Hardtop Question

[124Germ]

Anyone have any experience with aftermarket hardtops? I found a used one for $230. Curious if this is a good deal or keep looking. Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fiat-124-Spider ... 9e&vxp=mtr

[fiasco]

That price looks a little high to me for that style of hard top. Those are pretty common - maybe depending on where you are. I've had two at different times in the last 6 or so years. They don't fit great, but I actually like the angular look of these better than the rounded look of the Abarth hard tops. Seems to fit the look of the car better, at least to my eye.

If you are particularly in the market for one of these tops, post it in the Parts Wanted forum, and be patient, as I suspect you'll be able to find one for a better price than what you linked to. The patience comes in waiting to find one close enough to you that you don't have to pay to have it shipped.

Good luck!
-- se

[124Germ]

Thanks for the reply, I think I will keep looking.

[carl]

I have had several Parrish hardtops for spiders and it's a nice unit. Parts and gaskets are still available. Rear window is plastic so check on the condition before buying. They are fiberglass with a felt inner liner.

carl

[tartan18]

I found a hardtop in a local barn. The angular shapes appeal to me vs the more rounded Abarth style. The rear window is glass. It cost me $50 but I am having a local auto glass shop replace all the weather stripping and I don't yet know what that will cost -- their estimate was $100. I have seen these available locally (western Oregon) in very good condition going for $300. The biggest challenge for me has been to fabricate mounting hardware because what was there was badly rusted and also missing one of the front latches. These parts are no longer available from the manufacturer (Dyna Plastics is out of business). Be sure to check the hardware condition before purchase.

[RRoller123]

That looks to be a sweet deal.

[v6spider]

I hate all of the hardtop options I have seen..the sunfast cloth soft top looks best IMO...


Rob

[fiasco]

I have seen a few out there that I like. The angular ones more than the rounded ones in general. But for me the real draw is more functional. The interior just feels more spacious, and there's more head room with the hard top. Plus, if you can get it fitting well with all the right gaskets and stuff, it can be a little drier inside on a wet day.

Yes, I drive my Spider in the rain. That may be sacrilege, but it's my daily driver, so it goes out rain or shine. Back when I had a hard top, I used to put it on at the beginning of the winter and just leave it 'til we got past the cold/wet season. Both of my tops had fitment issues though, and it got to be more trouble than benefit with each of them.

I'd buy another one if I found one that fit well at a decent price, but I wouldn't pursue one as a critical purchase over other priorities.

-- se

[v6spider]

As long as there is no rain...my top is down...
Rob

[tartan18]

I bought my car to be a daily driver -- rain or shine. Here in Western Oregon it rains just about 6 months of the year so a hardtop, for me, makes sense. Everyone to their own opinion.