The first time I put the order on hold I just called the rep and said I don't want a car with vision AP I want to wait a bit. So she held it for a month and with a week or two I got a vin. Soon after they texted me to schedule an appt for pick up. But I didn't respond and finally they said it's going to be delivered to your house tomorrow! That's when I just texted back saying my situations have changed I can't take delivery right now can you put my order on hold for 6 months. They responded (text) saying sure.If you don't mind me asking... so I know how to game it... did you actually deny the VIN assigned once or twice before putting it on hold, or did you just call up a service rep and ask them to put it on hold without first denying a VIN? I'm not saying it'll work... but knowing how you went about doing it would be helpful!
Recently Tesla may have changed their policy a little bit by sending emails to folks saying they are going to cancel the order. I suspect those folks may have put their orders on hold multiple times. So it might be wise to put your order on a really long hold like 9 months. If it's your first time requesting it I doubt they'll give you problems. If they say no then say how about 6 months.
Again, all this can be done online, chat, or text. I feel like every time I call them I'm on hold forever.