Duetto/Round-Tail top tip of the day

[Biba69]

I just got back from the top shop. I'd told them to call me when they removed the material from my client's '69 Spider's top so I could make sure the two front swiveling connectors to the front header do in fact swivel. Turns out the round headed screws to the swivel pieces were frozen solid, but was able to get the swivels to swivel with good old PB Blaster. I've done four of these tops and I've always been able to get the screws out, but the swivel pieces are always frozen solid - so I obviously lucked out today.

Trust me, with a new top, they Must be able to turn when latching the top down. Unless you are incredibly strong and can latch both sides at the same time with a brand new top installed, the cast aluminum brackets holding the swivels will break.

I'm aware this most likely is falling on deaf ears, but if any of you are contemplating installing a new top on your '66 to '69 Spider - either by yourself, or by a top shop, be aware of the potential problem.

Below are photos of the swivel from a previous top I installed. Perhaps you can tell the swivels were a bit stuck.

This situation does not apply to later Spiders.

Biba