430 Spider roof problems

You were absolutely right. It’s a casting mark. BTW, my $8k comment was for new fabric on the roof. Not the entire structure. And looking at the issue with a fresh glass of wine, it seems the bar that provides shape to the roof was not moving correctly. As correctly identified earlier, the elastic is useless and allowed the bar to remain in a forward position, which in turn, prevents the roof from folding flat enough to fit. Reaching in and flipping the bar back allowed the roof to fold flat enough. So in short, the elastic is shot, I don’t have a cracked part, it’s still not lined up correctly when the roof is closed, but it is functioning. Has anyone replaced the soft top themselves? I’m wondering what’s really involved....but that may be the wine talking.
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Just to close out on this. Firstly, thanks to everyone that took the time to post, each suggestion helped with my trouble shooting. For anyone reading this thread, start with checking the lubrication of the roof, inspect the cables when the roof is half open, check the condition of the elastic (this is one of my major issues) & make sure there is sufficient fluid in the system. All the above can be done in 45 mins. If you still have problems after that.....you may have a real problem.

I think I'm still looking at replacing the fabric on the roof, but everything seems to function well, if not totally aligned as I'd like. Of course, I could just fold the roof down and forget about it and go drive the darned thing.

 

The $8k number was one I pulled out of thin air. The $36k I believe came from someone very knowledgeable and involved replacing the entire roof mechanism. So, I'd take the $36k to be a real number based on the experience of someone that works on these cars for a living. My number ($8k) has no basis in truth, just a SWAG. I am surprised nobody updated the number with a realistic estimate for replacing the canvas on a 360/430...given the age of these cars & someone must have done this. I do see the canvas part for sale around $2k.