Mondial t convertible top trouble

I think you're probably doing something wrong, the way the top folds is not intuitive. What you think should go down should go up. B pillars can get in the way. Or someone may have tried to force the top and bent something. Folding the top is easy once you know how to do it. See this video below.
Alden

 

Hey Wingnut,
Known problem, but really there is nothing wrong with your top.
Answered it a while ago:
Mondial convertible top instructions + photos | Page 2 | FerrariChat

It seems that the first hinges that come down need to enter the cups, but those actually have to slide towards the back.
Then there is a second hinge that will nest neatly inside.
Hope the link works.

Mondy Cab

 

There's a good video on the web showing how to put the top down...take a look as see if you are doing it correctly.

 

Lubricating the joints is good to help everything move well.

There are also slides inside the buttresses at the very back that are hard to see and respond well to lubrication. Basically, the member that is the top of the buttress slides back some in the clip that holds it to the body--part 10 on the attached diagram.
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Hi Wingnut,
Yes, as I do not want the leather to tear at that point, I normally guide that hitting hinge backwards with my finger under it, just before it touches that back rim of the cup. One side will do, even better when having a companion helping with the other side.
What remains the most important part is lifting that top bar as a very first step after releasing the sliders at the windshield. (well shown in the video)
Failing to do so will jam the top aprox. 3/4 down. Any violence will damage it undoubtedly.

I also found that gently removing (pulling toward the back of the car) all possible fabric of the top from the bars, allows the whole structure to fold down amazingly low. Many claim about this top being the worse nightmare, but it is actually a piece of art. Fragile, yes, but ingenious if you look at it.
With the structure folded down low, it also helps to gently pull the fabric out towards both sides to avoid creases that might (or will after time) cause cracks.
I then fold the loose fabric back towards the front and with a hand somewhere a the height of the rear seat-backs, fold it back again so it meets exactly where the engine cover starts.
My leather cover now fits snugly and does not mind 125mph turbulences.

 

Any lubrication of movement points in the convertible top support structure must ensure that not one drop touches the fabric. No - I didn’t make that mistake.

Said another way - lithium grease spray is a $3,000+ mistake. SG


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Seems that I need to fuss with the top a bit more than I have. Thanks for the advice Mondi. By the way, how do you stop the leather cover from "flapping it's wings", the sides of the cover that form a loose U by the inside rear windows? It seems to me there should be a snap attachment at the bottom of the U on both sides.[/QUOTE]

Hi Wingnut,
Good question. As I did buy the Mondi as the family-convertible, we normally go out the 5 of us. (yes 5: Me, wife, 2 children and the Mondial of course)
I guess the kids rest their shoulders or arm against those U's so I actually never noticed much flapping.
However I replaced all of those Tennax fasteners, because two were broken and came loose at 80mph+.
Cheers, Mondi Cab.

 

Hi Wingnut,
Good question. As I did buy the Mondi as the family-convertible, we normally go out the 5 of us. (yes 5: Me, wife, 2 children and the Mondial of course)
I guess the kids rest their shoulders or arm against those U's so I actually never noticed much flapping.
However I replaced all of those Tennax fasteners, because two were broken and came loose at 80mph+.
Cheers, Mondi Cab.[/QUOTE]

I agree. Slow down if you can’t stand the “trying to lift-off” noise!


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I cannot get my convertible to reach