Spider soft top replacement

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Gaelicguy
Posts: 186
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:50 pm
Dino: Fiat Dino 2.0 Spider
Location: Central Portugal

Spider soft top replacement

Post by Gaelicguy »

I’m about to install a new top on my 67 Dino.
I took quite a few pics as I removed the old canvas. Where the hook and loop tapes go etc.
I replaced the top on my MGB 40 yrs ago and remember that I got it pretty good back then. But believe it or not, the Pininfarina top is quoted sophisticated for its time.
Can anyone point me to an article here of a video on the internet, that can help me out.
The frame has been powder coated and looks great, I left the small rivets in the retain the two long tension strips, so that’s easy to locate, but I’m sure there are lots of little “tricks” to get this right.
Also does anyone know where it’s possible to find the chrome or stainless strip the goes on the outside of the rear bow?
Mine had a black plastic strip nailed into the wood of the frame.
Any help would be appreciated!
Michael
Too many motos and cars, not enough life left! :D
2dinos
Posts: 38
Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:54 am
Dino: Fiat Dino 2.0 Spider

Re: Spider soft top replacement

Post by 2dinos »

In the early '67 cars, if you look at the parts book, there was more than one top bow assy. I don't know the differences, but I suspect the top must correspond to the bow assy. When trying to source a pre-made top, this detail was not generally obvious.

The first time I replaced it, I bought a pre-made top that came with that strip. It was black, not chrome. I was unhappy with the fit (hitting the side windows, just generally lumpy, too short in spots, and the rear window fit did not match the pictures available of how that part goes together) that I had one custom-made. The trimmer sourced all of his materials, which, in my opinion, were of higher quality. Also, I recall the trimmer telling me he had multiple patterns for the Dino-Fiat Spyders, thinking they all led down a path of poor fit and encouraging custom fitting. The curved wood block in the rear bow, which is the base for tacking in the staples, was in bad shape for the level of restoration, so I opted to remake it. That was its own little project, to steam and curve the wood. I believe the wood species used was Ash.
Gaelicguy
Posts: 186
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:50 pm
Dino: Fiat Dino 2.0 Spider
Location: Central Portugal

Re: Spider soft top replacement

Post by Gaelicguy »

Thanks for the response, the wood bow on mine is I’m sure the original and in bad shape. Ash would make sense. It bends well when steamed and is a good hardwood.
That particular joint is the one that has me flummoxed. I think I have to install the two inside strips first to locate the bow an go from there!
Michael
Too many motos and cars, not enough life left! :D
agnatus
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2022 2:24 pm
Dino: Fiat Dino 2.0 Spider

Re: Spider soft top replacement

Post by agnatus »

It should be noted that there are 2 different types of top linkage on the Dino Spider 67...
Verdeck 2000 Serie 2.JPG
Verdeck 2000 Prima Serie.JPG
and here is the link to a german company that specializes in replicating tops..

https://www.ck-cabrio.de/verdecke/cabri ... 1966-1968/
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