New Top Installation

[boogiedude]

Okay attempting to upload the photos. Now there are some flaws in how the top is installed but they aren't flaws in the material or craftsmanship. They're purely screw-ups from me installing it, which happened to be my first time. Some of which include bubbles on the bow, and it not being perfectly aligned on the drivers side at the base. I took some close ups to highlight those areas.


Whole car


Top up close


Rear window


Rear window, opposite side


Front bow with bubbles, they were caused by some foam sitting on the bow that i didn't remove out of fear


Passenger window, the flaps come down to the perfect height for the window to seal


Passenger side window, top aligns perfectly


Drivers side window, sticks out a bit. Pretty sure that I's because I didn't get the base even.


Hope the pictures work.. If not or you want to see larger sizes, check the flickr account(http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/) The resolution is pretty huge

[punes]

That top looks great..good job installing as well.

The last picture is what mine looked like and I had no idea how to fix it.

You can still give a try to correct that.

Loosen the front latches and then loosen the rear retaining clip at the back. Then get a piece of metal to fit underneath the retaining clip but extending past the end and fitting right into the corner of the top. Then push the rear retainer back down and tighten the screws into the back of the body. I hope what I am saying makes sense, because it worked for me.

The piece of metal underneath the rear retainer acts as an extension, keeping the corner of the top flush to the body.

[ga.spyder]

The top is a very nice looking product,and I would be proud if mine came out that good.Nice job and thanks for the pix.
Craig

[boogiedude]

Thanks craig,

I think I get what you're saying punes, basically get a piece of metal to kind of extend the retaining clip and keep that little corner in check. How'd you make yours?

[punes]

It was recommended by another so I dont take credit for this technique.

I cut the length of metal I need from one of those cheap, white planter brackets. You know the ones that you screw to the outside wall to hang a flower basket. It kind of loops around a bit, which can be easily straightened and cut. I cut the looped end of it and wrapped it in duct tape so it doesnt scratch the paint, even though it isnt exposed.

You can make it as long as you need. Most of it will go underneath the retainer and just add to it how much shorter your top is than the retainer itself.

Here is a pic I just took for clarification. The white part I used is paper but it would be a small maybe 1/4 inch thick piece of metal. I was skeptical at first but the metal gets sandwiched with the body and retainer so no other fastening is required. I just placed it loosely in the channel.

Hope this helps