Hard Top

Frank S · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 11:25 AM

Would any one what an orginal 74 hard top sell for? The car i purchased cam with the hard top and I don't think I have a need for it. Should one sell it or store it?

Passenger side seat has tears. Any idea on the cost to redue the seats?

Thanks Guys!

**lowmileage** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 11:47 AM

I've always liked the idea of removable hardtops for converts especially if you're going to be driving it in the winter and live in a cold climate. That being said, I have one for my one only convertable and it hasn't been on that car since about 1978.

sunsprit · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 06:20 PM

I live in a cold climate area, where it's not unusual for winter temps to last 6 or 7 months each year. Even though daytime temps may reach into the 50's, overnight can be well below freezing temps or even lower. The roads may well be clear, however, and the Alfa is a good choice to drive if the heater/defroster can keep up with the cold temps and keep us comfortable.

So, a hardtop on my '78 Spider would get a fair number of month's use each year.

If you don't have a need for the hardtop, Frank, I'd be interested in buying it from you.
I've seen these bring around $350 in good condition, but the big cost issue has been shipping. I'm in SE Wyoming, where are you located? PM me if you prefer .... thanks in advance for your help.

Inner Circle · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 05:16 AM

I have the three-piece hardtop and I kinda like the "targa" configuration. If only I didn't bang my head into the damned thing :-)

**velocedoc** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 09:12 PM

I love the hard top on my wife's spider. Really transforms the car into another automobile. We put it on for winter and run with the convertible top for the hot summer. The hard top is waaaay to hot for our summers. If I had a need for another one I would be out looking for one.

**Kipp** · #6 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:06 PM

I have only seen those Targa style in Euope. Does anyone know what the deal is on these?
I would like to find one like that on this side of the pond.

Frank S · #7 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 03:57 AM

The hard top i have is black and is not steel. I think it is fiber glass or some other hard material.

**soccersimon** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 05:40 AM

Frank - shoot a few photos of your hard top and post them please. It will help with the sale for sure. Let's see what you've got.

Inner Circle · #9 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 07:47 AM

Targa hardtops are fairly common in Europe, I saw plenty on German ebay. (Not currently, though.) They aren't even expensive, one was sold for 1,5 (one-point-fifty) euros. Don't expect to fetch one at that price, though :-) I don't think postage would be (too) horrific.

Inner Circle · #10 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velocedoc

We put it on for winter and run with the convertible top for the hot summer.

**AlfaTango1** · #11 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:13 AM

The hard top goes on over the convertible top in the up position right? This is from what I remember.

**velocedoc** · #12 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:37 AM

Hard top just slips right on...two clamps attach at the soft top on the top rail and two over center clamps on the car just behind the door...requires a couple special brackets that attach to the car. Not easy to find, but can be easily fabricated. Our soft top doesnt' suffer any while it is stored. Just attach the two rubber restrainging straps and a towel inside the plastic window part and when you open it for the first time after the top comes off, the top will look just like you just folded it away.

SFaikel · #13 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaTango1

The hard top goes on over the convertible top in the up position right? This is from what I remember.

Inner Circle · #14 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFaikel

I thought there were brackets behind the door because I see where they screw into the hardtop, but I've never had them to use

....

MarkZ · #15 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 05:48 AM

If you are talking about the bolts on the chrome strip on the deck behind the top, this is the bolt down for the hard top. It also is the assembly used to hold down the upgrade boot cover. However, there is one bolt for the hardtop and a different one for the boot cover. Top slides onto the bolts, then is additionally hooked to the windshield (like the softtop) and clamped to the area behind the seats. My workshop manual shows this detail fairly clearly.

Mark