New convertible top....

[84_SPIDER]

OK. So it's time to get a new top for the 'ol Spider. First, I searched the AlfaBB to see if there were any recommendations/"stay-away-froms" as posted by the wonderful AlfaBB fraternity. I came up blank. Then I searched the internet. Prices ranged from $250 to $900!!! What I'm looking for is a tan canvas top with a zip out rear window for a red '84 Spider veloce. Can anyone here link to an already existing thread or throw in your dos centavos for someone looking to learn more about a new top. Thank you.

[slam105]

I'm in the same 'boat'. Been contemplating a black cloth top w/the zipper down rear window...here's one source:

Alfa Romeo Spider, Duetto Convertible Tops - www.duettomotors.com

I know nothing about these guys & have no connection to them what-so-ever! It's just thru my searching I came up w/this dealer...the price they offer is about $470 including shipping costs. Seems reasonable. I've been hearing the "big" cost is for installation---the install is supposed to be a serious pain!

Good luck & regards.

[Alfacliff]

My son and I put a top on my 74 in one day. most tops come with very good instalation instructions.
there are a lot of threads on tops and who to (and who not to) get them from on the board.
cliff

[dcalfa]

I bought exactly the top your looking for a few months back from a business called topsonline.com, through their eBay store. I paid 339 for a "kit" that included the black cloth top with padded quarter panels, zipper window and new side cables. The fit was great (the installer who put it on was amazed at the quality for the price). I know they also have vinyl tops for as little as 189.

here's one link, though I can't seem to find an example with the zipper windows. they were very responsive so i'm sure you can just shoot them a message.

eBay Store - Topsonline: Alfa 1971-94: Alfa Romeo 1967-1994 Convertible Top Tension Cables

[lgbalfa]

zip out plastic window - sounds like a cool idea.

but why would someone want it?

if the weather is nice - just put the entire top down.

i am not trying to be sarcastic - i just dont seem the purpose.

thanks.

[dcalfa]

because in a car w/o AC, you can get a nice cross breeze going without the sun beating down on you on one of those hundred degree days...

[slam105]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgbalfa zip out plastic window - sounds like a cool idea. but why would someone want it? if the weather is nice - just put the entire top down. i am not trying to be sarcastic - i just dont seem the purpose. thanks.

[lgbalfa]

thanks for the rationale.

it def makes sense.

[Anfanuts]

I just bought a www.DuettoMotors.com Haartz Stayfast top with a 3-sided zippered down (not out) rear window (Houston & Austin Texas, hot & humid) and padded quarters. The zip down rear window is $100 extra. It was $465 with shipping. The fellow in Canoga Park, CA is an ex-Alfa owner (recovering). He is quite knowledgeable.

I'll be having it installed by a shop locally over the next two weeks. Will restore the metal structure concurrently.

There are several "tops" threads, including one that discussed this exact topic a couple of months ago, and one open now on top bows. Bruce

[John Gallagher]

Does anyone have a picture of the zip down window top? Does it look like a standard spider top? Thanks.

[Roadtrip]

Do another search. There are lots of previous threads. Search under:

convertible top
elecktron
robbins
topsonline
caribou (BAD)
EZon

[slam105]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Gallagher Does anyone have a picture of the zip down window top? Does it look like a standard spider top? Thanks.

[Slash]

Another advantage to a zip-down window is that, if you unzip it, it lays down into the package area behind the seats and you don't have to fold the window when you put the top down.

[84_SPIDER]

Thanks for all the input. I will continue the search with my new information. The zip out window appealed to me for the all the reasons listed above. Even though I'm in the Boston-Providence area, there have been a few "memorable" drives on bright (hot) sunny days, with the sun beating down on my fair skin. There's a local guy who installs tops for a reasonable price in Foxborough MA that a neighbor used recently. Now I can't wait!!!

Next.....rust elimination: lower quarter panels

[Joe Papa Sr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slam105 I'm in total agreement w/'dcalfa'---I'm in SoFlorida & you really need that zippered rear window option! The sun here is intense & being shaded by the top w/the back window down the added air-flow is fantastic! Regards