New to Sprites and need some help...

[robdmau]

So my Sprite came with the hard top, convertible top and a tonneau cover. I get the hard top so no worries there. The convertible top, does it actually fold down to be a convertible? Seem like it should but I cannot figure out how it does this...

The tonneau cover, I see there are a few zippers and snaps after it is put on, what are these for?

I have also seen a top boot cover that sits over gap behind the seats, I do not have this, but does this cover the convertible top once it is folded down?

 

[spritenut]

What year Sprite?
Tops were removable through 1966, 67 started with a fold down top.
It was clamped to the windshield, has a couple of snaps at each corner of the windshield, may have a snap just above your ear if you were sitting on the seat, and may have a snap on a wrap around tab right behind your shoulder if you are sitting in the seat.
Now 4 tenax fasteners around the 1/4 lights (sometimes 3 snaps and a velcro tab)
The top gets unclamped, undo the snaps, pull up and back and lay it on the trunk, now fold the 1/4 lights onto the back light and roll it back into the cockpit.

 

[robdmau]

Sorry, keep forgetting to say the year, it’s a 1965. So does this mean it does not fold down? So I have to removes or and store in the trunk?

Trying to visualize your description, any way to maybe send pictures if you get a chance?

 

[Whitephrog]

It does not fold down. To store it's rolled and hung by straps in the boot.

 

[bthompson]

Yep, if the top isn't permanently attached at the header rail and under the rear window, you'll take the top off completely, fold it up and throw it in the trunk, then disassemble the top bows and stow them in the trunk too. It's a little bit of a pain and takes some advance planning, but the lines of the car look better without the top hardware piled behind the seats, (IMHO.)

If the top is attached, it's folded in place, BUT there's a certain way to do it. They're called "scissor bows" for a reason: do it wrong and you'll shred your top. The guy I bought my Midget from had put a new top on, and the VERY FIRST thing he did was drop the top Fiat-style, vis.: "Undo the clamps from the driver's seat and throw it over your shoulder." Got a nice five-inch slash right over the passenger seat.

Here's an old thread on the right way to do it. It illustrates Spritenut's description well.

Remember if you fold the top in anything colder than room-temperature, go SLOWLY with the windows -- they get brittle, and if you force them you'll be rewarded with an agonizing plastic SNAP. (Ask me how I know!)

 

[JPSmit]

As an aside, it is worth amending your profile so that the year of your car becomes part of your signature. It makes it much simpler for people to respond to questions, particularly questions (like how to fold a top) that are unique to certain years.

 

[robdmau]

Thanks for the advice on the top and the signature...

 

[scoutll]

Hi, and welcome to the asylum.... :banana:

 

[robdmau]

Hi, and welcome to the asylum.... :banana:

Thank you