Mondial convertible cover | FerrariChat

Mondial convertible cover

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by RockinRon, May 28, 2009.

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  1. RockinRon

    RockinRon Rookie

    May 26, 2009
    32
    Sunbury, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Ron Fuller
    Is there a good way to loosen the leather cover for the top on my cabriolet? The leather is too taught to fasten the two connectors that are where the rear part of the engine cover meets the main body. I don't want to pull too har for fear I'll rip and tear the leather. Any recommendation would be appreciated.
     
  2. birddog

    birddog Formula Junior

    Jun 24, 2006
    415
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Ed
    Just an initial response, but are you sure your top is completely down? It is possible to gain another inch or two if the top seems like it is all the way down but it isn't. That being said - DON'T try to force it - just make sure the window is folded correctly (consider protecting it from scratches with a thin towel or part of a sheet if you like), the top material is folded correctly, and that everything is folded all the way down. "Correctly" just means nice neat folds, no bunching of material, and everything is folded about as flat as it can get. I find the I have to readjust the top to get my top cover to fit about 1/3 of the times I put the top down.

    If the top is down all the way and it still doesn't fit, it might be time for some leather conditioner and a little stretching over a number of days. Just like the fabric top, if the material hasn't been stretched by being used for a while it will shrink a little. Pick your favorite leather conditioner, follow the directions, and keep trying to gently stretch it into place over time with repeated conditioner applications. When you get it, leave it on for a while so it gets used to that again.

    Hope this helps, although admittedly these are just ideas. I haven't dealt directly with this problem myself, and hopefully someone that has can chime in and give you a little more info.
     
  3. FamilyCar

    FamilyCar Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 26, 2007
    787
    Seattle, Wa
    Full Name:
    Peter Goodall
    I have a similarly shrunken boot cover. I've tried a variety of leather conditioners and fluids that are supposed to stretch it, but they haven't done much. Once it is installed, though, it does stretch some if left on for a few days.

    From reading your post carefully, it seems your problem is with the ends of the points, furthest back? I've always had trouble with the two connections at the front edge of the engine cover, at the inside corners of the stowed top. I've considered having the straps that connect to "package shelf" area just behind the rear seats lengthened to create a bit more length there.

    Perhaps that would work for you as well. Good luck.
     
  4. davebdave

    davebdave Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 18, 2007
    2,381
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    Dave W
    #4 davebdave, May 29, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Remember this scene from Scent of a Woman? Now that I know the car I cringe every time I see how they folded the top in that movie.

    At first those two rear snaps were a bear for us also. What we did is condition the leather (leatherique) and experiment with closing the top and with the order of snap attachment. Now we fold the plastic window into the fold behind the latches so there is no heavy crease in the window and everything lays down really well. Then attach the clips behind the seats first followed by the doors. Then stretch the leather up and over the top to do the difficult snaps in front of the engine lid. The key is to stretch the leather so that it does not pull on the top. You sort of arc it over and then push straight down into the clip. When everything is tight it looks really good. I wouldn't modify your boot, you probably want it tight at 150 mph.
    Dave
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  5. ronfrohock

    ronfrohock F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 16, 2004
    4,154
    MA
    Full Name:
    Ron Frohock
    I spoke to a cobbler and he told me to fill a bottle half isopropyl alcohol and half water. Apply it to the leather. Really saturate it.....
    Then begin to stretch it, holding it in place while it dries.

    I did this to my cover and I have to say it really worked.

    Now for the disclamer...... Do this at your own risk. As I said it worked really well for me.

    - Ron Frohock
     

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