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Spider Top Removal

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by anxpert, Mar 31, 2011.

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  1. anxpert

    anxpert Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2008
    970
    Oceanside, CA
    Full Name:
    Enrique Mar
    #1 anxpert, Mar 31, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    In the process of replacing my clutch and flywheel on my Spider Stradale project, I will be using a Vivid Racing Stage 3 and Aluminum an Aasco Aluminum flywheel. I've been hard pressed to find information on the top removal on the Spider.

    My car being a 2001 I do not have the access hole on the top tray. I've removed all of the obvious mounting bolts within the engine compartment and roll hoops, nevertheless there seems to be a hidden / un-identified bolt holding things down.

    Any suggestions / direction would be appreciated !

    Attached pictures of the progress :
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  2. voicey

    voicey Formula 3

    Jul 29, 2009
    1,193
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Aldous Voice
    #2 voicey, Apr 1, 2011
    I've never removed a top (and hope I don't have to) but this thread may help..

    BTW: I'm a massive fan of your project - I have a similar (but smaller scale) project going on at the moment as I've bought the Bianco Fujji Spider with the CS kit on it (some info about it here).
     
  3. anxpert

    anxpert Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2008
    970
    Oceanside, CA
    Full Name:
    Enrique Mar
    #3 anxpert, Apr 1, 2011
    Thank you for the post, I saw the red top thread and used it for a base reference from what can be seen in the photographs.

    Perusing through various exploded view diagrams, I think I've removed all the bolts, but the frame assembly feels like it has something else holding it, it could be that it is just stuck to the rubber gasket between the body and the top mechanism. Not having much luck with feedback, so I will probably move forward and attempt to lift the mechanism and hope not to damage anything .... part of the learning curve.

    I do think that the added engine upgrade matched to a 6 speed manual requires a better clutch, so the pain to go through this whole top process should pay off.

    I will also modify my top tray with access panels for any future work and pass along the dimensions and templates for other older spider owners.

    Congrats on the Bianco Fuji Spider CS.

    Stay tuned !
     
  4. voicey

    voicey Formula 3

    Jul 29, 2009
    1,193
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Aldous Voice
    #4 voicey, Apr 1, 2011
    Try PM'ing "rustybits" (Eddie in Cyprus) - he knows quite a bit about the tops.
     
  5. anxpert

    anxpert Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2008
    970
    Oceanside, CA
    Full Name:
    Enrique Mar
    #5 anxpert, Apr 1, 2011
    Sent PM, thank you for the lead !
     
  6. voicey

    voicey Formula 3

    Jul 29, 2009
    1,193
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Aldous Voice
    #6 voicey, Apr 1, 2011
    No problem. If he can't help you could always call Verdi (in the UK) - ask for Karl and say Aldous with the white spider suggested you contact him. They helped the previous owner of my car get the roof cassette back in and working after it was removed to be painted.
     
  7. anxpert

    anxpert Formula Junior

    Mar 4, 2008
    970
    Oceanside, CA
    Full Name:
    Enrique Mar
    #7 anxpert, Apr 1, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Top and Mechanism are off the car !

    All of the bolts had been removed, I'm imagining that over the years it settled into place and a bit stubborn.

    I did need to use a forklift to pull straight up on the Top as it has some weight to it.

    Overall the process is straight forward :

    1) Cycle Top to allow acces to the rear top tray
    2) Remove two bolts within the tray that attach to the Spider Body
    3) Close Top
    4) Remove Engine Cover
    5) Unplug ECUs and clip off wire ties
    6) Remove " Top Frame " in engine compartment ( 2)
    7) Remove bolts that attach the Roll hoops to the Body ( 2 ) on each side
    8) Disconnect wiring harness ( main and power )
    9) Remove Side Panel Brackets
    10) Loosen the two guides on the frame
    11) Remove Heat Shields attache to Frame
    12) Verify all wiring is clear


    I created a sling allowing me a bit of slack to allow the top to rotate once lifted from the car.

    I positioned forklift on the passengers side side , lifted on the sling ...lifting slowly with both doors open and two assistants guiding the top mechanism.

    Once I cleared the height of the car, I pushed the car forward and lowered the top.

    The removal process took about 30 minutes. Keeping track of my actual work time, the removal process from start to finish was a bit under 3 hours. Search time " 10 Hours.

    I will organize pictures and post in the future for other brave souls!
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  8. voicey

    voicey Formula 3

    Jul 29, 2009
    1,193
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Aldous Voice
    #8 voicey, Apr 2, 2011
    Good work! Whilst it's off don't forget to renew the things in the top of the fuel tanks that have a tendancy to break (I can't recall what they're called atm).
     

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