Removing spider windscreens, plugging the holes

Figured I’d share this with the other spider owners out there.

Both the 360 and 430 spider use the same convertible top, and so they both use the same windscreens in the rollbars, but the 360 uses another middle windscreen and the 430 uses a glass middle windscreen.

When I picked up my 430, the roll bar screens were cracking all over the edges… a typical wear and tear issue. And my middle glass windscreen was missing entirely, as I know these tend to rattle and many people removed them. I always wondered why they wouldn’t have left it with the car, but then realized they broke it off instead of pulling it out (the pegs were still in the holes).

I ordered replacement screens that fit both the 360 and 430, but after some testing, decided they really don’t do anything significant… so I left them out. I really think it makes the car look much cleaner without them.

That left me with 4 small holes for the roll bar screen attachment point, and 2 larger ones in the center.

To avoid any water or debris getting in those holes, I figured I’d just plug them. So I decided to make some plugs with my 3d printer. I’ve attached photos. I’ll likely reprint them in carbon fiber filament now that I know the fit.

Anyway, I figured I’d share my solution and experience without the screens, because I’ve seen people asking about them rattling, cracking, etc. So if you’re like me and think it actually looks better without them, then join the party - remove them. There’s no difference in cabin wind. And if you want plugs and have a 3d printer, let me know and I’ll share my file.
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I can print some more. I am going to reprint them in the carbon fiber filament so they feel a little nicer. Message me directly and I can get your info and send to you. Just gotta pay postage and for the little bit of material/time used to print.

 

They’re for both. The holes for the middle glass are larger though. But when you take out the screens in the rollbars, they also leave two holes each that go into the same area.

 

The carbon fiber ones I printed are a pretty tight fit and don’t rattle at all. But yeah, if you really wanted them to be perfectly sealed, any material that’s a little more rubbery would work. These CF ones are tight enough that I wouldn’t worry about any water or debris getting in there unless you’re driving in the pouring rain with the top down for some reason, and even then I don’t think much would manage to get in. I did a few rounds until I found the perfect blend of “tight” but not so tight that you can’t get them back out or they could damage the paint.