Top Boot

[babu2001]

Hi everyone. Looking to my Spider (a '83 model), I know it's missing something, the top boot. I've stoped looking for a used one with hardware, almost impossible to found unless I dig out a beautifully restored Spider who has lost againts a 18 wheelers. (something we don't want, for the driver AND the car So, I've made my mind to pay around 350$ for the kit. In your opinion, which is the best place to get a kit? International-auto? Vickauto? Somewhere else? Does anyone have experience with those kits? Thanks to all for your advices!

[DUCeditor]

I bought mine from IAP. (Waited for a big sale though. The price is absurd)

Even bought on sale I was only semi-pleased. They don't (or at least did not when I bought mine a year and a half ago) tell you that the unit is a kit. I.e., the snaps need to be installed as do the hooks on the straps. In fact the straps themselves are sewn on so poorly that you'd never trust them not to tear out and anyhow you can't put on the hooks without doing so. Grrr!

The "fish hooks" sold with the complete boot (read: "boot kit") are simply stamped out aluminum pieces, not the fine chromed ones as original.

In the end, after dealing with all the above, I am pretty pleased with the results. But I cannot really recommend buying them at IAP unless everyone elses are as much of a problem. Then go by price.

To bad that. This is the first disappointment I ever had with IAP and I've dealt with them almost exclusively for the 24 years I've owned my Spider.

-don

[4uall]

Price is about the same here http://www.autoricambi.us/cgi/commerce. ... ey=RE5-435 however, the quality may be better?

[narfire]

I bought mine 5 years ago from IAP. The metal pieces that go in the corners were chromed welded metal. I had to bend them a bit to get them to fit a bit better. The material seems a bit thin and the boot will flap around against the back seat. I think a strap(s) from the middle of the boot to a couple of clips at the seat corners might help. The straps at the side fit fine and help a bit but the boot does flap when at highway speeds.
Chris

[ORFORD2004]

Be aware the 83 to 85 is different from the yearly one. Hardware is different and shape is different.
http://www.fiatconvertibletop.com/

[babu2001]

I like the boot from Fiatconvertibletop.com. They don't hesitate to put good pictures of their products. Seems like quality material. But the hardware kit is ridiculously overpriced at ...300$!! But at Autoricambi.us, they are selling all parts separatly at 132$. Combined with the top boot at 179$ from Fiatconvertibletop.com, the kit will be at the same price as other (because of the separate shipping) but quality might be there. I'll give it a shot and order the kit as soon as I get my money back from a crook on eBay. (Thanks Paypal!) I've bought a refurbished head for my Spider and never got it. I'll write this down as soon as all is finished 'cause this guy seems to sell Fiat parts. Hoping he won't get another victim within us.

[ORFORD2004]

Autoricambi sold hardware to 82, not 83. It won't fit. In 82 it was a hook on the trunk but in 83 it was a button shape and the location is different.

[ORFORD2004]

You can check this one and ask if it include the hardware.
http://www.richandfamousautotops.com/ht ... ___fo.html

[RedWolf]

I bought a boot minus the hardware from esports for $169 for my 77; the '83 to '85 versions cost $179. I was pleased with the quality; the guy makes them to order so it may take a little while longer but their price was the best I could find.

[babu2001]

Hey RedWolf, I will bought my boot at the same place as you. Their shipping is quite good to Canada. But as I mentionned, they sell the hardware at a ridiculous price. So, where did you bought yours?

[RedWolf]

Hey RedWolf, I will bought my boot at the same place as you. Their shipping is quite good to Canada. But as I mentionned, they sell the hardware at a ridiculous price. So, where did you bought yours?

I already had the hardware from my old boot; I think IAP sells the hardware but not sure if the price is any better. Good luck

[DUCeditor]

As far as the flapping goes, this is how I avoided it: Instead of sewing the the straps on to the cover I put two snaps (male), one over the other (for a total of 4), on the lower extension of the cover ON THE INSIDE above where the hooks go in. I then put corresponding snaps (female) on the straps placed so there was tension when the straps were in place and the hooks inserted.

If, as I think likely, the vinyl of either the straps or the cover itself stretches I will simply make up some new straps with the snaps again placed to recreate the tension.

Note: I intentionally fitted the straps/snaps on a hot day. Vinyl shrinks when cold. If I'd fitted them on a cold day there certainly would have been slack when the cover was exposed to the heat of the sun.

-don

[baltobernie]

Here's how I modified my new boot cover to keep from flapping:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=13997

[TXSpider74]

Anyone dealt with mrfiat.com

[babu2001]

I finally bought the complete kit from VickAuto.com. AIP was out of question after the review of CUDeditor and Autoricambi.us doesn't have my year available. And it's not a good idea to order parts from one and boot from another. In case of problem, nice game of ping-pong I'm looking for... And shipping will be high twice since I'm in Canada. So, I'm waiting for and I'll make a review too as soon as I install it.