anything around the roll hoops, risking damage to the leather. This writeup was a godsend and it went really smoothly. I forgot to order new seals for the rollover valves, but Ferrari of Houston has them in stock so no big deal. Fuel pumps and fuel supply pipes are swapped already. Im also changing out the transmission bushing while the top is off as mine doesn't seem to have ANY access holes in the convertible top base to access the bolts for the cradle that supports the transmission. Also replacing motor mounts, so she should be nice and fresh once all these tasks are done.
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