How do you install a fiat spider convertible top?

Answer 1

# Remove rear molding around inside of rear top well.

# Loosen bolts holding rear anchor bar down. Push this bar up until you can remove top from underneath.

# Loosen top in front and remove screws holding rubber molding in place. Remove rubber molding and remove glue strip from front bow, being careful not to tear bow covering.

# Drill out the rivets from inside the window flaps using a 1/8 (0.125 ) drill. There are three on each side - one in front, two in quarter windows.

# Loosen screws holding cable. Pull cables from old top, unglue bow strips from all three bows and remove top from car.

# Lay the new top over bows and slide stiffeners under rear body bar pulling the top taut from side to side. Push bar down as far as possible and tighten the bolts, starting from the center and working to the outside.

# Slip the top over the front bow and glue the top to the bow using a good fabric cement or any good contact cement such as Wilhold Contact Cement available at most hardware stores.

# Lift top halfway up and pull cable through the top by tying the string to the cable.

# Fasten top into position and glue remainder bow covering into place. Also glue quarter pads around rear bow and quarter window glue strip.

# Slip cable under end of body bar and pull it thru the clip. Pull cable taut and tighten screws.

# Replace the rear molding.

# Pull inside window flap taut and punch through bracket location in front. Use the bolt and trim washers to hold in position. These are where the rivets were previously. Fasten front and rear of this flap. Replace bracket coverings (cut off bolts if necessary to make brackets lay in the proper position).