F355 spider roof questions

Does it work with the switch?
Most roof mechanism repairs are fairly straightforward and inexpensive, as we have developed workarounds for most faults.
If it does not work from the regular switch, does it work from the emergency switch?
If not, probably seat potentiometers. Search threads on those and you'll find out how to fix them.
You'll love the car!

 

the top on my 355 spider has only had one problem and that was with the seat potentiometer other than that it has worked without any problems.
I fixed the seat pot thing myself, and I'm not a mechanic.....

 

This reminds me I should put my roof up one of these years LOL

Honestly its like any other convertible in terms of maintenance. I have had drop tops consecutively since 1974. If it's in your blood you will love it if not you will hate it.

Let the sun shine babay its good for your soul

 

I think the main failure mode, historically has been the seat potentiometers. They're not hard, nor expensive to fix. (well documented here, if you ever need to fix one). Other than that, check your hydraulic oil once a year, and you should be all set.

I had a seat pot fail early on. No trouble with the top in the 5k miles since then; and mine goes down once and up once every time I drive it.

 

The spider roof is the most over engineered, over complicated, over rated, under performing piece of s*@t ever put on a moving vehicle.

Once it works it is fine. Mine did not not work when I got it. At all. I have spent far too much time trouble shooting this thing. The sequencing will drive you insane. I would like to meet the drunk Italian engineer that designed this POS so I can kick him in the nuts.

Make sure it operates before you buy the car....or set aside a reasonable amount of money to have a mechanic fix it.

One word of caution.....the seats not moving when you release the top and engage the top down switch is a problem related to the seat potentiometers that, as mentioned, can be easily repaired.

HOWEVER, The seat not moving with the seat switch most likely means the relay on the board that controls the top sequence is bad and the board needs to be replaced.... $3800.

The top forks engaging the lifting pins is another beauty that requires time to twist and pull the frame until the whole mechanism is in synch.

When you test it, make sure you "help" the first bar rearward of the front frame upward as the top moves back. Otherwise it will get stuck. The over powered pump will be driven to a point that bends the framework and then the forks will not engage in the lift pins on the way back up.

The solution is to apply new elastic straps to the frame work to ensure it is pulled backwards automatically.

Gaaaaaahhhhhhh.

Let me quickly add, there is no better expereince than driving down the road with the top down in a 355 listening to that engine howling behind you. Aaaaahhhhh

 

The bulk of the issues are tied to that yes.

Sequence as I recall it:

Doors closed
Parking brake on
Release roof clamp
Move header bar up slightly...releases windshield micro switch
Windows drop to per-determined levels - engages micro switches on inside of window frame to stop movement
Engage and hold top down switch
Seats record current location and move forward and stop as determined by seat potentiometers
Top begins retraction
Help first articulating cross member up as top moves back
Top drops into place behind seats
Seats return to previous location as noted by Seat potentiometers
Windows move back into full up position
Sequence stops
Say small thank you prayer to spider top Gods
Install boot

 

Can any of you fit in the car when the seats go forward before the top goes down?

 

My 1997 F355 spider roof has been very reliable. Bought in 2004 with 27,500 miles and now have over 59,500 miles. Only have to check fluid and top it up every two or three years. No other issues.

That said, previous owner never checked fluid, let it run dry and had to replace two of the hydraulic cylinders. Also, just before purchase, one seat pot failed and was replaced by the dealer.

Knocking wood....

 

the question is:
Can any of you fit in the car when the seats go forward before the top goes down?

Yes I'm in the car the whole time. I'm 5'-7.5", no problem )

 

lol It's clear you have never owned a 2005 Mercedes Cl600 with athe ABC suspension system Now that is crappy.

 

It's hard but it can be done.

At 6 feet, 240 lbs, here's what I do:

-get in the car
-turn on engine
-put windows down completely
-move seats all the way forward (very tight)
-release roof and push it backwards until you hear a beep (when the roof is on)
-push the button backwards and the roof will set down (sometimes it gets jammed so don't force and let go of the button. I have to manually jiggle it so it folds down the proper way)

It can be quite an adventure and a workout but so far I've had very few problems......!!!!

 

Made mine manual best thing i could of ever done..5 sec up 5 sec down never a problem.

 

I have read this so many times over many years. But as yet no one has posted any information or pictures of this conversion.
Will you be the first to prove this has been done?

 

I will post in detail,very soon it only took about 1 hour,but if i do remember.. i think i had to unplug the little micro switch on the drivers side of the top ,so the power seats would still work.

 

I owned a 355 spider- understand this: at some point you will have an issue with the roof. I don't care how great it works when you buy it. Fantastic car, miss it, love my 360 now but understand this: at some point you will have an issue with the roof.

AND DEALING WITH IT WHEN YOU DO WILL RUIN YOUR WEEK.

 

Get used to squeak noises and water leaks.
IMO worth the top down experience.

edit: don't pressure wash the car, unless you want to sit on a gallon of water

 

Love to here what you did also. I would love to pull my pumps, rams and put that 50 pounds in storage rather then in the car

 

Pressure wash the car? Ouch....really?

I had issues, but once I had it right it never squeaked and never leaks....and I drove through two heavy rains just this past summer.

The top needs attention, but it seems to protect really well once fully up to spec.

 

#1 releave pressure from top by undoing flat head screw from the pump motor center console
#2 your top rams you can leave in the car,just remove the 13mm bolt holding each ram to the frame .you can then zap strap ram to the frame, you don't have to remove the the philips screws on the ball end.or if you like you can remove the whole ram.
#3 remove both side bottom rams from car / make sure to undo both lines/ allan key bolt and 17 mm nut/tape up both lines so that they don't leak/replace 17mm nut with thinner nut from local parts store/ org seem to stick a bit when putting top up and down.
#4 top center switch <console> undo plug because if you dont motor will still work and can make a big mess if turned on.I think its best to leave the oil in the motor.
#5 unhook the little micro switch plug on the side of the drivers seat on the top frame. if you don't your power windows and seats will not WORK.
#6 now your power top is manual!!! no more being stuck in the rain, and it only takes 5 sec to put up or down,best thing i could of done to my 355.
#7 just remember when putting top up or down ...your back sides of both seats must be forward.If not the top will hit the seats as you try to put it down,you dont have to move the whole seat forward.The whole job takes about 1 hour. GOOD LUCK

 

Fantastic Info to have! Thank You very much for posting this.
I've been wondering how to go about this for a very long time

I figure, my top works perfectly, but I would much rather keep it that way,
and just make the top manual for the time being!

Thanks again