124 Spider A/C systems and Pininfarini Hard Top brackets

[randiego]

Hi all,

I have my 78 124 Spider running very nice now after 3K miles since rebuilding the engine. I have a Pininfarini Factory hard top that I am currently restoring. The original "thin" vinyl is not available from my local sources so I went with a Marine vinyl which is a a bit thinker, but it should work just fine. The only things that I am missing are the inside latches (where it clips onto the top frame bracket behind the seats) I was told to forget the rear exterior clamps that bolt on to the outside as they can cause the rear window to "pop out" if you were to hit rough and/or irrigular pavement. My Fiat consultant said that the two windshield clamps and the two mid clamps would be sufficient. Problem is that I do not have the clamps that go behind the seats to clamp onto the frame. Unless somone has a couple that they would be willing to part with (sell), I will have to try to fabricate a pair from a Pininfarini parts schematic hoping that I can get them right.

On to another issue. I talked to the guys at Auto RIcambi in Texas regarding the Fiat Spider A/C systems. They told me that the one that is manufactured in Texas was not satisfactory and one of the owners had problems with it. So, I am looking for an original unit (R12) used that I can re-furbish and install in my Spider. The compressor, condensor, receiver/dryer and hoses are not an issue as they can probably be found locally new or from an older car. R134 is very inferior compared to the R12 systems.
I cannot remember what the configuration for the evaporator, blower motor and interior vents looked like and where they were installed, along with the A/C controls. I understand there was several companies manufacturing these systems here in the states. I do not know if there was one that was superior to the others and if there are any available.

IF there is anyone out there with a used complete system, I would appreciate them contacting me to talk about it as I am in the market for one.

I am planning to drive across country next year durning the summer and I am not looking forward to driving through Kansas or Missouri with their stifiling heat and humidity. I will be installing a larger radiator and oil cooler to assist the engine with the excess heat.

Contact me at (760) 754-3166 or via email; rklockent@sbcglobal.net

Thanks.

Randy

[Damini]

PM sent

[randiego]

An update on my Pininfarina Hard Top;

Thank you Mark from Allison's Automotive. He suggested that I look in McMasters Carr for the latch assemblies. They had ones that fit the car and will work very well. I ordered them in S.S. and am fabricating the threaded "hook" that hooks onto the top frame to latch the top in place.

There are very few people out there that have a Pininfarina Top book. Ramzi, from Auto Ricambi was kind enough to email me the parts schematic showing the breakdown of the top. They also have all of the rubber parts that I was looking for.

Csaba forewarned me that I will need to remove the convertible top from the back bulkhead for the hard top to fit properly.
I have finished re-covering the vinyl, installed the side window gaskets (a pain) front windshield gasket and installed the headliner material. Looks great. I am now fitting the top to my car and am taking measurements to know how long the hold down rods are before I cut them and thread them into the latches.

I am awaiting Csaba to return from Europe so I can ask him the configuration of the rear rubber/gasket that goes between the top and the back deck. The schematic doesn't show how it is installed.

Does any one out there have a Pininfarina hard top with the Glass rear window who can help me with this last item? I would appreciate you contacting me so I can compare notes. This is the last thing that I have to do to complete the rebuild.

Thanks,

Randy

[Mick124]

Hi Randy,

I have an original Pininfarina Hard Top that has not been restored and is in original condition. Let me know exactly what you are looking for and I will take the photos for you.

Regards,

Mick124 (Australia)