Convertible Top Installation project

[gadwhite]

I thought I would document my 85 Spider Veloce convertible top removal and installation. I see lots of threads with bits and pieces, but no end to end pictures. Let me know if you think this will be useful , and you may have to be patient. Here is what I have to start with.




Going to start with removal tonight.

[Joe Papa Sr]

I clicked your link but no pictures. Am I doing this right?

[gadwhite]

I put them in the thread can you see them now? I had to put them in as stupid attachments, cant seem to get to the image manager.

[Joe Papa Sr]

Yep, they're up.....wow, got your hands ful.....but dont worry, I did it, so can you!! Dont forget to consider restoration of the blk frame.
Joe

[Randyfaz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadwhite I thought I would document my 85 Spider Veloce convertible top removal and installation. I see lots of threads with bits and pieces, but no end to end pictures. Let me know if you think this will be useful , and you may have to be patient. Here is what I have to start with. Going to start with removal tonight.

[gadwhite]

First remove the chrome top pieces just behind the top of each door.





Next remove the carpet, and the door jamb. you will find small pieces screwed through the carpet ( two screws each) they are tie downs. and or twist lock things. These are for the convertible top hold down straps, and for the convertible top cover if you have one.









Carpet out

[gadwhite]

Next lift up the vinyl flap to reveal the 22 nuts which hold the vinyl flap and the top to the sides and back of the car. Remove the nuts and washers and store in baggy or container. I recommend covering the back and sides of the car with a blanket so you can lean in through the back window. I think this is easier than working from inside, and since my back window was trashed i just went in that way






Remove the retaining strip and carefully remove the vinyl strips underneath, I think most new tops dont come with new ones.

Looks like I have some cleaning to do here.



I marked the pieces and put up arrows on the back piece so that I dont get confused later ( happens a lot to me), OH BTW SAVE THE VINYL STRIPS.

[Bill77]

Good thread !! Thanks for posting.

[Bernardo]

Very interesting thread, keep on posting

[ghnl]

Great work. This type of information will prove valuable to lots of Alfa D-I-Y'ers.

Note that the 22 studs holding the rear of the top can be somewhat fragile. Especially after years of corrosion. A drop or two of penetrating oil (I like PB Blaster) before trying to remove the nuts may avoid that "Oh dang" feeling if one (or more) break. Also, be nice to the future owner (or perhaps yourself) and apply a bit of anti-sieze to the studs/nuts on re-assembly.

While you have the top off, check the drain holes and rubber hoses. You can see one of the hoses towards the right side of the first photo in reply #7.

[gadwhite]

Eric
Thanks for the tip. When I do my clean up I will shoot a couple of pictures, and include clean up as a phase. Hopefully get to it today.

[JykstA-76]

Loving your pics good job .. cant wait for next set.

[gadwhite]

Ok Next set. Drill out rivets on side supports 3 on each side use 1/8inch drillbit. You may notice oil here I sprayed this on the turnbuckle ( later phase)





Peel vinyl/cloth from side support



Be sure to pull out metal strips behind side support. These are what go inside the top and the rivets hold onto them.


Here's where I am now.

[gadwhite]

Now remove the turnbuckles (1 on each side) which hold the wire running through the frame to keep the top tight. I sprayed mine down with a bolt loosener.


Use 7mm wrench/socket to loosen the lock bolts from the little sleeves this is spring loaded, but not with a lot of force.


Pull the plastic cover off of the wire loop(if its still there). straighten the wire and pull off the bottom spring retainer and spring.



next unscrew the assembly from the frame



Store all parts safely. I eat a lot of Atoids ( sometimes I even clean the tin out before I store my parts)



Thats all for now.
Gabriel

[gadwhite]

Next we have to remove the T bolts that hold the edges of the top turned down on each end of the windshield. ( 7mm)





Store them safely for later.