[alfa] Re: alfa-digest V9 #1077, removable rear window for spider top

["George Schweikle" <schweikg@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Biba,

A removable rear window is great idea. I will need to replace the top for my
'91 Spider sometime in the near future, and would pay a good premium for
such a feature. I have seen this topic in earlier digests, and it sounds
like "The voice of the customer" is speaking. Making a removable window
doesn't sound like rocket science. What vendor will step up to fill the
need?

George Schweikle
Lexington, KY
'76 Spider
'91 Spider

>
> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 15:12:05 -0700
> From: alfacybersite <acs@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] Robbins Tops
>
> It appears as if (cost not being the primary factor) Robbins tops are
> the pick of many of you - especially what I consider to be the more
> discerning Alfisti. Would be curious as to which of the myriad types of
> material they offer you ordered / had installed - especially should it
> have been on a Round-Tail.
>
> Does anyone have an email address for the company (as opposed to a
> distributor)? It goes blank when you click on 'contact us' on the main
> Robbins' website.
>
> I want to know what it would take to make the (rear) window zip outable.
> Since no one seems to offer this, I have to assume one of two things (1)
> Conspiracy theory: With reasonable care a quality top will last a long
> time - but rarely the rear plastic window. What's the profit in making a
> relatively inexpensive part available which can easily be switched out?
> (2) Difficult (expensive) to manufacture and (perhaps) there is some
> reluctance on owner's behalf since industrial type zippers are rather
> bulky. It's probably done, but if not, why couldn't a shallow panel be
> stitched all the way around the window to hide the zipper from the
> outside?
>
> Can't remember if it was this or on the 750-101 Digest where someone
> mentioned they have a zip down window (could the poster come forward?)
> which is a major step in the right direction. Obviously the necessity
> the window be folded when lowering is one of the major reasons it
> doesn't last long.
>
> Why not make the zipper start in one of the lower corners so one could
> merely unzip the two sides and top when lowering, then have the option
> to zip it all the way off to replace or use as a major rear vent on a
> hot day?
>
> I've fairly briefly owned two Alfa Spiders and did put the top up and
> down fairly frequently as opposed to those who always keep theirs either
> up or down the majority of the time. If it's a warmish day, I probably
> wouldn't bother with the unzipping and zipping since it is the cold,
> combined with folding in two, which really affects the plastic window.
> So, even if I was a little casual with the folding / erecting of the
> top, I'd like the insurance of knowing I could replace the window when
> the time came for $150 or less.
>
> Comments? Or alternative thoughts / ideas?
>
> Robbins Tops (working) email address?
>
> Biba
> Irwindale, CA USA
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