348 - My 348 Softtop.... my build! | FerrariChat
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348 My 348 Softtop.... my build!

Discussion in '348/355' started by Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020.

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  1. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #1 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
    Prelude: I had been looking for the better part of 3 years, only to find any for sale seemed to have that 'Ferrari Tax' associated with the price. Some wanted north of $5K US! Finally I found one in Belgium for 950Euros. Seller gave me a quote for shipping and I accepted. While I was off arranging a Euro bank Transfer the seller became strangely quiet. Next day He writes to say he's going to keep it... BS!!! A week later the 'NEW' owner of the softtop announces over the 348 owners forum..."look what he bought"! The prick had bought it, even though I had specifically announced through the owners' forum I had purchased it. This world has all kinds... but when it's an 'owners forum' I would have expected better! That was the last straw... now my build.
    Build: 1st off, I want to thank a friend from Britain(Adrian Payne). Without all his excellent pics of his OEM one, I would have been lost. The idea is the same, but my framework uses 3/4 x 1/2 rectangular tubing for front & rear crossmembers.... and a pita to shape in the forward crossmember with its compound side curves. The rear is pretty straightforward. I enlisted a good fabricator(he did some work for Carroll Shelby's Mustang way back when!) for those 2 bars. I was glad I did, as I would have fought with the compound bends of the roof line for ages! I used 3/16 x 1/2 flat bar for the 'hinges'. The mid tube was thin-walled 3/4" tube. The rest of the frame was simple hardware, welding, grinding...etc! I enlisted a really good convertible roof/upholstery guy who knew his stuff. He convinced me to pay more for a high end fabric, rather than the usual Sunbrella stuff. Again, I'm glad he did! The project went well, finished well over 2 months ago... but too lazy to write this up until now. Very happy with the result. Before anyone asks... NO, I won't be building more, well maybe if someone wants to pay the 'Ferrari Tax'! LOL!
    PICS: plenty of them.... will probably fill the 1st page!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #2 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
    Frame nearing completion...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    how it sits...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  3. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #3 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
    Upside Down...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Finally... on the rear deck behind seats...
    [​IMG]
     
  4. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,422
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    #4 Qavion, Aug 29, 2020
    Is anyone else having problems viewing the images?

    Sorry to hear about your experience on the buyers/sellers forums. I have seen another example of slightly unethical behaviour, but I think it's the exception rather than the rule.
     
    albert328gts likes this.
  5. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
    Sponsor Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2018
    5,728
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #5 Ferrarium, Aug 29, 2020
    Links are broken yes, they are not showing up.
     
    Qavion likes this.
  6. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #6 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
  7. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #7 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
  8. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #8 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
    Qavion likes this.
  9. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #9 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
    EDIT "I used 3/16 x 1/2 flat bar for the 'hinges'. " actually used 3/16 x 5/8 flatbar... Geez, can I screw up more!
     
  10. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 20, 2015
    14,422
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Ian Riddell
    #10 Qavion, Aug 29, 2020
    Your mechanical wizardry more than compensates for your lack of skills in other areas ;)

    What did you have on your car originally? Did you use some of the components from the original roof?
     
    albert328gts likes this.
  11. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
    Sponsor Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2018
    5,728
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #11 Ferrarium, Aug 29, 2020
    SLK Seats! Nice work on the top, I may do that. Thanks fort sharing.
     
  12. Koenig1

    Koenig1 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2016
    328
    Ottawa ON
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    #12 Koenig1, Aug 29, 2020
    Qavion... the original targa is sitting in my basement. I played around with using the targa lock-down clamps, but in the end, no need. Targa is only used for the long trailer ride to FL each winter... which, unfortunately, won't happen this year (Covid)!
    Ferrarium... love the SLK's, super comfortable! That said, it sits one a bit higher, about .6 inch. I'm 5'10" so not a problem, but if one is 6' +, then, problem. My OEM seats are stored with the roof, ready for the next owner, should I ever decide to sell.... not likely, LOL!
    thanks guys...
     
    Qavion likes this.
  13. A348W

    A348W Formula 3

    Jun 28, 2017
    1,849
    North Wiltshire, UK
    #13 A348W, Aug 30, 2020
    Simon, glad I could help out. It looks like a really good job.

    For storage I ordered two tool box securing straps from Ferrari, a bargain at about £20 each, and attached then to the “parcel shelf”. Targa sits neatly there and looks OEM.

    Enjoy the rest of the driving season (love the rims).
     

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