Boot Cover Question

[RedWolf]

I just received my boot cover and need to install the hardware as I'll be reusing the boot hooks (2 plastic pieces that attach to the convertible frame) and fish plates (2 metal piecs that latch onto the chrome hooks on the back of the car).

The fish plates have some glue of some sort that looks like it came that way originally. For anyone that has replaced the pieces, what did you use to clean it off? Also, did you use something like contact cement on the fish plates or just sew them into the pocket? For the boot hooks - I'll definately want to use something to keep them in place but wasn't sure if it's worth doing for the fish plates (I'm worried about making a mess when I try to slip them into place if I have contact cement or glue on them).

Any experiences someone would like to share are much appreciated. Thanks.

[kmac33]

You can use lacquer thinner to remove the old adhesive.
To install the hardware in my new boot cover, I used 3m Super 77 Spray Adhesive.

[spidernut]

I used contact cement and it worked great.

[donm]

This is more of a rhetorical question, but why are these boot covers so expensive? They seem to be even more expensive than the convertable top. I noticed some sites have them listed with or without hardware. Never having seen a boot cover in person, how necessary is it to buy the hardware? I'm wondering if that's something that's really necessary or if maybe I could make up my own hardware.

[124JOE]

if you dont have the harware then you need it
so get one of those that has it

if you had one and its shot the you have hardware.

[RedWolf]

I shopped around a bit and ordered from eSportsCarParts for $165 w/out the hardware; the guy makes them to order and it's very nice; I verified the fit before I started gluing the hardware and will have it ready to go for the weekend. The one that I ordered has some added rough felt type backing that my originally one lacked which makes it a little better than what I'm assuming was the original one for my car.

[ga.spyder]

I ordered a black boot from IAP yesterday.Has anyone here used the one from IAP? They had a 15% off sale,so it was around 195+ shipping.I ordered w/o hardware,as I have several bad ones to strip hardware out of. I was told that they hardware can be glued in,but some people have had an upholsterer do it.I hope I dont need to go that route..I am on a budget!

[donm]

To those who have boot covers this may sound like a stupid question but what is the purpose of the hardware? If a reseanably handy guy were to order a top without the hardware would he be able to make his own?

[Jimb]

To those who have boot covers this may sound like a stupid question but what is the purpose of the hardware? If a reseanably handy guy were to order a top without the hardware would he be able to make his own?

It's pretty specialized hardware...and I think the time and effort it took to try to duplicate it would be just as expensive and you'd end up with an inferior product.

Jim

[ga.spyder]

The fish plate is a curved metal rod that has hooks to mount to the trunk of the car.The plastic part has a molded hook that secures the front of the boot.You better be a good fabricator,to do them yourself.Here is a link that has them pictured.
http://www.international-auto.com/index ... sid=848657

[124JOE]

i waited untill i found a car going to the scrap yard a long time after a BAD crash
it had a boot in the trunk so i grabed it

[RedWolf]

Thanks for the suggestions on removing the glue and gluing in the hardware; also BIG THANKS to my wife for gluing in the hardware for me - I promised to give her props on the board!!

[ga.spyder]

I got my boot from IAP,and it is a very nice piece.I started to glue in the hardware,but I am having some issues with the fitment.Did you stretch the boot so it covers the corners before marking the hardware locations.I am thinking I need to wait until Spring when it is warm enough to be able to work the vinyl a bit.I am a little reluctant to glue in the hooks until I have the fit perfect.I have struggled with old ,salvaged,dyed,torn boots for years and really want this one to be right.Red Wolf...kudos to Mrs Wolf and could you post a couple pictures??

[baltobernie]

Hi Craig, Happy New Year to you and the family. Missed you at Nashville; hope to see you at Wintergreen, but we only plan on a one-day trip this year.

Scroll down this post for some photos and tips on boot cover installation:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=13997

[ga.spyder]

Thanks a lot ,Bernie.That makes it a bit clearer.Frank from IAP told me you had modified yours a bit.I may try a couple of those mods.
ps...I saw you briefly at lunch in Nashville and I watched you accept your class victory trophy Since I am not on the organizing commitee for the first time in a while,I hope to get to socialize a little more this year at FFO.