Convertible top Winter storage

[Nitrate]

My 1981 2000 is in climate control storage for the Winter. 55 degrees. Should I undue the convertible clasps to take the stress out of the top for the five months of storage? My top is canvas. Thanks, RB

[RRoller123]

I would think no, as you would want uniform tension across the rear plastic window, and with the clasps undone, it would sit wavy and unstressed; that is likely to be worse for it than latched and lightly stressed.

[wetminkey]

I agree.
I've had my canvas top for over 17 years now and my car is NOT kept in a climate controlled building,...
I have always stored the car with the top latched, and the rear window and canvas still appear as new.
The longer my top sits unlatched, the more effort it takes to return it to the upright position,...as if the fabric 'relaxes'. I think it does better with the light, undisturbed tension of being latched in place for that reason.
Best of luck with your Spider!
Todd.

[DieselSpider]

If its not tensioned it will shrink and get wavy making it more likely that you will tear something when you do attempt to latch it for the first time. Also note that a cold rear window is more likely to crack than a warm one making it so you would really need to warm the entire top up before putting it up or down on that first trip out in spring.

[wetminkey]

Yeah, I said 'relaxes',...it will truly shrink some. Enough to make securing the top tough.
Todd.

[DieselSpider]

Yeah, I said 'relaxes',...it will truly shrink some. Enough to make securing the top tough.
Todd.

If you install it without the side cables and rivets it will also pull back so far side to side that the flaps will no long extend far enough the meet the tops of the windows.

Some will shrink so badly front to back that they will pull out the rear anchor bar when you do try to latch them if the rear window does not rip out first.

[wetminkey]

Sounds like the unanimous vote, so far, is to keep that canvas top latched while stored,...I think it will do just perfect, RB.
Enjoy that Spider! Drive safely.
Todd.

[Frog2Spider]

My Spider is always in a warm garage. I've only put the top up in the Fall and it's always been a 'bear' to latch. This year seemed even worse. The canvas more than relaxes, it shrinks! I'm going to try to put it up a few times during next summer. Hopefully it will keep the canvas stretched, and make latching easier.