OK, so how does one make a 355 top manual? | FerrariChat
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OK, so how does one make a 355 top manual?

Discussion in '348/355' started by ActionFigure, Oct 21, 2005.

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  1. ActionFigure

    ActionFigure Formula Junior

    Sep 2, 2005
    440
    Cary NC
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #1 ActionFigure, Oct 21, 2005
    I am tired of my top not working correctly from day one and am entertaining thoughts of making it manual. Having disconnected the rams, the top can be worked manually, but feels flimsy (according to the shop that did this for me). Is that how it should be done? Or is there more to disconnect (or not disconnect for that matter). Right now it seems the pump for the rams is bad and I just think going manual may be the way. I just want to see the best way to "make it so". Thanks!
     
  2. CornellCars

    CornellCars Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2005
    1,102
    South Florida
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #2 CornellCars, Oct 21, 2005
    Did the manual override switch ever work even though the center button didn't?
     
  3. ActionFigure

    ActionFigure Formula Junior

    Sep 2, 2005
    440
    Cary NC
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #3 ActionFigure, Oct 21, 2005
    Oh yea, been there done that with the manual switch. Now it looks like the pump is the real culprit, it is not putting out enough pressure to the rams (according to my shop). I guess making the top manual is the equivalent of throwing in the towel on getting it to work. I just don't know if even getting the pump replaced if I feel comfortable with having the top down and having it not come up during a storm. I even tried working it with the manual bolt thing and that was dicey. Basically, looking for the best way to make it manual.
     
  4. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    19,963
    The Cold North
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #4 tbakowsky, Oct 21, 2005
    Well..you would have to rewire the power seats so they work without the use of the top ECU..or have them swapped from a 335B. Then I would just completly remove the eniter power top unit and rams, and there you have it..one manual 355 roof!! You could probably add some extra hinge points were the rams were attached to give it some extra stability but I would think that would be all you need to do.

    Or if you feel really adventurous..grab a roof from a 348 spider..I'm sure it would fit with some elbow grease and a hammer!!;)
     
  5. ActionFigure

    ActionFigure Formula Junior

    Sep 2, 2005
    440
    Cary NC
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #5 ActionFigure, Oct 21, 2005
    Dang, forgot about the sensors for the seats AND the windows.... I guess they have to be fooled into thinking the top is always up or down? Anyone out there have a "cookbook" on how they did the whole deal?
     
  6. richard_wallace

    richard_wallace Formula 3

    Feb 6, 2004
    1,957
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Richard Wallace
    #6 richard_wallace, Oct 21, 2005
    Do a quick search - I think I posted a general how to along with a few other 355 owners on how this could be done... It can be done and it is not all that hard BTW... Search on 355 spider top - or my name and look back a year or so ago...
     

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