New top

[Baz]

I my process of restoration, I have had to have a good look at my top. It is virtually unmarked, however the rear window has faded. I am considering importing a new top. Any supplier recommendations and how hard are they to fit ?
Baz

[manoa matt]

Baz,

There have been a few members that have had luck with polishing compounds to clear up the vinyl window. If its severly chalked but the top is still good some top installers can cut out and re-weld in a new vinyl window. What year is your car?

[Baz]

I have a 1977 Spidy (82 motor) There are no tears in the top, a bit ratty round the rear window areas, but could be fixed. I fear that with the new paint job, attention will be drawn to the rear window.

[So Cal Mark]

replacement windows get stitched in rather than heat sealed like the originals. No upholstery shop will attempt a window replacement if the top is ratty, because the installation won't be successful.

[Ernie]

Baz,

As manoa matt suggests, try the plastic polishing compound.

When I got my '78 Spider I used it to remove most traces of a large "X" some chit-hed carved in the rear window. I also removed most of the yellowing in a top on another Spider just to see if I could make it last a while longer.

Notice in both cases I said "most". It took a lot of elbow grease to get the tops this far. More work would have made them even better.

If your top is still serviceable and it's just an ugly window, you should give the compound a try -- Autozone, Advance, O'Reilly, maybe Wal-Mart.

Ernie

[Baz]

OK...Thanks men..I will give that a try. While I am at it, I have seen some reference to the 'Short Shifter' made in some strings in this forum. Are we talking about a shorter gear stick ? ...yea...of course we are. Any info anywhere ??

Baz

[racydave]

You should pm Mike Bouse. I have one, its all good!

[rlux4]

I also have one. I think it's terrific! The feel of the shifter at this length feels much better than at the original length.
More "sports car" like.



I should mention that I put a nut under mine, it's not required, but I like to rub the flat spot when I shift.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

couldn't you just rub the flat spot on your head while you drive?

[4babycar]

That would be just down right dangerous, sorta like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach all at the same time but the consequences of a miscue would be bad and I would hate to see anything happen to a spider.

[So Cal Mark]

so Ron can't drive and chew gum at the same time?

[rlux4]

Uh huh, I shore can.
I would have said that I like to rub the flat spot on the nut, but I thought that might have been cause for comments.
Little did I know.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

well that explainifies alot

[SpiderHead]

Mark,

I think you missunderestimated Ron....

-Ryan

[mdrburchette]

I should mention that I put a nut under mine, it's not required, but I like to rub the flat spot when I shift.
Ron

What the heck are you talking about? I'm lost.