Will a 355 spider top converted to manual be as tight? | FerrariChat
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Will a 355 spider top converted to manual be as tight?

Discussion in '348/355' started by Robbe, Nov 17, 2015.

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  1. Robbe

    Robbe Formula Junior
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    #1 Robbe, Nov 17, 2015
    Just wondering, if you convert a 355 spider top to manual, will it be as tight and straight as compared to a hydraulic operated one?

    As the closing hooks do not act as tightening clamps, like for example in a top that was designed to be a manual. On many manual cabrio tops the clamps grip in the direction of the car, with closing you pull the top straight and tight
    The 355 clamping hooks are operating sideways, and not in the direction of the car, so they cannot tighten the hood with the closing movement.
    The hydraulic system on the other hand can push the first hinge on the rear deck down a bit, straightening/tightening the top from the rear side.

    Why do I ask this? Because my top was already converted, and when I want the top just a little tighter looking, I can do that with adjusting the 3 bolts at the back on each side, but then I cannot close the top on the front anymore because the pins end up on the edge of their brackets.


    Anybody know a solution? I have already considered lining the rear ramps with an extra layer of cloth, making them just a little higher and thus making the top appear tighter.
     
  2. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    #2 drbob101, Nov 17, 2015
    Good point and one that hasn't been discussed in regard to disabling the top mechanics.
     
  3. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #3 bcwawright, Nov 17, 2015

    +1
     
  4. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

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    #4 Mitch Alsup, Nov 17, 2015
    Are the 348 tops not tight and crisp?
     
  5. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3

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    #5 97 Spider, Nov 17, 2015
    Yeah what Mitch said, it's the exact same latching mechanism on the 348 spider manual top as the 355 so I would suspect the problem is elsewhere.
     
  6. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #6 bcwawright, Nov 17, 2015
    No....just the front latches at the windshield are the same.

    The stiffening of the back sect is totally different
     
  7. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3

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    #7 97 Spider, Nov 17, 2015
    Right, he was specifically asking about the front latches and if the fact that they don't pull forward is why it's not tight. I basically said no that's not the reason because it is the same front latch design on the front of the 348 top hence the problem is somewhere else as in, as you said, the rear framing or his top fabric is just stretched and loose.
     
  8. Robbe

    Robbe Formula Junior
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    #8 Robbe, Nov 17, 2015
    when I adjust the rear mounting plates on the car (3 bolts each side), the top is too tight to close.
    The extra room I have is on the rear butresses, so adjusting the rear really helps. But as said I then cannot close it that easy anymore, it is too tight.
    So I loosened the rear a bit again, and now I can close it easily, but the rear could be visually tighter again.
    I checked the top construction, nothing seems bent.

    In my opinion the top construction is not meant to straighten it by means of the front hooks.
    Unfortunately, as my experience with other cabrios is that adjusting those front clamps is the best way normally...and with a 355 that will not work
     
  9. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #9 bcwawright, Nov 17, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2015

    You are correct....

    The big problem starts at the b-pillar section which can effect the sail panel area of the 355 convertible top

    The front latch area should have no effect on the stiffness/crispness of the canvas
     
  10. Robbe

    Robbe Formula Junior
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    #10 Robbe, Nov 17, 2015
    ok, so I will readjust the rear bolts so the top closes nicely, and go looking for other possible problems.
    Thanks.
     
  11. Shootfighter65

    Shootfighter65 Formula 3

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    #11 Shootfighter65, Nov 17, 2015
    Mine is tight. And looks great. Will try an send a pic
     
  12. Shootfighter65

    Shootfighter65 Formula 3

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    #12 Shootfighter65, Nov 17, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. Shootfighter65

    Shootfighter65 Formula 3

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    #13 Shootfighter65, Nov 17, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  14. Shootfighter65

    Shootfighter65 Formula 3

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    #14 Shootfighter65, Nov 17, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  15. Robbe

    Robbe Formula Junior
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    #15 Robbe, Nov 17, 2015
    that sure look great!
    thanks for the inspiration.
     
  16. Shootfighter65

    Shootfighter65 Formula 3

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    #16 Shootfighter65, Nov 17, 2015
    I was waiting in line at the school to pick up my daughter when I read your thread.....I got out started snapping pics with my Iphone. I must have looked like an arrogant ass....
    converting it to manual has nothing to do with fit....How it is now is how it will be when its converted
     
  17. ready321now

    ready321now Formula Junior

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    #17 ready321now, Nov 21, 2015
    I converted mine, and it is tight...but the pivoting bar on the passenger side needs a little nudge to click into place when putting the top up, and then it takes up the slack and is tight.
     

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