Ferrari California's convertible top COSTS $26K! I fixed it for $5K!

We all know it costs a lot to own a Ferrari, but $26K for a convertible top is just insane! Luckily I was able to fix it for just $5,000! You've got to see what I did to save my customer over $20K! 🚗 CHECKOUT DANIEL-SAN'S CHANNEL: / @daniel-san464 ➡️ Don't forget to check out ‪@MrsWizardsWays‬
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#carrepair #carwizard #carmechanic #autorepairshop #coupe #ferrari #ferraricalifornia #supercars #supercar #expensivecars #expensive #convertiblecars #convertibles

[@houseofno]

For people who complain about the Car Wizard's prices, THIS is why you PAY a mechanic for his knowledge and expertise. He's not just some dumb grunt with a wrench. Kudos to the Car Wizard to skipping the temptation to enrich himself unnecessarily at the customer's expense, especially someone who owns a high end premium brand like Ferrari. Kudos to the Car Wizard for being top notch all the way.

[@williamegler8771]

Knowledge and expertise don't come cheap!

[@potatochobit]

car wizards prices are very fair and cheaper than a dealership but his opinions on sports cars are kind of dumb.

[@MichaelJames-lz7ni]

@@williamegler8771 $5,000 is a lot of "knowledge and experience" for something that shouldn't break to begin-with....

[@CarWizard]

@@MichaelJames-lz7nihalf that is the cost of the parts.

[@labourlawact7826]

​@MichaelJames-lz7ni Tell that to Ferrari. It's not the Wizard's fault cars come with built in planned obsolescence nowadays. He's actually SAVING the customer an arm and a leg. This is not an 80's Toyota Corolla that could run forever and you could fix in your backyard.

[@anthonybarnett6828]

The thing should have had metal guides to start with. This is a Ferrari not a yugo

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

Unfortunately all car manufacturers are using plastic parts, even Toyota. Worst offenders are the Europeans like BMW

[@davidnorton5887]

They lasted 12 years, so I guess its not too bad. It’s probably had plenty of other parts replaced already that never made even it to 12 years old.

[@skittlesbutwithchocolatein2274]

@@davidnorton5887good point

[@darrellsaunders4267]

Best reason to buy a HARDTOP!

[@oldrrocr]

Part of that dealer charge for $30,000, IMHO, is because they don't WANT to work on a car not in warranty.

[@craighughes3495]

Got a quote to fix the roof on my 911 for three grand, turns out the previous owner had left a ray ban case back there. They knew that’s all that was wrong with it. Be careful out there

[@labourlawact7826]

Wizard's shown us all the broken pieces, so there's nothing else to be aware of "out there"

[@stephencurry8552]

craighugh: I used to work on furr-are-E's. They were all owned by older white-male-republicans. I used to charge them the highest prices. For actual work. Nothing deceptive. If the moron complained about the price, I made the bill larger next time round. MAGA males are the dullest. So much ego and no talent.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Daniel-san is an ace. I enjoy his work with The Car Wizard!

[@scott8919]

Props to Daniel-san for putting gloves over the air intakes on the 360. I would have never even thought about that.

[@michaelbaka4777]

Great to see Daniel-san showing a bit of his skills in the shop! Make sure you keep up with his pay increases, he's a keeper!!! Daniel-san makes a great team with Wizard on diagnosing these exotics, plus they can BOTH wrench on them, if necessary. I've got an '05 Benz SL500 with the retractable roof, so I'm watching VERY closely to see what I can glean from these two masters. Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@houseofno]

While no longer with the Car Wizard, Magic Mike has Mercedes experience and his own channel.

[@redsidebiker]

Almost seems like it was designed to fail, much like many new vehicles today (BMW, I'm staring at you for shifting me away from yourselves). Top work from everyone at Omega.

[@jimamizzi1]

I find all convertible top’s fascinating, how everything has to work in perfect sequence, imagine someone asking you to design one, I wouldn’t know where to start

[@kuebby]

Danielson is an incredible mechanic. He's so comfortable with some of the most complicated engines and car parts in existence.

[@edwinfabro5111]

Can’t wait for the install on the new pieces!

[@jwelchon2416]

Years ago I had a 62 Thunderbird convertible. The top was thought to be so complicated that most shops wouldn't touch it. It was like a tarp compared to this Ferrari top.

