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[TronDD]

That is not uncommon with newly installed tops and not necessarily evidence that it was improperly installed. If the top is installed so that it easily clips into place it'll be too loose once it has broken in. This is true for many soft top cars, not just Spiders. Among Miata owners there is a "rule" that a newly installed top should not be lowered for at least two weeks.

It's not a new top. It's quite old. It was removed when the previous owner had the car painted. The body shop put the top back on and now it's a bit out of alignment.

Tim.

[DUCeditor]

It's not a new top. It's quite old. It was removed when the previous owner had the car painted. The body shop put the top back on and now it's a bit out of alignment.

In a word: Rats!

-don

[kmac33]

Tim,
The top frame is actually pretty easy to adjust/align. You have to remove some of the interior (rear quarter panels have to come out) to get to the 2 screws or shoulder bolts that secure the top frame to the car. Loosen those up enough to allow frame adjustment - get the top aligned correctly, tighten back down. Ensure correct alignment both top up/secured and lowering fully. Also make sure you check alignment with the windows up. Reinstall interior bits.

[TronDD]

Thanks, I plan to replace the top soon so I'll have to figure all that out.

Tim.

[Exit98]

A friend got my wife a nice scarf to wear while riding in our Fiat.

Hi Adam,
Just be careful with that new scarf. You do know the story of the legendary 1920’s American/Parisian dancer Isadora Duncan? Apparently she was quite fond of Bugatti’s but lacked the funds to buy one. She met a young man who sold them and asked him for a test drive in a Bugatti Type 35. It is possible that her interest in the young man went beyond a mere spin in the automobile, despite her being 50 years of age and much older than her escort. According witnesses her last words were: “Farewell, my friends, I am off to glory!” As the car drove off, she threw a long silk scarf around her neck, which entangled in one of the car’s open-spoke wheels. The heavy embroidered silk pulled instantly taut and snapped the dancer’s neck. She died instantly September 14, 1927.

[Adam]

note to self... keep loose fabric away from spinning objects, unless the result is acquiring a type 35 Bugatti, than risk it to chance! What a gorgeous car

[htchevyii]

How about a bikini top like they use on Jeeps? Might keep you from baking in the sun, but give some of a convertible feel? I won't even drive mine if I can't do it with the top down, it just ruins it for me.

[1tommygun]

Does it count that my top was put on so poorly it's about 3 inches away from the windshield when up so I can't latch it? I have little choice right now, the top stays down.

Tim.

[spiderron81]

I absolutely have to agree with the article. When I was a kid 8yrs -14yrs old, at one time or another my two older brothers each had a 63 and 65 spitfire and I fell in love with two seat rag tops. As an adult (with my kids in the car) I would yell out that "they don't deserve to have that car" when I saw a top up on a nice day. Jealous, maybe but when the opportunity came to own an 81 Fiat Spider I jumped (it is SO much more reliable than the Spitfire). I have owned it for four years now and if it's above forty degrees and somewhat sunny I take the Spider any chance I get. I call it "my Spider Sense". It can get hot driving in 95+deg weather, but only when I slow down and it's worth it!

Ron

[Nick]

Great article, and the author is on point about modern convertible owners with the top up almost all the time. I grew up in the Philly area and my one buddy who was lucky enough to own a convertible mustang would keep it down all the time unless the temp dropped below 20. We would wear funny long stocking caps to draw even more attention on a crisp December morning. Good times... I would only say that hair blowing in the wind is over rated as i now have no hair!

Yep I did that with my spider, top was down 90% of the time even in freezing cold falls and early springs up here in NY.