Cables in convertible top

[Zoofly]

I'm getting ready to install a new canvas top on my Spider. I've taken the old one off today and noticed that it wasn't properly installed way back when. I have two sets of instructions, one from this site by a fellow member, and one from www.corujoxx.com. I can't seem to find any understandable information about the two cables running through the top on both sides. I get where they attach in the back of the car, but after that I'm sort of lost. My old top didn't have cables so I don't have any reference point either. Maybe somebody on here could enlighten me? Thanks!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Here's what I know, Zoofly: On either side of the wings of the front bow of the convertible top frame, there are two posts (studs) that the loop of this cable wraps around. From there, the cable travels under the top (above the side windows) where it slips into a groove in the very top of the rear triangular window frame on either side. From there, the cable travels down the rear (sloping) facing of the triangular windows and is secured by a clamp in the body held by two screws (located under the rear valance surround if I recall). To be honest, I'm not exactly sure of the purpose of all of this, and I've had some spider tops that didn't have any of this, and the top seemed to work fine.

I hope this helps, although after reading what I wrote above, I'm not even sure I understand it...!

-Bryan

[Zoofly]

Hey, Bryan - I pretty much understood your post, but what is "wings of the front bow"? I'll look at my frame tomorrow and maybe it will make sense if I see the posts (studs) at the front of the frame that you describe. Thanks

[18Fiatsandcounting]

The front "bow" for the convertible top frame is the approx. 4 foot metal piece across the very front of the top, where the clasps and the handle are attached. See: https://autoricambi.us/convertible-top- ... 966-10-78/

Prior to sometime in 1978, this bow had little "wings" that extended on either side, that is, some extra metal that the vinyl or cloth top fit over. The image I gave in the link above is pre-1978, and you can search for how it looked for later years. I'm not sure which one you have. it's somewhat important, which is why you need to specify a model year when you buy a new convertible top as there are slight differences pre- and post-1978.

Hope that helps.

-Bryan

[geospider]

When I did mine, the front bow was all rusted out and needed a new one.
the cable attaches to the edges of the bow. On mine '79, right on the corner. I had to drill holes and create my own mounting spot: jst a small bolt and nut ans i mean SMALL>
then is just goes through the channel and connects to the back; that part you seem to know.
I'll loo for some pics.
I used the instructions from Convertibletopguys

geo

[Zoofly]

Thanks, Geo. Does the cable loop on the top of the bow or the underside of the bow? Did you lock down the cable loop with the nut, or just wrap the loop around the "post" you created?

[geospider]

I used a small screw and nut: find the flattest screw head possible. where it attaches is not the tightest part of the top to the bow, so you have some room. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
attached the cable loop on the underside with a washer. I basically copied my old bow (or 1 side; the other was rusted out)

dry fit it on the bow so you can see what you are in for. Mark center and slide it on. did this by myself, but that part would have been great to have a second set of hands. using contact cement, I did not allow to set up all the way, or you won;t have an ability to pull and slide the top on the bow. I figure it has set up over time. Get it all warm first: i set mine out in the sun for a couple hours: it stretches better that way.

Geo

[ORFORD2004]

1/8 or 3/16 pop rivet attach the wire in the front bow

[geospider]

Was thinking about a rivet but wasn't sure how well it would hold

[ORFORD2004]

I use SS and they hold OK

[geospider]

good to know, but I hopefully won't need to do this on another top...unless I get another car.

[Zoofly]

Is SS a type of rivet?

[geospider]

stainless steel

[DieselSpider]

stainless steel

Yes Stainless Steel with the rivet set from the top of the bow and the cables looped end with a stainless steel washer on the other side of it underneath. Some put the rivet in from underneath after breaking the stud off and have the crimped end of the rivet make a bulge under the tops fabric that eventuality wears through so once that happens water infiltrates and rots out the front bow or at least rots the ends off.