Should I get a mondial cabrio ?

I have the most desirable one, a 1989 T...red with tan leather, 38,500 miles just 4,000 of which on a belt replacement and new Continental tires. Notebook with ownership and service history. It's been trouble free for me the 4 years I've had it. Always garage stored. Complete tool kit in leather box, tire inflator & owner's manual. Top looks like new and it also has a cockpit cover when you park it for short periods or in the garage for longer periods. Less than 2,000 miles on last oil/filter change, Red line transmission lube makes shifting much better. There is a plug for a battery tinder in the front grille. Everything works except the auto radio antenna. You can manually raise the antenna, but I didn't use the radio anyway, too much fun just driving the car. I'm selling because at 88 with weak knees, getting in and out of the low slung car was becoming a real problem for me. Much sooner than I expected I came across a California which I had act quickly on; so I need to let the Mondial go. Can send you a walk-around video and a few stills. You can contact me at [email protected] or 704-577-0175.

 

I replied elsewhere a few days ago about buying a Mondial, which I will not repeat here. My Mondial is an ‘83 Cab. The following comments are about the Cabriolet aspect, as you request:

1. The ability to “put the top down” is a plus to some folks - I like it.

2. My (black) canvass top is original as far as I know after 21 years of ownership - and it is still in darn good shape. The rear “window” is a thick, still malleable plastic since it gets wrapped or rolled laterally when stowed.

3. Garage it constantly.

4. The top is a work of art since it faithfully replicates the “look” of the hardtop. Therefore, the supporting frame is a bit bewildering. Practice putting top up and down. Don’t force anything. Practice putting whichever final stowing cover you have over the folded/stowed canvass “bag of bones” to keep the car looking ship shape. Practice because it might rain; it might get dark; it might make one look foolish on the street if we don’t know how it works. I plan on taking at least ten minutes+ to stow it and fifteen minutes+ to put it up.

5. Keep the top “up” almost always to ensure proper stretch is retained. If the top is stowed for long periods (weeks), depending on temperature and moisture it may require proper, and frustrating work to put it up. [Viagra might help, but it won’t help the top]. The top will tend to shrink when stowed. That means it won’t get extended enough to fully reach the two latches. Stop. Stop. Why do those $700? (each) latches tend to break….. Take the car outside, extend the top fully, but don’t try to latch it; get a non-shedding mop and a bucket of warm water, WET mop the ENTiRE top gently and let the warm water soften it up some. Wait about ten minutes, try to move the top toward the latches some, but don’t try to latch it yet. Wet mop a second time with warm water. Wait about five minutes - then move the top more toward closing. If it doesn’t get into the “reach zone” of the latches repeat the warm wet mop again. That should allow you to latch both latches. It is hard,but don’t force it. Keep wet working it if necessary. You do not want a broken latch! [I don’t know about the effect of cold weather on this situation]

The above explains why the top should be up almost always. [YouTube covers getting a canvas top stretched this way ]

7. The sun eats your expensive leather interior - especially the center console.

8. With top up and rear windows up the upper and rear edges of the rear windows fit snugly between the folds of the canvas top. You must take a look to make sure those window edges are nestled properly. There are many issues with rear (and front) windows not working properly, or working at all.
[See elsewhere in FChat]

9. Check the steel roof rods carefully to ensure joints and fittings are lightly lubricated without any lubrication getting on the canvas. A tiny bit of lubrication is enough if applied at the right spot. If in doubt don’t lubricate.

Check the steel roof rods looking for loose connectors or broken rods. The steel rods will break over time due to the enormous stress upon them. Look for a cracked or broken rod.

I try never to be caught in rain.

Ciao, SG

 

Yes, yes you should.

 

I drive my 1990 t all summer with top down and use tonneau cover when needed top only goes up during winter hibernation usually mid Nov to March. Havent had a problem Its a convertible!!!!!!

 

Hello, have 1990 Mondial T with 18,000 miles Belt done in 2023 change all fluid if you are interesting! please email at [email protected].

 

My wife has an 86 3.2 Euro cabrio she was given by her parents. Great car, so much so we are shipping it back to Italy where we live in the summers. I look forward to receiving it.

 

On a personal perspective note - if I view the Mondial at a distance from the side the subtle awkwardness of the windshield being too far forward is apparent. The body is very beautiful, but the necessary windshield placement due to “2+2 and engine behind” situation can be disguised (some) when cabriolet top is stowed.

Let’s say the car is red. When the top is stowed the red color highlights that “too forward” subtle windshield frame appearance. However if the car color is medium gray, dark gray, black, or similar color the windshield is of course, not as noticeable. The beautiful body catches the eye.

My cabriolet is gray (Grigio). What I am saying is: if my car was red or yellow or similar I would try a dark tint on the windshield frame to reduce the noticeability of its forward position. If I didn’t like the tint I could peel it off.

To get a better look at this concept - take a side-view picture of your cabriolet from about 20’ away. Photo shop the windshield frame into black, perhaps, or to gray. See which image you like best.

This is just my personal opinion and concept - I’m certainly not seeking venom from anyone and no vote on this is necessary. Respectfully submitted, SG


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Been driving my new to me 3.2 and its such a fun car to drive. Not sure there is too much not to like! Old school...........Check. Raw..........Check. Gated............Check. Not a ton of electronics.............check.

 

If you want one, no questionning buy one. They are fun cars. Reliable. I would personally go with a 3.2 because of easy maintenance. No engine out but the front bank is hard to reach.