Convertible top mysteries

[robhaynes]

I'm putting a new top on my Fiat spider. I have instructions, but since I have no old installation to reference, some of it doesn't make sense. Here is what it says

• Step Fourteen: Install the side wires on the pins on the outside edge of the front bow, then pull the wires tight while you align the top onto the frame.
• Step Fifteen: Pulling the seam to the edge of the front bow, locate the screw holes with your punch. Set it up so the seam is on the down side of the frame; that way the top material goes down when the top is closed, instead of standing up like my hair when it's short!

First I don't know what "pins" it is referring to in step 14. I also have these little brackets that came from the top somewhere that I don't know what to do with. (I took a picture but I don't know how to post it here.) Is there any kind of exploded view that shows how the top parts go together?

[vandor]

On the bottom edge of the rear outer corner ofthe top bow are the pins where the loop end of the top cable attaches.

The long plastic pieces that came with the top get inserted on the very back part, where the rear bow holds it to the body.

[SpiderParts]

Instruction 15 refers to the very front part of the top--the 'eyebrow' over the winshield frame. If you glue it short, the rolled seam stands up. Instead pull it evenly and adjust so that the seam not only is straight, but angles down toward the frame.

[robhaynes]

So I figured out how to post an image. These are the parts to the top that I don't know what to do with. There was a rivet through a piece of the old top, with a washer. But since I didn't have the rest of the top, I don't know where they are located.

[vandor]

They go on the inside of the car, under the front bolt that holds the front bow to the top frame.
There is a small hole on one part - this hole is for the front, horizontal screw of the plastic top frame cover. The cover also has a rear screw, which is vertical.
The larger hole is for a rivet, the front of the flap which seals the top of the door window gets riveted there.