I'm talking about a 500D conversion to the long vinyl roof similar to the 500N.

I found the long top here: http://www.passione500.it/capote-lunga-montata-con-telaio-fiat-500-n-d

They also sell this kit: http://www.passione500.it/capote-particolari/particolari-capote/kit-montaggio-capote-lunga-fiat-500-n-d

I'm trying to figure out what modification is needed for the grill (as mentioned on the kit webpage). I'd rather use my existing grill instead of paying for a modified one that I have to paint later.

Btw, I've used this vendor several times in the past. They are slow to ship (4-7 days after purchase) but I've been happy with their parts. Their site is in english and italian. I usually pay with Paypal. Never had any problems. http://www.passione500.it/index.php?route=common/home

Hi, I have converted my D to a long roof. I did not have to modify the grill panel, but I have been told that was because mine was an earlier D - it had the alloy rain strip piece already and the panel was made to work with that - some of the later cars did not have the alloy strip and instead that was part of the steel grill panel itself. It is worth noting that the long roofs sometimes come in two lengths - one is about 30mm shorter than the other. I can't remember which is which, but one supplier told me this is because the roof for a genuine 'transformable' is different in length to that of a modified D. Whichever one I bought I also had to have shortened by about 30-40mm so that the roof pulled down tight.
Sorry not to be of more help.
Cheers
Roger

Hi Texas500
How did you go with the roof conversion? I am think of doing the same, but have a few questions regards the new anchor points for the longer frame, which appears to be different to the location for the sunroof.

Regards
rinos

rinos said:

Hi Texas500
How did you go with the roof conversion? I am think of doing the same, but have a few questions regards the new anchor points for the longer frame, which appears to be different to the location for the sunroof.

Regards
rinos

Click to expand...

you either cut the front mounts out and weld in a bit of metal...
and move them to the rear...
or make up some new mounts and weld in the rear... (they are not just nuts welded in).
Also have to remove the cross brace....

Have a look at Seans thread "Dexter the 1962 500D" he has done the conversion recently....
If you want to do it properly then you also need to weld up the original roof bolt holes, but then it is a one way conversion...

Despite what people say there was never a a 500D Transformable, they were probably converted by dealers using N parts in stock....

Also note the alloy strip needs to be redrilled for the soft top strap when folded back and rolled up, which will also leaves an extra hole in the middle...

Also note there seems to be an issue with replacement roof mechanisms and the latches, this s not insurmountable (see Seans thread)

Andrea (Passione 500) may be slow to ship as they are normally very busy (if you get chance to visit they are always packing and shipping)

Hi Bigvtwin996
Thank you for your post, advice and direction to see the thread for "Dexter the 1962 500D". There is sufficient detail to provide direction on undertaking this conversion. It is not as easy as first thought.

Regards Rinos

rinos said:

Hi Bigvtwin996
Thank you for your post, advice and direction to see the thread for "Dexter the 1962 500D". There is sufficient detail to provide direction on undertaking this conversion. It is not as easy as first thought.

Regards Rinos

Click to expand...

Not that complicated, just takes some getting your head round it...
I do have an N that has a totally different roof mechanism that even uses the front mounts...
no time to get to it and take any pic though...
If you have the time and inclination.. well worth it...
Long roof cars are always more desirable....
Then you can start to look for a long roof sunshade!!!