Replacing worn top on S3 spider

JalAlfa · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 09:08 AM

I am contemplating replacing the original top on my 1983 spider. The top is faded but otherwise in reasonable shape. Does anyone have an opinion on a source for the best replacement top for this year spider? Is it worth the trouble to replace the original?

**ghnl** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 10:39 AM

Welcome to the BB! How about some pictures of your Spider? We likes pictures.

If the top is in decent condition but merely faded, you might try having it re-dyed.

But if it is old the stitching will begin to let go eventually and the window gets scratched & cloudy. Then it is time to replace it. You can get both cloth and vinyl tops. Vinyl is a bit cheaper to buy but cloth may last a little longer. You choose.

There are a number of reputable top retailers out there. Look in the "Anything about Alfa Romeos" section for the "Suppliers" thread for lots of links. And be sure to do a search for an outfit called 'caribou tops' - they do NOT have a good reputation here...

Here's a whole thread about replacing the top (with pictures): Replacing the Conv Top

**Zunige** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 10:50 AM

There are a lot of threads about tops and many opinions, so I would encourage you to do a search... All '83 Spiders came with canvas tops (and leather interiors), so if you want to go with OEM, then you'd be looking for a canvas version. I happen to think that the Elektron top has the best fit, but at $450 dollars, it is not the cheapest. (If you look at your original top, you will notice that it is perfectly symmetrical, and that it doesn't interfere with the operation of the windows. Furthermore, it is nice and tight, with the canvas fitting perfectly above the windshield and the plastic window being wrinkle free.)

Best regards,

the_sicilian · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 12:44 PM

i prefer vinyl because its lighter. also if you have a hardtop and tuck the top away for months, vinyl restores a bit better in the spring after all the caked dust and mold is cleaned off.

i have a question.

someone mentioned a 're-tar' of the back gutter-channel. what does that mean?

also does anyone sell the 3 plastic skirts that goes on the inside of the top between the metal-band and the top-fabric? on that note, does anyone also sell the plastic membrane for inside the doors?

thanks

JalAlfa · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 01:05 PM

Thanks for the great advice. I now have to decide if I will do it myself. I can to mechanical repairs, but this may be beyond my skill set. I assume that the trick is getting a tight fit. On the other hand, the nice thing about doing it myself is that it will allow me to restore the top framing, as suggested in other threads. thanks again. I will post a picture soon.

AllthingsZagato · #6 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 01:29 PM

Its not difficult, just take your time, get a full guide an set of pics from the BB and go to it. A couple of weekends will easily do it inlcuding refurbishing all the hood frame.

**aralfa8589** · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 05:36 PM

You can do the entire job in a weekend, including refurbishing the frame. Spray a little dab of lube in all of the joints when you're done painting the frame. You'll surely want a helper.
I used a less expensive canvas top than the Elektron (topsonline.com)-$100 bucks less and it looks great. I have issues with the fit around the windows. Next ime I'll spend the extra dough.

he3r0 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 10:16 PM

Its not hard and you can do it.
One day to prepare the frame, ane day tp put it on.
Eric (ghnl) helped me with mine, and it was very nice experience, since he did that before to his own Alfa.
I`ve got vinyl for mine since i do not own a garage, and it is easier withe the upkeep, remember to get new cables along with the top, and the manual (some companies are sending the the top along with the manual that is "included" in package)

And you may find this thread helpful:
Convertible Top Installation project