575 SuperAmerica hood - Problems and why?

Not sure about the real cause but a lot of owners try to avoid driving with the top up to reduce tension.
There is no fix or solution to delamination except replacement.
Even delaminated in spots, still is working and changes the darkness.
Ferrari came up with a new improved Revochromico roof that was a great replacement under warranty or at about $40k for those unlucky sods without it.
There are no reports of delamination in any of these replacement roofs, mine is 6 years old and still looks perfect.
There are minor problems with the other hardware, mostly with the ECU that may have to be replaced at about $1500.

 

Original cause was the same with any Ferrari part. Get away with cheap and hope the warranty ends before you find the problem. (See 355 valve guides for just one other example.)
Replacement only and I am surprised at any availability. Not surprised at the price though.
Replacements were of higher quality and faded/cleared faster. Hoped they would have made it lighter, but I don't think that happened.
Only problems we ever saw (outside of the delamination) were carrier failures from overuse of the "cool factor." Don't cycle it 20X/day. Film it and show it that way.

 

Replacement, I don't think they still make these roofs, although when one is needed it can always become available as far as I know.
Better then original but still heavy, I remember one of the mechanics at LFSC dropped a brand new unit (total loss)

 

In my experience and I have had my SA for almost 10 years now.
1. I am convinced that the vehicular torsion of a coupe converted to a convertible, even with additional stiffness in the chassis, is a cause of delamination if the car can "twist" a little with the roof clamped shut across the windshield. I only drive mine with the roof open for this reason (unless of course I get caught in the rain)....then I drive with suspension in soft mode and very carefully avoiding bumps and potholes.
It is still in perfect condition and it is the original roof (but late manufacture, so don't know if that makes a difference). It also had the ECU changed as a factory recall, way back when.

2. The glass goes cloudy in patches, usually at the front of the glass. I think some photographs have been posted of this phenomenon in the past.

3. By all accounts, yes. After 10 years, Ferrari are not obliged to supply spare/replacement parts.

4. The only other problem I have experienced with the hood are the two very small gas struts fade and cannot support the roof mechanism as it opens and closes. There are techniques for "helping" it by hand and keeping the trunk open when the roof is resting on it (trusted Golf Umbrella!). These struts are relatively hard to find now, although I presume the old ones could be rejuvenated. On the other hand they are relatively cheap and easy to replace.....or at least that's what I found when I did it last time. They are getting to that stage where they need replacing again, I might add, for the second time in 10 years.

Hope that helps.
PAUL

 

Hi ttn27,
I've had mine since new, changed the roof because of electric motor problems, not delamination. Apparently was lucky and got one of the improved ones since have not had an issue at all. Never ride with the roof down and always on "sport". Down in S.Fla the roads are fairly good year round. Have had a lot of issues with radios, now have an Alpine system in. The nitrogen struts , both front and rear need replacing every once in a while (both are about one year new) and its on the fourth battery. All normal. One special problem has been the weather stripping at the rear of the roof, it has gotten wavy and rippled. Apart from that, it has been a great car. Love it. Oh, and have had the "stickies" repaired already.

 

Attached are photos of delamination. Really fugly in person. No cure other than a new roof, which AFAIK is unobtainable from Ferrari. Some have suggested covering a compromised roof with carbon fiber. That will of course eliminate the see-through, but the roof can still be opened.

I don't have an informed opinion about the theory that flexing is the cause of the glass delam. I was told that the cause was a malfunctioning controller for the variable opacity feature. An upgraded controller was the supposed fix. My Superamerica has the original roof and an upgraded opacity controller. There are no signs of delamination--FINGERS CROSSED!

The "assist struts" that cushion the roof as it lands on the boot lid when opening (and windshield top when closing) are readily available directly from the manufacturer for something like $120 each. Labor to install them is around $1500.
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Knock wood, no delamination. I have owned mine since 2007 second owner and 12k miles. I drive with roof up much of the time but usually not in sport.

Great car. Just got to ride behind it the other day. Don't usually get to appreciate it from the outside in motion. In love again.

Mario

 

I had a couple of ripples on the rear weather strip but nothing small touch of glue could not fix. Also had the stickies fixed! Four batteries too....and new Tyres....just because of age/wall cracks, not tread depth. New clutch position sensor and two fuel pumps (one cracked, one faulty). Has cost me less in 10 years than my 300E Merc in same time (but only fifth of the mileage of course)

Thanks
PAUL

 

Love that colour for an SA. Sometimes wish mine was not "resale red" 322 Rosso Corsa!
What colour is it? Makes it look even more "quietly understated" and attractive.
PAUL

 

The Superamerica in the photos of glass roof delam is Rubino Micalizzato. It had a Bordeaux interior, similar in color to the Rubino exterior. IMO, the Bordeaux with Rubino was too much of a good thing.
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Hi
Re: Revochromico
How can one tell if the roof is from the 1st generation of roofs, or the improved version?
Thanks

 

Ask the vendor for a copy of the replacement work order.