Help on installing my new Giulietta convertible top

comancheflyer · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 12:11 PM

Well, I'm down to installing my new top on my 61' spider. I was able to successfully replace the 2 top web strips, but now things have ground to a halt. I have replaced a couple of tops on the later 115 spiders, but this one is a bit different. The top is the later 62 or 63 style with the rear bar riveted in and the hooks are on the trunk hinges. Is there any step-by-step instructions or pictures out there for the do-it-yourselfer? Sure wish I had another spider up here to look at, bit I'm in tuleyville when it comes to old alfas.

ecdysiast · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 09:57 AM

The World Upholstery web site has installation instructions for a Giulietta top.

Jeffrey

comancheflyer · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 02:19 PM

found it - this should help me - Thanks!

alfabits · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 05:21 PM

Try Alfa Giulietta Giulia 750-101 convertible top instllation instructions

Good luck

George

comancheflyer · #5 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 09:15 AM

Couple of pics of the powder coated frame. Pivots were a little tight after the powder coating, but loosened up well using Wurth HHS000 - Great stuff. It sprays out like solvent to penetrate tight areas and then sets into a high temperature grease. Great for hinges, latches, etc. I plan on installing the top this weekend.

divotandtralee · #6 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 10:41 AM

The strap fastners and stripsneed to be made as flush as you can get them to prevent chafing the top material when it is stretched accross them. There is a lot of pressure on the surface at these points and will wear a hole if they stick out even a tiny bit

comancheflyer · #7 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 10:55 AM

Thanks - I got them as tight as I could when I re-riveted the strips. I think I will smooth them a tad more with some emery cloth just for insurance. Question-since the old top was long gone before I got this car and I dont have another car to look at ... does the new top canvas end under the front top bow seal (between the seal and the wood strip in other words) ?

**AlfaDuc** · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comancheflyer

Thanks - I got them as tight as I could when I re-riveted the strips. I think I will smooth them a tad more with some emery cloth just for insurance. Question-since the old top was long gone before I got this car and I dont have another car to look at ... does the new top canvas end under the front top bow seal (between the seal and the wood strip in other words) ?

comancheflyer · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 06:25 PM

Looks like I have a big problem now to solve. It seems I never had or mis-placed the rear bar that gets glued to the back end of the convertible top. Again its a 61 spider, but it has the later 62-63 frame and canvas that hooks to the trunk hinges. Anybody have a picture of this bar? Looks like I will have to fabricate a replacement. Help

comancheflyer · #10 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 09:51 AM

So, the top installation is finally going pretty smooth.

I'm down to figuring out what happens here at these little brackets that dangle down from the top frame at the windshield. Does the top attach somehow to these brackets?

Also, what replaces the string that was installed by the top manufacturer? Thanks guys!

alfazagato · #11 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:04 AM

I can't help too much but don't the strap fasteners extend back to the member that fixes into the hooks on the back panel?

comancheflyer · #12 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:34 PM

Just talked to Mike at World Upholstery and he was very helpful. It sounds like this is a late top frame that I am using on this car from probably a 1965 guilia spider. The top would rivet to these brackets on these years. Guess I will have to remove them. Also, the strings are for cables to be pulled through the top. I thought only the later 105 and 115 spiders used cables on the top frame though.

**AlfaDuc** · #13 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comancheflyer

Just talked to Mike at World Upholstery and he was very helpful. It sounds like this is a late top frame that I am using on this car from probably a 1965 guilia spider. The top would rivet to these brackets on these years. Guess I will have to remove them. Also, the strings are for cables to be pulled through the top. I thought only the later 105 and 115 spiders used cables on the top frame though.

comancheflyer · #14 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 03:45 PM

Thanks Jim,

I dont remember seeing any upholstery bits hanging down long enough to rivet to that bracket thingamajig. The top I ordered and installed was for a 62' model ... sounds like your telling me that year may not of had this feature. I'll bet those chrome mcjibers are made of unobtanium too. As far as the cables go, I remember the later cars using these guys, but I dont see anything to attach them to on my top frame. I'll look again tonight.

Tim

comancheflyer · #15 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 08:29 AM

Tops done! What I will now call the inner rain flap gets riveted to that ear to hold it in place by the vent window like you said Jim. I dont see any places to attach a cable, so that feature will go un-used on this top. I guess they sew one into every top regardless. Looks good and I am extremely pleased. Lets see ... needs wheel alignment, waiting for hub cap clips, needs hood prop rod, waiting for my Blaupunkd Frankfurt radio, good wash, wax, and detail and ....this Guilietta is DONE!