canvas or vinyl

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SanRafaelFaz

Re: canvas or vinyl

Post by SanRafaelFaz »

BEEK wrote:
SanRafaelFaz wrote:
BEEK wrote:AMCO was the oem top for fiat.
I understand Robbins was another OEM, as well.
showing my age abit, but i have installed at least 500 tops on fiats, over 200 when i worked at dealerships. amco was the only oem top in fiat boxes from 1982 on that i ever installed , sold or saw. robbins tops of that vintage had a different plastic in the rear hold down area and did not have the felt like window sashes. they were the same material as the top. im not trying to start an argument. just stating my observations from 25+ years of working on and selling fiat parts.

my 77 spider has a amco top installed in 2001, the rear window is still clear, and the car is parked outside every day,, no garrage space. i have a secret tht keeps the windows clear. it should be common knowledge...
No argument from me, Beek. Just stating what my mechanic, who used to work for a local dealer told me. My car's a '78 and I've had probably 7 tops on it over the years. Some were great, some were good, some were crap. I have no idea what brands they were. I learned at some point to place a soft towel over the window before folding it down. That helped keep it scratch free for a long time.
So, what's your secret for the long lasting window?
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seabeelt
Patron 2019
Patron 2019
Posts: 1614
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:22 pm
Your car is a: Fiat Spider - 1971 BS1
Location: Tiverton, RI

Re: canvas or vinyl

Post by seabeelt »

Is AMCO still in busineess? I have not seen them listed on any of our favorite vender sites :?:
Michael and Deborah Williamson
1971 Spider -Tropie’ - w screaming IDFs
1971 Spider - Vesper -scrapped
1979 Spider - Seraphina - our son's car now sold
1972 Spider - Tortellini- our son's current
BEEK
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: canvas or vinyl

Post by BEEK »

placing a towel on the back seat back, and putting a towel in the fold of the window when down, you do not want the plastic touching plastic... 12 years later the window in my top is still clear, been stored outside. driven only 5,000 miles in the last 12 years. seen rain, snow, pine sap.. never been cleaned with anything but water and light car wash soap. the top has had some heavy cleaners on it to remove mildew stains. but not the window
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
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DocGraphics
Posts: 639
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2011 6:43 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 spider
Location: Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Re: canvas or vinyl

Post by DocGraphics »

Great advise on the towels, a little late for mine already scratched up where it rubs on itself & on the seat when I got it.
Is there a wax or polish that can be used on the rear window to remove or lessen the scratches???
Don Raugust
1978 Fiat 124 Spider "Fiona" - Burgundy/Tan
2011 pics: http://s918.photobucket.com/albums/ad22 ... 0Pictures/
2012 pics: http://s918.photobucket.com/albums/ad22 ... cs%202012/
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tartan18
Posts: 505
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:58 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Lebanon, Oregon

Re: canvas or vinyl

Post by tartan18 »

While my top is only a year old I am working to keep the window clear and clean. I've found this product to be helpful. No commercial interest -- just a satisfied customer.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/pla ... rom=Search
Jim MacKenzie
1975 Fiat Spider
Finest Italian Automotive Technology
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