[CDN_Stig]

Finally it arrived. I have no manuals and for the life of me I can't figure out how to open it.

I can't even tell if it's power or not. I don't see any buttons on the dash. It has 2 buttons behind the seat that make all sorts of popping noises when pressed, but can't get it to move.

I can open the two front latches and push it up about 6 inches then it does nothing.

I tried pulling the safety wire in the storage compartment, it popped something but still nothing really moves.

There doesn't appear to be anything other than the battery in the storage compartment, my understanding is that if it's power there is a motor there?

I don't understand how it works.

HELP!

Thanks

 

[johnnyboy71]

CDN Stig. If its powered, the switch is behind the handbrake and will on work with hand brake on. If manual, you'll need to undo front latches, use the switch behind seat to raise the rear of the hood (from memory its the right switch) then lift the rear up. Use the other switch to release the rear deck, then lift up. The hood can then be folded into the rear space. Once you've pushed it all in, close the rear deck again by pushing down until it locks back in.

Hope the above makes sense. If you look on youtube for an electric hold working, its the same action but by hand.

Annd then enjoy :-D

 

[alexGS]

The string releases and popping noises (solenoids, rather than hydraulics and motors) suggest to me that it's a manual roof. Fold it yourself after raising the cover... I've yet to see a manual-roof Spider in the flesh, I think they must be relatively rare.

-Alex

 

[CDN_Stig]

Thanks guys, it is indeed a manual roof. I think I found the switch location behind the handbrake. Well it's no switch just a "blanking plate". From some of the posts I've read on the the power top, I might be glad it is manual.

I got it open. Everything was really stiff. I had to push and pull on things a lot harder than I would have expected, but it all went. On each side, there were two small springs underneath the flip up panel, with a string on the end. One of them ended up falling off. Not sure what use they are. I'll post some pics eventually.

I get the impression it has been a long time since the roof was last opened.

I've greased all the hinges now so hopefully it will loosen up more with time.

Thanks

 

[johnnyboy71]

AND enjoy :thumbs:

 

[jillyflower]

Thanks guys, it is indeed a manual roof. I think I found the switch location behind the handbrake. Well it's no switch just a "blanking plate". From some of the posts I've read on the the power top, I might be glad it is manual.

I got it open. Everything was really stiff. I had to push and pull on things a lot harder than I would have expected, but it all went. On each side, there were two small springs underneath the flip up panel, with a string on the end. One of them ended up falling off. Not sure what use they are. I'll post some pics eventually.

I get the impression it has been a long time since the roof was last opened.

I've greased all the hinges now so hopefully it will loosen up more with time.

Thanks

Glad you got it sorted :thumbs: I was about to get my camera out and take some pics for you :lol:

we have a manual and a motorised roof on our spiders and I prefer the manual one any day...and I can it up faster than the motor one Just had a new motor fitted on the V6........just over £500...........ouch

p.s Make sure you keep an eye on the metal pin that holds the 'claw/hook' on.....we've had 2 failures so far and you'll either have to have one fabricated or find a good Alfa breakers

 

[alfapash]

Mines a manual too. Which I'm glad about. One button releases the back of the hood, if you look down the hole the small piece of metal which move back to allow the hood to pop up probably needs cleaning and re-greasing. The second button releases to tonneau cover, where the hood drops into. The red strings are for manual release if the buttons fail to release the back of the hood. Always release the roof catches at the front first.