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Restoring a "Snugtop" hard top

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 4:30 pm
by MrWampus
I just bought an old Snugtop by Custom Hardtops of Long Beach, CA. It needs a full restoration: new vinyl on the outside, all rubber, some minor patching, refreshing the gel coat on the inside, etc. I bought it inexpensively knowing that I'll need to put a few hundred $ into it but I like the square shape rather than the "German helmet" shape of the PininFarina top. All the glass is intact.

Has anyone had any experience with this top? I bought it sight unseen but was willing to take the chance for cheap ($25). If it winds up being a complete dud I haven't lost much. Wondering how well this brand fits and any pitfalls to try to avoid (besides buying a top I haven't seen off eBay for $25!) hopefully it will be a fun little resto project and will extend my driving season a bit.

Re: Restoring a "Snugtop" hard top

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 6:05 pm
by MrJD
Man... So many spider guys in charlotte! You have images of this thing?

Re: Restoring a "Snugtop" hard top

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 8:16 pm
by wizard124
Go here: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=25290

Mine is still in work. Mostly, i want to grind the bottom edge for a better contoured fit to the car. I have some U channel rubber to glue to the bottom. More rubber for the top to seal against the windshield frame and around the windows. I intend to find some stick on U edging for the exterior seams.

If your outer vinyl is poor, i think you could remove it, then use filler and paint it like a Miatas.

Re: Restoring a "Snugtop" hard top

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 8:30 pm
by MrWampus
Yes that's the same top I just bought. Here's a link to the eBay post though you might not be able to see it since it is closed.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/171257335111?nav=SEARCH

Your top looks nice! I'm planning to replace the vinyl with a tan color. Is there a way to hook the back of the top to the boot hooks on the car?