Speedway/ Jack's Fiat in Los Angeles

[HOLLYWOODSPIDER]

Well, I finally installed the top I got from Topsonline.com/Vic's Auto Upholstery. The great news is that it arrived at my door 2 days after I ordered it, and I just got regular shipping. The factory is in Van Nuys.

I followed the instructions that came with it, and this is the third Spider top I've installed. I think it's a tad too small. I had to shrink the top frame at the adjustment points (never had to do that the other times), and the top is still tighter than a drum. It makes a drum sound every time I close the door. So tight, in fact, that the glued seams inside are starting to come unglued. The stitching is still intact, but in the area just above the rear window, the seam excess is no longer neatly glued down flat. Also, it really wants to come out of the retainer rail at the rear when I raise it. I know these things are supposed to be tight, but this is ridiculous. I've got to lower the side windows by 1/2" to open or close the doors.

If I had it to do over again, I think I'd try a top from another vendor. This top is uncomfortably tight. It looks nice, though. If it had another 1/2 inch of play in each direction, it would be perfect.