[@JP-dw1fp]

The good news on those Thunderbird's was that all you had to do was disconnect the hydraulics and you had a manual top. Unhook the top, lift the trunk, and fold the top into the trunk. Done, and no repair bill.

[@houseofno]

Be glad you don't own a 60's Lincoln Continental hardtop convertible with the motorized folding hardtop. You can count the number of people who understand those on one hand today, and I bet they're not cheap either.

[@williamegler8771]

I remember passing one of these on the highway in my Saturn Astra like it was standing still... Granted it was slowing down for an exit ramp!

[@nitindavid5691]

I'd really like to see a video of the replacement of all the convertible roof elements!

[@markcarter9476]

No wonder Ferrari parts are so expensive, that box is lovely.

[@Ohimdead69.]

There's nothing car wizard cant fix on budget

[@wjanis1]

Good work, Danielson and Wizard!

[@sneaks01]

Daniel-San rocks!! So talented and such a hard worker! 😊

[@williamkelley7654]

I remember working in a small used car dealership from 2005-2010. The owner really liked BWM's and Mercedes because it made him feel more important. THe poor souls buying those 5yr+ old European cars and the new owner was completely unaware of the extreme price increase in basic services compared to North American cars. There would be almost 1 per week screaming at him in the office because they needed a $1500 4whl brakejob, oil changed were $200+ and tires on the more high end cars (which required special tires) were crazy expensive. If you don't have a good chunk of FU money, stay away.

[@potatochobit]

new BMWs are very reliable.

[@MichaelJames-lz7ni]

@@potatochobit No, they're not. The component prices for 'wear items' are eye-watering. Price BMW brake-rotors and pads vs. GM components, then get back to us.

[@JP-dw1fp]

@@potatochobit BWAHAHAHAHAAH. Right, sure....

[@tuberculosisoxcart1685]

1500 for all four wheels is downright cheap. I have a 2018 Audi s7. The dealer quoted me 5775 for all four corners. After I stopped laughing I found an independent shop that charges 2800 for the same job. I am definitely considering downsizing to a Miata. Hard to get that car over 115 mph. With the Audi it is hard to go under 115 mph lol

[@georgebettiol8338]

@@potatochobit German OEMs use lots of very poor quality 'breaky-breaky' plastics in the engine bays with BMW and VW-AUDI being the worst. The plastic radiators used on 'mid-teen' BMWs are particularly poor quality.

[@richknudsen5781]

I like my C5 top, you just grab it and gently push it down and flop the cover panel on it, easy peasy. The new C8 is just as crazy as this Ferrari.

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

I like my C5 Targa. 3 latches and store in the trunk - most you have to replace is the seals which takes about an hour to do.

[@wydopnthrtl]

I like my 04Z06 top.... only trouble I had is knocking my head on it as I get in. 😆

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

@@wydopnthrtl my heart bleeds for you tall guys. 😏 Seriously, I'm 6ft and its not terribly comfortable getting in or out. Its one of the reasons I drive with the top off as much as possible.

[@wydopnthrtl]

@@jeffreyrichard2575 yeah-but.... when I press the throttle... all cares evaporate. (04 Z06 Full exhaust, CAI, and Tune from ECS) Windows down... exhaust up... make me smile and forget all about YT. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV7XdaSMbsaWaZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5q9p2quebGSaq8

[@richknudsen5781]

@@wydopnthrtl Not knocking it just pointing out the repair cost on that thing will be just as ugly as the Ferrari is.

[@joey_still_learningw579]

You guys are awesome. I love when people know wtf they are doing, working on a Ferrari like a kid playing with Legos ....I love it!!

[@jorget.924]

I hope you linked that curtain rod n the description! 😂

[@robertfrank886]

This is exactly why I like a manual soft top on a convertible

[@efabiano82]

Convertibles are gay.

[@vegatrunks]

Thanks for the info. I'm doing dct rebuild on a California rn.

[@Graves-81_69]

From a looks stand point it’s beautiful. The gunmetal gray exterior color with the gold wheels and that shade of red interior is breathtaking. The color of the wheels reminds me of a Titanium Nitride finish

[@habbadabbado5765]

Daniel-san is a blessing!

