Clinched Spider Top Install

[Avispa]

that is a Friggin' awesome look!!! Stunning appearance!

Reminds me of a 1963 Thunderbird roadster with a similar performance/appearance package.

CVCashmere

Funny you say that. It was the first thing that came to mind. Between this top and the sequential tail lights, its a hoot how much is spent trying to reproduce the look of a 60s vintage T Bird....lol.

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[CJJon]

Update:

I have been driving around now for a bit with the top installed. First, it really is quite nice. Fitment is spot-on except for the antennae relocation which may be beyond the skills of some and might lead to a messed up system.

Seems very solid and I don't think it will blow off at speed (I tried).

The two side panels need to come off before you put the top up. Takes 30 seconds and they stow in the trunk. I am not sure if the top will operate with the side panels on. I know it is locked out when the stock covers are installed...anyone have any ideas on that? Perhaps I will make a separate post.

It does need to be painted even if you want to keep it black. The raw ABS scratches if you look at it wrong. I hit it with a scotch brite pad to try and even it out. I tried to find a paint shop to have it painted and they all were flakey about it and basically no one will take it on. So, I ordered some paint and will shoot it myself to match the car (Race Red PQ).

Black = Stealth. The black looks fine but I think the top goes unnoticed because of it. I admit it is kinda cool for people to recognize a nice car you are driving. I think it will look more custom for sure.

There is one spot about an inch long where the right panel touches the top fabric and it leaves a slight mark that can be wiped off. Right in the middle. I installed some foam on the spot but have yet to drive with it on. Will let you know how that goes.

Wind is less, so is visibility. You do gain a big blind spot.

Would I buy it again? Yes! It is definitely cool and it is a quality product. I would not let the antenna issue scare you if so troubled.

I'll update again when I get the pain shot with the final show pics.

 

[Gaston]

Update:

I have been driving around now for a bit with the top installed. First, it really is quite nice. Fitment is spot-on except for the antennae relocation which may be beyond the skills of some and might lead to a messed up system.

Seems very solid and I don't think it will blow off at speed (I tried).

The two side panels need to come off before you put the top up. Takes 30 seconds and they stow in the trunk. I am not sure if the top will operate with the side panels on. I know it is locked out when the stock covers are installed...anyone have any ideas on that? Perhaps I will make a separate post.

It does need to be painted even if you want to keep it black. The raw ABS scratches if you look at it wrong. I hit it with a scotch brite pad to try and even it out. I tried to find a paint shop to have it painted and they all were flakey about it and basically no one will take it on. So, I ordered some paint and will shoot it myself to match the car (Race Red PQ).

Black = Stealth. The black looks fine but I think the top goes unnoticed because of it. I admit it is kinda cool for people to recognize a nice car you are driving. I think it will look more custom for sure.

There is one spot about an inch long where the right panel touches the top fabric and it leaves a slight mark that can be wiped off. Right in the middle. I installed some foam on the spot but have yet to drive with it on. Will let you know how that goes.

Wind is less, so is visibility. You do gain a big blind spot.

Would I buy it again? Yes! It is definitely cool and it is a quality product. I would not let the antenna issue scare you if so troubled.

I'll update again when I get the pain shot with the final show pics.

Hi,

Many thanks for the detailled explanation and pictures.
Got my kit since several weeks, and going to paint and mounting it in 2 weeks.
I'm very happy to be the first in Europe that will show off this kit.

As soon as mounted I will post some pictures.

Have a nice day

Gus.

 

[Dr. Norts]

Keep it black. It's too much red with it matching the car. Now keep the black / red color scheme going and throw a black gt350 track pack Spoiler on there to finish it off.

 

[CJJon]

Keep it black. It's too much red with it matching the car. Now keep the black / red color scheme going and throw a black gt350 track pack Spoiler on there to finish it off.

I've been stalling on painting it because I can't make up my mind. I think I am leaning now toward black. The weather is warmer now so I need to decide soon!

 

[Cobra Jet]

Keep it black for sure, it creates a very nice offset in color and looks.

 

[Expat]

Great post! Thank for all the details. IMO black is awesome, but I have spent 3 decades living the Euro solid color schemes, so may be biased.

 

[FAnsari]

Latest photos of the stang

 

[CJJon]

Nice!

I think I am going to go with black to start. I have the RR paint and can decide later to paint it to match.

This weekend is supposed to be less humid, so I may get it shot. I will post pics when done.

 

[LadyinRed]

WOW!!

 

[94gt]

Well, after a slight setback I got the Clinched spider top installed. Got to say, it really is slick. At least my 83 year old mom thinks so!

Here is the box.

Be careful as each corner has a little surprise under the packing tape. I sliced Hell out of my pinky finger. At least the blood matches the Race Red.

So far so good. The top is very nice. Thick ABS. Fits well. I have to say thought that it really does need paint. It does not have a nice finish. I just need to decide if I paint it black or Race Red PQ to match. Hmmm..

So now the bummer of the install. There were two antennae that were in the exact spot the brackets need to go. The video at Clinched doesn't have them. So, to use the top, I need to relocate them. PITA for sure, but it is doable and they still work after moving them (they are for the Ford Pass that allows remote start, etc). MAKE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE MONKEYING WITH ANY WIRES!

Here is the bastard (there is one the the passenger side too)

Here is the bracket:

Ain't gonna work...

So you need to pop off the bottom panel to get at the antenna. Here is a shot removed and one of the damnit itself:

So now I needed to relocate that bugger and I wanted to tie it to ground. There is a ground wire that I was able to use (this is driver side).

There is also a ground wire on passenger side, but there is also some sort of fuse block or something in the way which made it more difficult. Unfortunately, my phone crapped out and I didn't get those shots.

After relocating the antennae the brackets went right in and the rest of the install was easy.

So, what do you all think...paint it black or red to match the paint? I am leaning toward black.

Started to do the install on my wife's 21, and found the trim panels now have something attached to them; Can't find what the part number corresponds to, does your 2020 have these also?

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