Spyder 2G Spyder Convertible Top Replacement Questions

[DSM B]

Hi everyone,

So I recently bought this 2g Spyder from a previous owner who was in the middle of installing a new top. They apparently tore the whole thing down to the frame and then sold me the car with the frame completely torn down and in pieces basically. As I am putting it back together and I ran into couple of questions and I am hoping you can help me with.

1. There is a long elastic strap that seemed to connects to one of the aluminum side arms, but I am not sure where it connects to. Can you tell me where that elastic strap connects to and if I have it in the right spot?
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2. In the material strip that runs the length of the frame, on the 1st bow, does that material get stapled to the bow? The material I had did not have any signs that it was stapled to that bow, but the bow showed signs of staples having been there.
   
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3. There is a strap in the middle of the bottom bow, where does that strap connect to? I appears there is a button on the strap end and I do not know where it goes.

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I bought a complete replacement frame from a salvage yard to use only as my reference and for spare parts and it did not clearly answer those 3 questions, so any help would be appreciated. Other than that, I should be able to get this thing put back together once the new top/canvas gets here.

Thanks

Brad

 

[Widgmaster]

I just put a new top on my 01 last summer and for the life of me I can not remember the exact position of the straps. Unfortunately my car is in storage so I can`t go look right now.
By the pics you provided I think your elastic is stretched and should be replaced also . That big long strap that runs down the side above the windows should be fastened to the bows. starting at the header and then all the way to the back bow . I`m not sure if the 2G has the wide strap that the goes from the last bow down to the rear body line..I am hoping you did not order a Key top.. Robbins or Ez-on are the best tops . Any ways I want to get my car from storage on the first of April so hit me up then and I will try to help as much as I can long distance.. And no brother .. this would not be an April fools joke.. I am a retired upholsterer of 45 years...

 

[DSM B]

Thanks for the input, if you get a peak at your car sometime soon just let me know. Your top looks great btw, nicely done!

 

[DogWhistle]

Unfortunately, you’re starting with someone else’s mess, but you can sort it out. Spyder convertible tops look complicated, but are straight forward when the supports and linkage are hooked up correctly.

The elastic straps are used to keep the liner taunt. Don’t worry about those for now. There are two, long tension springs, one above the right and left windows to help keep the weather seals tight.

YT has a couple videos on replacing the Spyder top, and Tops On Line produced a video that takes you through step by step.

We watched these videos several times before installing our new top. Each of the videos seems to cover some detail the others glossed over.

Although we didn’t detail it in our thread, you might be able to pick up an idea or two from our build thread:

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/sun-burned-’99-spyder-gs-revived.483010/page-2

 

[DSM B]

After reading through a few well put together "how to" posts it seems I have an answer to my second question and it appears to be stapled to that bow. I can clearly see it stapled in post #2 in the link below.
https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/convertible-top-replacement.528063/

I could not get my other 2 questions answered from this post however, even though the long strap in question 1 is talked about later in his posts and appears to be fastened where I have it, I just am not clear on how it is routed and where the other end is fastened.

Thanks

 

[DSM B]

Unfortunately, you’re starting with someone else’s mess, but you can sort it out. Spyder convertible tops look complicated, but are straight forward when the supports and linkage are hooked up correctly.

The elastic straps are used to keep the liner taunt. Don’t worry about those for now. There are two, long tension springs, one above the right and left windows to help keep the weather seals tight.

YT has a couple videos on replacing the Spyder top, and Tops On Line produced a video that takes you through step by step.

We watched these videos several times before installing our new top. Each of the videos seems to cover some detail the others glossed over.

Although we didn’t detail it in our thread, you might be able to pick up an idea or two from our build thread:

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/sun-burned-’99-spyder-gs-revived.483010/page-2

I missed this when I was responding to my thread. Thanks for info, you seem to have this vey well detailed. I will review your thread today!

Thanks

 

[spydre]

I'm interested to know how everything went/is going with replacing your top... I need to replace mine, too, but I'm not sure I've got the patience & confidence. Good on you for taking on that project!