Hi! I am a new member from Ontario, Canada! I have a 1979 Fiat Spider 124. Look forward to learning!

[Pajo25]

My 1979 Spider is in getting painted right now but I know I will have questions as I go along. I have purchased a new convertible top and was wondering what the general feeling was about installing myself or if it should be left to the pros? Other then the cables, is there anything else I should get new with the top?

[ORFORD2004]

The pros don't install Fiat top to often... And sometimes cables come with the top.

[Pajo25]

I will double check the top, thanks for the feedback.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

As far as difficulty, it all depends on your level of experience with projects like this. For folks who have spent time working on cars in general, putting a new top on isn't too bad. For those with limited mechanical experience, it can be more challenging (but still do-able). I've done several over the years, and my first one was back in the 1970s when I had limited experience. It worked out fine.

If you decide to do it yourself, here are 3 suggestions: 1) take detailed notes on how the old top was attached and don't rely solely on memory, 2) be prepared to deal with rusted bolts and screws, 3) buy a can of contact cement as you will need it. Oh, and most importantly, be prepared to contort your body and work sideways, upside down, etc.

Good luck!
-Bryan

[spiderdan]

Hi Pajo25
I had a local guy do mine about 13 years ago. From what I remember, he said the trick was to do it outside on a sunny day. The sun helps.
Good luck.

[Funcar]

Where in Ontario do you live? Are you aware of the Ontario Fiat Club ? I know some of the members have replaced their own tops and I plan to do mine when the temperature warms up. I live in Kitchener Waterloo area.

Glen

[Pajo25]

Where in Ontario do you live? Are you aware of the Ontario Fiat Club ? I know some of the members have replaced their own tops and I plan to do mine when the temperature warms up. I live in Kitchener Waterloo area.

Glen

I am down towards the Windsor area. I will check out the Ontario Fiat Club, thanks for the advice!
Jody

[Pajo25]

Hi Pajo25
I had a local guy do mine about 13 years ago. From what I remember, he said the trick was to do it outside on a sunny day. The sun helps.
Good luck.

Thanks checking on prices! Not sure what they charge.
Jody

[Pajo25]

As far as difficulty, it all depends on your level of experience with projects like this. For folks who have spent time working on cars in general, putting a new top on isn't too bad. For those with limited mechanical experience, it can be more challenging (but still do-able). I've done several over the years, and my first one was back in the 1970s when I had limited experience. It worked out fine.

If you decide to do it yourself, here are 3 suggestions: 1) take detailed notes on how the old top was attached and don't rely solely on memory, 2) be prepared to deal with rusted bolts and screws, 3) buy a can of contact cement as you will need it. Oh, and most importantly, be prepared to contort your body and work sideways, upside down, etc.

Good luck!
-Bryan

Thanks Bryan for the advice!! I am sure I can do it myself but checking prices to see what the pros charge.
Jody

[TheBender]

I ended up paying at a local shop. I compared the install cost vs the time it would have taken me to do it and paying made sense to me. I just completed the interior restoration myself but the top seemed full of challenges I didn't want to mess with and spend at least a full day it seeme. There are some very detailed write ups and tips on the site if you spend some time doing searches. I'm extremely happy with how mine turned out. Good luck and welcome here.