Restoring my 1989 Mondial t | Page 4 | FerrariChat

Restoring my 1989 Mondial t

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by RicSinger, May 10, 2020.

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  1. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Mar 13, 2016
    361
    Rancho Santa Fe
    UPDATE
    I thought I was in the final stretch of restoring the Mondial, but as often happens, the deeper I dig, the more hidden issues I uncover—some caused by previous owners, others by the handful of mechanics who’ve worked on the car over the years.

    Before diving back into the wiring, I visited a close friend and Ferrari expert, Steve Maxwell, to discuss the possible complications related to the purple/violet wire from the center console harness. He gave me some excellent advice, loaned me the original Mondial t workshop manual, and showed me how to navigate it effectively.

    At the moment, I’m juggling several tasks: restoring the front and rear seats, repairing the center console wiring harness, reinstalling the radio and speakers, and preparing for a major paint correction, ceramic coating, and possibly some dry ice cleaning.

    This weekend’s focus was the forward piece of the center console—the section behind the radio that’s carpeted. Although the carpet had already been replaced, it was coming loose, so I decided to redo the job. While waiting for the adhesive to dry, I alternated between that and working on the passenger seat, with some help from YouTube tutorials.

    I'll keep posting updates until the project is complete. I estimate another four to six weekends before it's finally finished.



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  2. paulchua

    paulchua Cat Herder
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    Keep up the great work Ric!
     
  3. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Mar 13, 2016
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    Very disappointed with the work of others.....
    My OCD keeps me from moving forward allowing for (half-ass) work done so this is last weekend.

    I am also having the following electric problems and so if anyone has experience and can help, I would truly appreciate it.

    Not Working
    Fog lights
    Horn
    Both turn signals work but (indicator in speedo only lights when right signal is active *not with left*)
    Lightbulbs that light up the fiber optic in the center console.

    I am also in need of the bottom part of the steering column plastic cover.

    Dash sould be back in place and working this weekend




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  4. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    Did you try Redbaycars.com in Belgium for that lower plastic cover ?
     
  5. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Mar 13, 2016
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    Good morning:
    I have reached to them, I know Stefan very well and sadly he does not have one at the moemnt.

    Thank you very much,
     
  6. UsernameBob

    UsernameBob Rookie

    Jan 21, 2025
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    Rob Dyer
    My fog lights were not working. I unplugged them at the light unit and suddenly they worked, but only if half unplugged. I am going to have to take the plugs apart and clean the terminals properly as WD40 is not doing it.
     
  7. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    Apr 25, 2010
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    WD40 is good for cleaning out crud. Then spray with Deoxit, it's magic on all connections on our cars. I put that stuff on every connector I come across when working on my car.
    Alden
     
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  8. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Thank you, I will try this over the weekend.
     
  9. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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  10. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Hello everyone
    I would like to ask for feedback on the use of LED bulbs

    Over the weekend, I took a closer look at why the fog lights aren't coming on. When I opened them up, I noticed that two of the bulbs on each side had been replaced with LEDs.

    I wanted to ask for opinions or best practice when it comes to using LEDs. Of course, it would be nice to have all the lights converted to LED since they’re brighter and more modern, That said, I’ve also heard that LEDs can sometimes cause issues.

    What would you guys recommend? Are there any downsides to having a mix of LED and standard bulbs, or is it better to stay consistent?

    I’d really appreciate your advice on this. I’ve attached a photo for your reference.

    Thanks very much,



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  11. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    Why LEDs?! Yes, because they are much brighter than regular bulbs. I also installed LEDs for the turn signals. Initially a problem because they do not combine with the turn signal relay. I solved this by installing regular bulbs in parallel, hidden in the trunk, so that they compensate for the wattage.
     
  12. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    After failing to get my fog lights to work with the dash switch, I found out mine were wired "Euro" style at the factory and only work with the pull to "flash to pass" function on the headlamp stalk.
    I installed some auxiliary driving lights in the lower grill, I use them as daytime driving lights as well.
    Alden
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  13. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    thank you for this tip.
     
  14. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    It is possible mine are also wired out of style like yours because I cannot get them to work with the console switch.

    there is also something strange because it seems like my headlight lever does not have the ability to be pulled, in other words I don’t seem to be able to pull it towards me, the driver regardless of where it is meaning that if it’s up, down or turned,

    thank you.
     
  15. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    Remember they're only supposed to work from the dash switch with the low beam headlights on, I think.
    Alden
     
  16. UsernameBob

    UsernameBob Rookie

    Jan 21, 2025
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    I like the look of the seats. Some parts of my interior look waxy white black. Can I ask what did you use on the seats?
     
  17. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Thank you Alden, that makes sense, this note will allow me to test objectively and try to find why they are not working

    Thanks
     
  18. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Yes of course, I have dyed them with alcohol based dye.
    You can see the product here.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/180948757300?var=480185624782
     
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  19. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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    Mar 13, 2016
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    Good evening
    Does anyone know how to take out the rear seat panels?
    I don't seem to find any fasteners and I just don't want to break anyghtin

    Thank you all for any feedback


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  20. RicSinger

    RicSinger Formula Junior
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  21. UsernameBob

    UsernameBob Rookie

    Jan 21, 2025
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    Those seats all look great. You have convinced me to go rectify mine.

    All my seatbelts were stuck or not catching. I found it was the small gear had a bit of corrosion on it. So I drilled off the rivets on the side and just used wd40 and a toothbrush and they all work good now. I did not rivet the side covers back as they clip on well and I suspected I would be jinxing my repair if I secured it too well… I reckon you could use long bolts though in place of the rivets.


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