[@user-pb4vg2qh9p]

Daniel-san such a nice guy, congratz on buying a ferrari

[@humanbraininrobotbod]

I bet guys in Newton drive by Omega and then watch the videos to see if they can hear their loud cars. I know I would.

[@Heinzkeller720]

You should have interracted more with Daniel, since he is the one doing the job on the california. He was just standing there while you were rambling on about the top. It was actually kind of wierd. I think he would have done a great job with explaining how to fix it.

[@CarWizard]

Fully disagree

[@jamestreanor182]

Danielson is so humble ❤

[@user-io4ie9gz9e]

50k more likes guys come on🎉🎉🎉 let's get this channel well deserved 1 million likes bcs he tells the truth 🎉🎉

[@almightypal]

$5k is still outrageous

[@jacobt1027]

Bet a good chunk of that is parts,Ferrari parts are not cheap.

[@guss2099]

That hatch behind the seats to access the belts it’s like the 987 Boxster S I had. Easy to work with.👍🏼

[@danf4616]

I have a 2010 Miata with a convertible hard top. Goes up and down in seconds. Doesn't leak. Doesn't break. Whole car cost less than the Ferrari top. Yeah, I know, it isn't a Ferrari... And I'm VERY glad it isn't! 😁 It's surprisingly quick. Fun on a budget! 👌👌

[@jasonparker3514]

The top repair cost more that my convertible Lexus SC 430....that NEVER breaks.

[@herrunsinn774]

10:17 Now hold on there! That's "the car's going up on the lift" music. It's not allowed to be played here. 😅🤣😂

[@gazzafloss]

The difference between a "real" mechanic and a "parts changer", customer pays for the "real" mech to fix things, "parts changer" plays while the customer pays.

[@Bizija123]

Reminds me of the VW Eos hardtop. My dad still owns one but boy is that top intimidating. We've managed to fix all the top issues on it ourselves. New rails, new guides, new seals on the hydraulic pump, some sensors, etc. There are so many position sensors on these things! Like ferrari and vw, they want to sell you an entirely new top!

[@alexoryan4910]

keep it up !

[@billwampler9608]

Engineering does not have to be this complicated.

[@wydopnthrtl]

Yeah but Italian coffee is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE than coffee in Detroit. 😆

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

With increasing government safety and fuel economy mandates the industry has to keep putting more crap (complexity on cars multitudes of airbags, blind spot sensors cameras emissions etc. make cars super complex along with all of the motors to do everything from opening doors. You want simple ? buy older cars and restore them

[@gregedmand9939]

Convertables are pretty much guaranteed to give you nightmares, if you plan on long-term ownership.

[@potatochobit]

miata tops are super easy to fix and have very few issues.

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

Not necessarily, I had a 1994 Miata with a convertible top and had very little difficulty with it. Just had to replace the fabric top every few years which took a few hours and about $400 - 600 to accomplish with simple tools and not much mechanical knowledge. Now the mechanical power operated tops in modern cars can be an absolute nightmare if you don't know how to fix them.

[@gregedmand9939]

@potatochobit I'm glad there are one or two out there to alleviate the general misery! 😉

[@bobbishop9339]

And that is why you go to school. Be an engineer for a car company and you to can make complicated top for a Ferrari. 😅

[@agrippa1234]

A few decades ago Automobile magazine did a piece on the "Cobrarri", a Superformance Cobra with a 12 cylinder Ferrari engine and five speed manual. Aside from the stick shift sitting a little higher in the tranny tunnel it was perfect. The other was in the LeMay museum in Tacoma, WA; a Studebacker wagon with, yes a Ferrari 12 cylinder transplant!

[@JP-dw1fp]

The moral of the story is, if you've ever owned a Fiat, expect the same UN-reliability, non existent quality control, with a Ferrari but at 10 times the price. And yes, Ferrari's are still setting themselves on fire. So there's that.

[@charlesyoung9980]

When I first read the title, I thought it read that he fixed it for 5 bucks!!

[@BMW7series251]

Me too!!

[@darkiee69]

So did I, I thought "So a small O-ring failed or something"

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Also, soft tops are just easier in general.

[@jameshyde1501]

Yep!! The simpler, the better! ... Just like my coffee maker, only ONE! button.

[@wernerdanler2742]

I have you beat. Mine has 0 buttons. Just add coffee and hot water. 😊

[@timcorston5508]

My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."

