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Top install

FM Former Member
Finished up the top install this weekend. Car didn't want to start, so I jumped it. Cranked the heater up, ran the car and gas heater for a while to heat up the top. After it warmed, it was idling and then just stopped running. WTF? Lights dim, not even a click from the solenoid. Check battery voltage, around 9 volts or so, hmmmmmm. Swap battery out for my old one, fires right up, voltage is 14.1 at idle, everything ok. Guess I had a bad cell or two in the battery, which wasn't even a year old.

So I stretched the top out nice, drilled all the holes in the back deck, and installed all 9 Tenax fasteners and studs. Thanks, Carey!

I think it came out nice, just have to affix the side curtain snaps.

I even took the car for a ride in the drizzle. The heater kept the windows defogged, but what I didn't realise was the temp was dropping. I figured it out though, when the car snapped sideways while at cruise throttle going up a hill at 30 mph!!! Gathered it back up and headed for the garage.

Now is time for badges, emblems, new license light(correct style) etc. Basically, lots of holes to be drilled. Defroster ducts and jack points. Then disassembly and paint. It NEVER ends.....
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FM Former Member
Finished up the top install this weekend. Car didn't want to start, so I jumped it. Cranked the heater up, ran the car and gas heater for a while to heat up the top. After it warmed, it was idling and then just stopped running. WTF? Lights dim, not even a click from the solenoid. Check battery voltage, around 9 volts or so, hmmmmmm. Swap battery out for my old one, fires right up, voltage is 14.1 at idle, everything ok. Guess I had a bad cell or two in the battery, which wasn't even a year old.

So I stretched the top out nice, drilled all the holes in the back deck, and installed all 9 Tenax fasteners and studs. Thanks, Carey!

I think it came out nice, just have to affix the side curtain snaps.

I even took the car for a ride in the drizzle. The heater kept the windows defogged, but what I didn't realise was the temp was dropping. I figured it out though, when the car snapped sideways while at cruise throttle going up a hill at 30 mph!!! Gathered it back up and headed for the garage.

Now is time for badges, emblems, new license light(correct style) etc. Basically, lots of holes to be drilled. Defroster ducts and jack points. Then disassembly and paint. It NEVER ends.....

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FM Former Member
Thanks all. Next step, disassembly and paint. I do have a bunch of holes to drill for some new doo-dads, including front non-functional jack-points.

Gas heaters are NOT to be trifled with, use safety and caution. Remember, mine has a Halon jet aimed right at it.

Hey Doug, thanks for the tips all along. You were a great help to me. I plan on dialing back the fuel regulator a little bit to drop the output temp some, it was REAL warm in there.

No Cory, it's not for sale or trade, bro!
FM Former Member
I finished up the side curtains today(snaps installed). I took the car for a ride too, up to about 75 and the curtains/top didn't flutter or do anything weird. The sun was out and it was 40. Honestly no heat is really needed with a top at that temp, until the sun goes in. Then heat is a nice option to have.
FM Former Member
Thnx, Cory.

Kelly, I fit just fine. Anyone taller might have an issue, though. I have an inch or two over my head. The bow is taller than the fiberglass header at the windshield. Best part is the top comes off in two minutes(2 clips and 9 snaps), and supposedly fits in the front trunk. We'll see!
C carmodymichael
Danny, I've had a tonneau cover ready to install over my hood for a long time, however I haven't had the nerve to start to fit it! Can I ask a couple of questions? When you drilled the holes and put the Tenax Fasteners into the fibreglass:

1) Did you put epoxy in the holes first or just screw direct into the hole?

2) Which particular Tenax Fastener did you use?

Thanks.

Regards, Mike
Michael McKelveyMichael McKelveyAnn Arbor Supporting Member
English and German Tenax fasteners differ a bit.

I used English ones from here:

http://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/en/list+upholstery+and+trimmings~cloth+fasteners~tenax/

Then were much less expensive than the German ones.

I made the mistake of using epoxy to seal the holes after drilling.

The epoxy was very hard and it was difficult to screw in the Tenax studs without breaking then.

I think something like clear nail polish would be better to seal the holes.
FM Former Member
I used the English ones, got them from Carey at Special Edition. Saved me a little and a good guy that I know made a little. Win=win in my book.

I didn't seal anything, as I am having the car painted soon. But I have used clear nail polish in the past, works well to seal the fiberglass. I did break a few studs during install, make sure you order a half-dozen extra studs, they are cheap. Also, make sure the hole is big enough, especially where the glass is thick.
RickJRickJ
I had the rear window of my Spyder cur out and replaced with one more like the proportions 356C cab window. Much more visibility - if a bit less authenticity....RickJ



ref: Wild Bill's Posting:
re: posted 1/25/2010 1:58:01 PM Looking really good Danno! Visibility looks like it could be interesting, though.
You might want to get a fender mirror for the pass. side. I know I use the hell outta mine with the top up.

~WB
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