Will the convertible top boot cover shrink? | FerrariChat
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Will the convertible top boot cover shrink?

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by Threeofnine, Apr 30, 2024.

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  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    388
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #1 Threeofnine, Apr 30, 2024
    The convertible top boot cover for my car, 85 QV, will not quite fit. It seems to be about an inch or so short. Do these covers shrink? It looks like it’s entirely made of fabric so I don’t see how it possibly could have, but it doesn’t seem to fit right.
     
  2. Subito Grigio

    Subito Grigio Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2009
    396
    #2 Subito Grigio, Apr 30, 2024
    I suspect your is very much like my be (‘83). Canvas with round, pinch-clip Rampante logo on plastic top connectors.

    Yes - if I don’t stow my convertible top/mechanism exactly perfectly the canvas cover will not quite stretch enough.

    Usually, that means I have forgotten to “lift 4” or so and separate - then reverse the overlap sequence of the top two long bars.

    Said another way, there are two long lateral bars which must be tucked down properly. Switch which-ever is on top now either the other one. That little tweak makes a flatter stow.

    Try. ItI think you will see. SG


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  3. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    388
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #3 Threeofnine, Apr 30, 2024
    I think you are probably right. I went out and messed around with stowing the top again and was able to get it stowed enough to get most of the top boot connectors fastened. I never thought that there would be a complicated method to stowing the top. I guess I need to Google a guide.
     
  4. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 25, 2010
    3,409
    Central Florida
    #4 Alden, May 1, 2024
    If you look at this clip from "Scent of a Woman," it is clear that they did not know how to put the top down properly, it's not that hard to do, someone made a video of how to do it easily, once you do it correctly once, its very simple. Intuition says one bar should go down when it should go up and the reverse with another.
    Alden



    Instruction video:
     
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  5. ronfrohock

    ronfrohock F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 16, 2004
    4,141
    MA
    Full Name:
    Ron Frohock
    #5 ronfrohock, May 1, 2024
    That is a good video. I always try to have someone assist me when raising or lowering the top. I like to push in on the b-pillars to guide them past the body panels so they won’t wear.
    I also like to push forward on the b-pillars when latching the roof, taking the stress off the clamping mechanisms.
    And, yes, I adjust the sliders while clamping.


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  6. ronfrohock

    ronfrohock F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 16, 2004
    4,141
    MA
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    Ron Frohock
    #6 ronfrohock, May 1, 2024
    I should also add that my leather boot cover does shrink.
    I lay it in the sun and apply a mist of 50/50 water and isopropyl to the leather and let it sink in. Then I put the cover on the car and stretch it in place. Let it dry in the sun then apply conditioner.


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  7. FamilyCar

    FamilyCar Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 26, 2007
    786
    Seattle, Wa
    Full Name:
    Peter Goodall
    #7 FamilyCar, May 1, 2024
    I find that running my hand through the folds as the top is stowed makes it fold tighter because otherwise the edges sometimes get a bit of a kink. I also roll and nudge the rear window so it has no tight areas. I have the leather cover, and it is certainly a tight fit, so I am sure they shrink over time
     
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  8. Subito Grigio

    Subito Grigio Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2009
    396
    #8 Subito Grigio, May 1, 2024
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  9. godabitibi

    godabitibi F1 Veteran

    Jan 11, 2012
    6,329
    Papineauville, Quebec
    Full Name:
    Claude Laforest
    #9 godabitibi, May 13, 2024
    I don't think there has been a more badly designed top mechanism in history than the Mondial.
     
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  10. claus.stetter

    claus.stetter Rookie

    Jul 10, 2015
    19
    Los Gatos
    #10 claus.stetter, May 16, 2024
    Amen to that - this asinine mechanism is the reason I am considering replacing my Mondial with something with a powered top...
     

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