CS1 and CS2 top question

[clipto]

Hi all,

I've searched around this forum and the Internet for a few hours and almost understand the differences between the CS1 and CS2 Spiders.
The older CS1 model (~'68-'79)has a more pointy front of the frame and top.
The newer CS2 ('79+) has a rounded front.
http://www.fiatplus.com/members/tech200.htm
Now I've read that if you own a new top and want to replace your top, you need to have the newer (rounded) type top.
That's why on websites and ebay ads there are 2 types of tops.

But... now my question, on wich I cannot find the answer.
I have a CS2 spider with a CS2 frame but the top is rubbish, so I want to change that.
I can buy a used CS1 frame with a very nice top for a nice price.
Does that fit the CS2 spider?
Are there differences in mounting points etc.?
Or is the only thing you have to worry about is that the frame and top correspond and can you always swap corresponding frames and tops between the different building years of the Spiders?

Hope to get this cleared out, as I can get the CS1 frame and top for my CS2 very quickly.

Thanks!!

[vandor]

>I have a CS2 spider with a CS2 frame but the top is rubbish, so I want to change that.
>I can buy a used CS1 frame with a very nice top for a nice price.

It will bolt onto the car, but the top latches may be in the wrong position compared to the receivers on the top
Frame. I've seen it when it worked ok, and at other times it did not fit well.

[So Cal Mark]

you can also change just the front header bow to keep the same style top that the car originally came with

[clipto]

Bought the top, with frame, good side windows and front bow.
Thanks guys

[PininF]

Good questions Jarno, I have also have a CS2 79, my frame was well and truly rusted and in very poor condition. After stripping it down I had it sand blasted and repainted in anti rust black paint , new rubber seals and a new German Canvas Top to go, just need to put it all back together. will post picks when its all done.

[clipto]

Fitted the CS1 top on my CS2 Spider today, fits perfectly!
So for all you guys in the future, getting this topic from the search engine, it works!

Only question I still have, is it possible to tighten/soften the closing of the top in front?
The left (drivers) site fits perfectly, but on the right (passengers) site, it's too loose.
The softtop catch-set has too much space, I guess that there is a way to fix that?

[baltobernie]

You need to determine if you have a bad latch, or if the top itself is too loose. When latched, is the front header (bow) nice and tight against the top of the windshield? If so, tighten the metal cable running along the top's edge. If not, replace the latch. They can and do wear out; either the mating plate on the windshield or the latch itself. Another possibility is a gasket that is missing or broken on that side of the header.

[clipto]

Managed to solve the loose catch-set, loosened the two bolts under the side window at the passengers side.
Tilted the frame a bit towards the rear and tightened it. Now it fits perfect!

But, I still need some help here..
How exactly is the metal cable originally attached to the body?
I can tighten them by hand, but how to hold that position for the tightened cable?
I guess I'm missing some sort of steelwire tightener, or how did Fiat originally do this?
Can't find good pictures in my books and online manuals, so please show me how to mount the tightened cable?
Help!

[baltobernie]

There is a plastic trim strip about three inches wide at the rear of the passenger compartment running the width of the cabin at the base of the top. You can see it easily with the top up. Remove this trim, and you'll find a unique metal disc in each corner that captures the cable on each side. Remove these, and you will release the cable. Grasp the cable end with locking pliers and pull rearward to tighten this cable, then tighten the disc to secure. Depending on the condition and material of the top, you may have to pull quite firmly to take the slack out of the sides. Sorry, I don't have a photo, but the assembly should be self-evident once you remove the trim.

[clipto]

Super! Top is fixed now, thanks!