CONVERTIBLE TOP HELP

[charlielucky]

Hi, I purchased a new canvas top from the convertible top guys in 2017. I'm really happy with the quality of the top and it came with the wires and plastic strips already installed. Unfortunately it has been so many years since I removed the old top that I'm having trouble identifying the relevant screws etc. I've checked out all the videos on the net and downloaded various instruction sheets. I have refurbished the frame and have new rubber weather seals at the ready. Can anybody tell me what type of screws need to be used to attache the front weather seal and plastic to the front bow? Also I am having difficulty identifying the correct weather seal to use on the rear quarter frames. I have just received some setting tape to install the quarter frame glass so I'm hoping this is going to be an easy install! What kind of glue should I use to attache the Chrome trim on the exterior top of the body? Charlielucky

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I can answer some of this, but many times the top is simply installed however it seems to make sense. The screws for the front bow are just sheet metal screws, preferably black, and of the right size so they grip into the metal of the front bow.

The horizontal chrome trim strips that are right behind the door should be installed with special clips that clip inside the chrome strip, and then these "grip" onto the weld seam on the upper body behind the door. I think there were at least 2 clips on each side, maybe 3. I suppose you could glue it, but I would use some sort of rubber cement or contact adhesive so that it isn't permanent.

-Bryan

[charlielucky]

Hi Bryan, thanks for the quick response.

This is the first time I have heard about clips to attach the trim. Any idea where I can buy some? The weather over here in western France is pretty awful at the moment so I might wait a month or so for it to warm up before fitting the top. Charles

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I think these might be the clips, but I'm not sure:
https://www.midwest-bayless.com/FIAT-12 ... 9-new.aspx

But, this seems way too expensive for what you need. To be honest, I would take the car to an auto body shop and see if they can suggest something that would work. I don't there is anything special about this particular clip, and probably there are many that could do the job.

-Bryan

[charlielucky]

Hi, I might be very slow but can you confirm that the small rectangular clips need to be forced into the channel on the bottom of the trim and then forced onto the lip of the door? Charles

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Yes, that is the way it works. The rectangular clip is inserted into the inside of the chrome trim, where they lock into place. You then push the chrome trim onto the weld lip on the door (or just below the rear triangle widow), and a small tab inside the clip holds it in place.

In practice, these trim strips get loose if removed and reinstalled too many times, and you don't want to have the trim fall off and get lost when you're driving. But, I've never had a problem with it.

-Bryan

[charlielucky]

Some more advice please. I am ready to glue my new canvas soft top to the front bow and I'm wondering if it is necessary to glue the top surface of the bow? My thinking Is that the glue might seep through the canvas during the summer heat. Am I right to be worried? Should I glue the rubber weather seal in place as well as fixing it with the screws? Is it necessary to glue the back of the top to the retaining rail?

Charles

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Charles, opinions are mixed on this. I just put a new cloth top (Thanks Santa) on my '69 spider a few weeks ago, and so I know exactly what you are talking about.

The only place I use glue (contact cement) is the three sets of cloth straps that wrap around the three inside bows of the top. I did not glue the front of the top to the front bow, as I was concerned that the cloth might look lumpy or the glue would seep through (as you mentioned). I didn't glue the rubber weatherstrip, but I did make sure it was properly secured with the plastic piece that holds it in place, and all 6 screws for this were good.

No glue is needed for the rear. Make sure you have those two "hockey stick shaped" plastic inserts that go into the rear of the top. This is what provides something for the rear clamp to hold on to. Properly positioned, these plastic inserts roll up into the channel of the rear clamp and hold it more securely. To tighten that rear clamp, it usually requires two people: One out the outside to press down on the top where the clamp is, and one inside the car to tighten the five M10 bolts to secure the clamp to the body.

Oh, and don't forget the two guide cables on the outer edge. Tighten the clamp for these at the rear of the body only when the top is secured by the latches in front, and these cables don't need to be excessively tight. Just secure the latches in front, pull the cable snug with a vise-grips, and tighten the two Phillips screws for the hold-down clamp.

-Bryan

[charlielucky]

Thank you Bryan for your prompt reply. This is exactly what I was hoping to hear, so now I'm ready to get stuck in tomorrow and finish the job!