Control mechanism for spyder 348 vs 355? | FerrariChat
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Control mechanism for spyder 348 vs 355?

Discussion in '348/355' started by vail, Jul 31, 2006.

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  1. vail

    vail Formula Junior

    Jun 26, 2006
    284
    Vail
    Full Name:
    Donaldo
    #1 vail, Jul 31, 2006
    I am researching which F car to eventually purchase. My heart goes out to a spyder but I know there are significant drawbacks. The first question goes to spyder owners. Does the 348 have a manual mechanism and does it work properly? How much time is spent trying to fix it to be easier to work? The same question for 355 owners. Does the hydrallic mechanism need constant attention and does it seal well? I live in the mountains of Colorado where it rains unexpectedly and frequently. Will I be dissappointed in a convertable top?

    I know that spyders are not as rigid as berlinettas but is it significantly noticable or the trade off not worth it, especially with the above noted conditions?

    Thanks for your help.
     
  2. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
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    Mr. Sideways
    #2 No Doubt, Jul 31, 2006
    348's are almost entirely manual. Manual top, manual transmission, manual shocks, manual steering, manual seats.

    355's are all power.

    It takes me two minutes to raise my 348 canvas top.

    If you want a compromise between full convertible or full race hardtop, go for the TS versions of the 348 or 355. It's a one-piece top.

    Interestingly enough, the convertible top doesn't leak, while some TS tops do leak. That seems counter-intuitive to me, but that's Italian.
     
  3. vail

    vail Formula Junior

    Jun 26, 2006
    284
    Vail
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    Donaldo
    #3 vail, Aug 1, 2006
    Thanks for the reply. Have you had to "keep on top of this or is it reasonably fault free? Are there failures of this mechanical mechanism?

    For the 355 drivers- how does your top work? Any failures. I saw one thread that the owner disconnected the power to the top to convert it to manual.

    Thanks,
     
  4. tjacoby

    tjacoby F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,857
    Vancouver Canada
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    tj
    #4 tjacoby, Aug 2, 2006
    Can't speak for the "spyder" but the "spider" top on my 348 works fine :D <sorry! Ferrari Geek joke>

    It's a pretty simple mechanism - a little stiff on mine, but no problems. It does leak a slight bit at one point in heavy rain. ironically - I've driven it in heavy rain with the top down on the highway and have also stayed dry. no big deal.

    There's been a few postings of the 355 mechanism being more than a few $'s to fix when it fails - but heresay may not be admisable in the Fchat courtroom.

    Probably takes longer to secure the tonneau cover than to lower the top.
     
  5. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    #5 No Doubt, Aug 2, 2006
  6. vail

    vail Formula Junior

    Jun 26, 2006
    284
    Vail
    Full Name:
    Donaldo
    #6 vail, Aug 2, 2006
    That link was great for me. Appreciate all the help.

    Don
     

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