REPLACEMENT CONVERTIBLE TOP

[wachuko]

To me a canvas/cloth top looks more classy, but you have to take better care of it. But that is just my preference.

Comments from a few folks here is that a vinyl top can take a bit more abuse without showing any degradation.

Here is a thread I started when I was looking for a new top for my car.

Carpet and Top vendor recommendations

[ga.spyder]

I badly need a top ,and after reccomendation from other owners,I ordered mine from Germanex.It was $170 w/ shipping for a vinyl top.I almost never use the top,and the boot is always on.Canvas would be a waste of money for me.If you order from this company,call the 888 line,and put you order in.Doing that saved me $15 from the flat shipping charge on the website.Top looks great.I have cables,but they supply them for another $20.Very nice to deal with,and everyone said the fit is excellent.Cant beat the price!!
http://www.germaneximportsinc.com/

[baltobernie]

You're gonna need that top up today, bubba

Wow, you guys have had a nastier Winter than us so far. Plenty off time to work on the Spider, though

Photos and description of your new top will be welcomed.

[ga.spyder]

Youre right ,Bernie.This is our 3rd big snow this year!!We are housebound again.The GDOT has a limited number of plows and salt trucks.Since Atlanta is at a standstill,most of the resources are working there.I have a big 4WD Ford truck and can get out,so I have been running errands for the neighborhood!My big purchase before the next event...a snow shovel!!
I will post some pix of the top when installed.

[Exit98]

Craig,

Are you going to install it yourself?

I got mine for Xmas. Haven't decided if I'll do it myself or not.

[ga.spyder]

I was recomended a place near me,that said that they would install while I watched,if I had a set appt.They have done quite a few Spiders.Convertible tops are their entire business.They quoted me $175.I have studied the installation instructions,and feel that for me that would be money well spent.I plan on letting them do it.

[redcars]

I put a top on my 82 spider earlier this month and it took me most of a day. I would say that for $175 you have got yourself a good deal.

[ga.spyder]

I thought so too.I dont have a well heated place to work,so late spring would be my earliest chance.Added to the fact that I'm not comfortable with that type of work...I will let them do it.
ps..redcars,I love the Lotus 7 cars,clones or original.The area I live in hosts a lot of car clubs,and the Caterham guys were up here last year.I rode with them(in my Spider)to show them some of our best roads ,and got a ride in one of their cars.Awesome...I would love to have one some day!

[Dads77spider]

How is this rear window frame area supposed to look when finished?
Any pics?
My pics below (next entry) V

[Dads77spider]

Not easy to post pics here!

P1040478a by jonnyracerx, on Flickr

P1040479a by jonnyracerx, on Flickr

This is where I'm not sure what to do, it looks like you're supposed to wrap it but it doesn't exactly fit (too long, or doesn't curve like the bar).

[baltobernie]

It wraps around the crossbar and is glued to itself. Looks like yours isn't long enough.

[Dads77spider]

No, no.
see the area I have circled?
the place that glues to the rear window frame.
It seems to go on the bar from inside to outside the bar but at the top it looks like it needs to be trimmed, folded, or???

However, thanks for the pic, I was going to wrap that part the other way (so that the vinyl side is visible)

* I just realized that your top doesn't have the flap I'm talking about ! ???
See the piece I'm holding with my fingers?

[arana]

I had a leather one made and it came out looking pretty good, if I do say so myself. No vendors down here and I got tired of getting raped on import duties. Crappy photo, while still getting put back together, but you can get the idea.



hmmmm.... I used the img insert tool to link to a photo sharing site and no luck. perhaps i'm not allowed for being a semi-newb?

[arana]

link to pic: http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x29/ ... almost.jpg

[millertraci]

Hi All

I imagine this topic is eventually everyone's destination. I am reviving it once again.

I have a 78 124 so no problems finding a matching top or questions as to which model.

The comments I have read sound like most of you have garage kept cars or some form of climate control. I live in Arizona.

Spcifically, I live in Tucson, a desert, hot, dry, then moist, then dry again, hot, always hot, and an insidious dust that becomes part of your DNA at some time. I dont have a garage. My fiat is my daily driver. I dont even have covered parking. It's black. It's HOT. The vinyl top on it now has actually held up amazingly well but it's that time... you know, minutes before it's a pennant of ragged vinyl strips flying behind me on the freeway like some Mad Max warrior clan banner.

So my question is... what would you recommend? I am going to punish this top. The company I choose should in all fairness pay me to prove the durability of it's product like a consumer group, hahahaha.
Money is no object, but it's value is also carefully considered. I have no interest in spending as much as possible but if it's justified, it's available.

Hit me with your best shot. And Thanks in advance. Throw in some car cover suggestions at will. I havent invested in a top quality cover because of the same questions... which one will last longest, is worth the money spent and will actually fit the car properly..? x 3