New Top Installation

[punes]

Here are a couple of pics with the new canvas top I installed myself this past summer.
Also this is my first attempt at posting pics on this site. Hope it goes well.

I must give thanks to this site and its members for all their insight on the installation process.





This is the finished installation of my Air Horns

[So Cal Mark]

the top looks nice, you did a good job of getting it taut

[mdrburchette]

Beautiful job! What do you like/dislike about the canvas top? How would you rate the difficulty of replacing the top? My 72 is due for a new one and with Ron out of town so much, I may have to call some Fiat buddies over to help. I'll want them to know what they're getting into.

[punes]

I spread the installation over about a month. Took my time and had advice from posts online and a local who installs a few of them every year. There are a few little tricks that help, and my top frame was pretty straight, so it fit pretty darn close to a professional job. I was a little leary when I had to glue some parts, because when its glued... its glued. But I love the look of the black cloth tops, on any vehicle as well. Seems to give a "richer" look in my opinion.

[ga.spyder]

When the weather warms I am going to replace the 82 top.Kmac has offered to help me.When I get that one done,I am going to attempt the 77 on my own.

[mdrburchette]

I'll see how you do on your cars before I let you attempt it on mine.

[ga.spyder]

Maybe we can get Kevin(kmac) to come here ,feed him good,and have him help do yours and mine both??

[azygoustoyou]

Hey Punes,
That top looks really good. What was the brand you used? And how much was it? I definitely want a canvas one. Does it cover all areas well? Does water get in? If you have some time. Maybe you could let us know what tips you used to install it.
Thanks

[tonyfromjersey]

Brady, I used topsonline.com and got the canvas top. I used the instructions Mike Bouse emailed to me. My wife and I installed it in about 3 hours or so. I can help you with this. I am a union employee so I work on a sliding pay scale of beer and pizza.

[punes]

I used a top from EZ-On an bought it 2 years ago but never got around installing it till this year. I bought it off a supplier in the Toronto area for just under $400, and that was when the Canadian dollar was worth less than todays exchange.

I didnt have a plastic retaining clip for the front bow, I had to find one or make one because I was told it was a must to secure the top. At first I didnt glue to the front bow until it stretched out for a few days then I eventually went back and uninstalled the front retaining clip and 6 to 8 screws, glued the top to the front bow and reinstalled the retainer and screws.

One other issue was the rear retainer that gets screwed to the rear body of the car, was a little bit shorter than the rear lip that was manufactured on the top. This left excess fabric that was being pulled up and away from the body of the car at the rear of the triangular window in the rear. I was told that a small piece of metal about half inch wide and about 3-5 inches long wrapped in duct tape(to not scratch the paint) can be just placed at either one or both ends of the rear retaining clip ( you can just sandwich the metal between the body and the retaining clip). This would act as an extension of the rear retainer and when bolted down would keep a secure hold of the complete top fabric.Worked great.

One other issue I didnt know was that when the top is installed, you can bring the sides of the top lower if need be. With the top unfastened to the front bow, you shorten the top cables at the anchor points in the rear. When you latch the front, the sides of the top really come down and cover the rear and side sections of the top.

Sorry I dont have pics and the car is in storage, but when I can I will try to post.

[boogiedude]

For anyone looking for a cheap yet fantastic canvas top, look up germanex. They manufacture canvas tops for our cars and you can buy it directly from them and cut out the middle man(parts supplier). I got mine a couple months ago for ~280 INCLUDING SHIPPING. And to Hawaii no less. Fits like a glove, looks amazing. Even Matt is a little green with envy.

I can post some pictures up later if anyone is interested in seeing.

[mdrburchette]

Love to see your canvas top. Please do post pics.

[ga.spyder]

At that price ,I would consider a canvas top.I lean toward vinyl,because I just dont use my top.I cant see the extra money,but that is a great price.Please do post a picture.
Craig

[azygoustoyou]

Pics

[narfire]

Here are a couple of pics with the new canvas top I installed myself this past summer.

Last Summer? I thought Toronto always looked like that, at least that is what we are led to believe out west

The top looks great, nice job, again wish I had the benifit of the forum When I put my top on(canvas) a couple of years ago. When I put the rear of the top into the metal frame, I don't think it was absolutly centered , consequently there is a small gap at one of the side windows where the velcro is suppose to attatch. Has not been an issue as the top might come up a couple of times during "The Season"
Perhaps the lip can be carefully pulled away and adjusted and re glued. Good to know about the cable setup.