[@ausmartin1]

Seems premium cars are premium delicate, flimsy, over engineered cheap materials 😂. Lucky car wizard has access to upgraded aftermarket parts. 😊

[@Eddie-yc5yd]

That's very reasonable...so much better then the Stealership.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

These prices are exactly the reason that I would never buy an exotic car even if I was stinking rich I still wouldn't do it

[@MrMrKeeg]

Man Ferraris are so beautiful. If I ever get one I’m taking it to the Beeterbeele of ceeres.

[@joelaurieri9065]

Once again The Wizard Destroys the Ferrari Tax lol

[@AM562]

Well, when I worked at a store, I had a coworker in her Chrysler Sebring convertible probably like an early 2000 late 90s and snow had crumpled the roof and to get it repaired. It was $19,000. Canadian was the price to repair it it didn’t get repaired to my knowledge because of that high price in the car not being worth much

[@professorarsenic499]

The Rube Golberg machine of convertible tops.

[@billtaglia2865]

I would crazy glued the lenses back on.

[@avmelidor]

I love the car wizard. I have a California. I am thinking of purchasing that has a convertible top issue

[@robertsturtevant6185]

That look Danielson made😂😂😂😂😂

[@keno77]

Whatever you are paying Danielsun, give him a raise.

[@Horatio1886build]

I have actually cut “ inspection service” ports in various vehicles to get to things over the years. My own cars only of course.🥺

[@jessewynne8193]

My VW EOS is this exact same style top! Except I have a sunroof that opens in my roof part

[@TheJohn8765]

Glad Daniel gets to flex his Ferrari muscles a bit. That top is absurdly complicated. Also, I don't think challenging Daniel to a wrestling match would go well. Dude looks strong as fuck.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

I assume that top is made by supplier Webasto?

[@davidcooks5265]

Parts dealer parts are running car's, you could take this to wizard for half the price 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@vibingwithvinyl]

My left ear loved this video.

[@CarWizard]

Right ear works too

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@CarWizard On this video (as well as the previous one) music comes from both speakers but everything else from the left one (okay, there is _some_ audio coming from the right, but it's much lower level). Before that things were fine, so something has changed. And no, not on my end. I'm using Wharfedale Diamond speakers and a Denon 7.1 amplifier, I know when audio is off-kilter.

[@KnightIndustries572]

What would the same job cost on a Lexus SC430? Thinking of getting one. I'd imagine they don't break often and I have seen some YT vid where they just did a manual open and close and that re-sets the system and it worked, but be interested to know more if info is out there.

[@CoryEastman]

Were you happy with how the Chinese brass guides functioned in the top? I've got a 2011 California that may have broken kinematics. Wondering if you considered the brass parts a true upgrade? Also - after manually operating the top, was there a reset procedure at all to then operate the top electronically? Thanks!

[@johnmckenney9241]

I hope your doing both sides of the top so he's not back in a months time to to the other side! :)

[@mattarceneaux403]

Where can I buy the brass guides? I am looking and cannot fine... and I am typically a good googler 🙂

[@NGMonocrom]

That's ridi.... Oh wait, it's a California? Totally worth any expense to fix it.... Unlike the state of California.

[@kc0lif]

i like the flute intro.

[@dalejones3862]

You are lucky to have Danielson working for you wizard

[@umbertoyltp]

On these cars a convertible top looks a lot like Transformers 😮

[@MotorScotti]

It must be frustrating for a motivated brand dealership mechanic sometimes. So many things dealership just straight up don't do; fixing a foldable roof, doing a transmission oil change (my Jag). Independent shops' mechanics are probably gaining a lot more experience in fixing complicated issues than mechanics in a dealership.

[@jamesstewart3771]

I wonder if “no muffler Newton” knows y’all make fun of him everytime he goes by .

[@greekguytalks]

this looks like a webasto german product. I had an issue on my 15 year old Benz and these broken parts look identical. I think these are plastic for a reason & I dont know about metal, I think some parts are allumium but still cracked. I wish kits were available back then when the car was worth something now 20 years & later you just toss the car or sell for parts cause it aint worth restoring it as all the plastic around the car has been damaged.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Bentley Conti has the same cost with replacing theirs. Bad designs

[@trickydownunder]

great video ,iam in uk , could you link plz th company sellin the brass repair kit please??

[@philpernice4722]

These power tops are scary complicated Something to be said about a manual convertible top

[@randyragon]

My 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente Convertible had one pump, two cylinders and then the arms to work. It was so easy to rebuild the cylinders and pump when they needed it. The arms got snapped once and that was also very easy to replace. I think today's engineers go out of their way to make things more complicated to out do other engineers. So they can brag, "I designed a top that has 5,000 more parts than the last model and can't ever be repaired, only replaced". Then are devastated when someone fixes one instead of replaces it.

[@trickydownunder]

When the next video of the roof repair ?

[@labourlawact7826]

Daniel son is worth his weight in gold, Car Wizard😅

[@Spudeaux]

The Ferrari California has a lot of haters, but I think it's one of the prettiest cars on the road.

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

the original 250 GT California Spyder was a way better car and much more beautiful hence why they are worth millions

[@ThatOneChannelinAZ]

I almost bought a ferrari california last september. The dealership said don't buy it as the top will fail. Car was 82K and top would have been 24K i was told.

[@kerrylewis2581]

Cookies and Juice... LOL

[@richardsmith2721]

Hey Whiz... Aren't you a No Muffler Newton now with your Viper?

[@CarWizard]

No. Its isnt even half that loud. And I have mufflers

[@jayjaynella4539]

Ferrari was very thoughtful in 2011. Imagine having the top come off for those Calis so they can smell the wonderful homeless communities scattered through Cali's big cities. Diversity at its finest.

[@muzallisam5068]

a ferrari engine rebuild would be interesting

[@Bob-in4eh]

Not sure where your located but wish it was New England area .

[@Flametreechiro]

Can anyone please share a link on where to source these metal kits??? Can't seem to find the link anywhere.

[@elsbells8545]

I understand $5000, but where can you find a Ferarri California 2019, in this state for $5000?

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Looking at that "Rube Goldberg" top mechanism is a great reason to not buy a convertible and stay with a coupe.

[@Phil99six]

Scott Evil is a Ferrari mechanic now?

[@davidreis139]

Great video, public service announcement for the Ferrari California community. The guildrail thing is becoming a real issue.v

[@wnews7304]

Will the parts kit change the parts on both sides of the top. Please tell me you will not leave the plastic parts on the other side?

[@darkiee69]

Of course he won't, he said so in the video. They kept it together until the parts arrive, then do one side at a time.

[@CarWizard]

Both sides

[@wnews7304]

I did not listen as good as I should have. I did not believe you would only do one side.@@CarWizard

[@myspacebarbroke]

dealerships just suck

[@tombob671]

Food for thought...Jay Leno, who can afford anything, passes on Ferrari. Makes a guy say Hmmmmm

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

He had a bad experience with a Ferrari dealer and basically said ...up yours forever....

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

its not the cars...its the attitude of the company and its dealerships.

[@tombob671]

@@jeffreyrichard2575 yup that's what Jay Leno said. In contrast you never hear that about Rolls Royce or Bentley so it's not the mega bucks it's the attitude. IMHO

[@ashishpatel350]

The Ferrari that you buy to only tell other people you own a Ferrari .

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

That is most exotic cars. That is why they have so few miles on them, they are for bragging not for driving. Most people that own them cannot afford to actually drive them because of maintenance costs and depreciation due to mileage.

[@SpankyCool-ib3pc]

But, here's the deal. If you have the money to own a California Ferrari. Well,,just get it fixed. They are very sweet.

[@A-Negative]

My hard top 4x4 95 Geo tracker gets more comments and questions driving around in Los Angeles then my neighbors modern Ferrari. It cost the price of the repair to this Ferrari. It isn’t fast but it doesn’t need roads.

[@indolentcheese]

Why anyone in their right mind would buy one of these Italian money pits is beyond my understanding. The only reason I can fathom is that they truly believe in conspicuous consumption & that driving such a vehicle somehow makes them more admired, beautiful or whatever their narcissistic behavior compels them to do. Admittedly these are beautiful looking automobiles, no argument there but I have no such pretensions & would rather drive a nice reliable Toyota and get 400K miles out of it which that Ferrari will never see in a 100 years of ownership. Anyway nice video as always Wizard!

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

apparently you have never owned or driven one.