Spyder vs Roadster

[johnnylane@att.net]

OK, this may be a dumb question, but it's bugging me.

What is the difference between a Spyder and a Roadster? Datsun Spyder does have a nice ring to it.

Thanks!
Johnny

[theunz]

Well that's a very unusual first post! Welcome. We try to answer all questions here, so here goes nothing

[2mAn]

I keep trying to write an explanation but it seems like it would work with both a spyder and roadster....

[greydog]

I was taught that a roadster is a 2 seat auto with no hard weather protection. Think of a Model T Ford.
A spyder is an open version of a coupe.

I think the term are widely used to describe a 2 seat sport oriented convertible.
Dan

[Curtis]

https://autoweek.com/article/car-life/c ... der-anyway

[68DSU]

https://autoweek.com/article/car-life/c ... der-anyway

Well you learn something new every day. In spite of having a wife named Spider, I never knew it was also the name of a class of car. I know brand names but didn't know it was a type in itself. Thank you.
On a personal note, I'm not sure using my wife's name for the elderly, worn, faded, car in my garage would be a good idea for maintaining domestic bliss so I will stick to Roadster.

[GeoffM]

I've always differentiated a spyder as having a hard tonneau directly behind the seats.

[jamesw]

So our cars are named after "a roadworthy horse???" Haha!

Cheers
James

[2mAn]

I've always differentiated a spyder as having a hard tonneau directly behind the seats.

X2

Ironically , I’ve lately been thinking about making something like that... one of my many millions of dream projects

[jhayden]

The u-shaped factory trim piece screwed to the rear of the car interior can be used to fashion a template. The rear of the tonneau is secured by a metal bracket spot welded to its underside which mates to the factory bracket at the rear underside of the car body. Bolts were spot welded underneath the arms of the tonneau to mate with the holes immediately rear of the factory soft top brackets.

It was tempting to remove the passenger head rest and extend the cover forward to just behind the windshield (like the unzipped original vinyl tonneau with passenger side covered), but practical considerations demanded otherwise. Easy enough to do for those who do not face similar constraints.

No new holes were drilled, and the hard top mounts over the tonneau without requiring removal. Seems to help a bit with air turbulence, but that is entirely subjective, and only tested to 80mph.

Jon
'69 SRL (stock)
'70 SRL LT1
'71 TD2B (two races, original paint)

[notoptoy]

That looks good!

[Curtis]

The u-shaped factory trim piece screwed to the rear of the car interior can be used to fashion a template. The rear of the tonneau is secured by a metal bracket spot welded to its underside which mates to the factory bracket at the rear underside of the car body. Bolts were spot welded underneath the arms of the tonneau to mate with the holes immediately rear of the factory soft top brackets.

It was tempting to remove the passenger head rest and extend the cover forward to just behind the windshield (like the unzipped original vinyl tonneau with passenger side covered), but practical considerations demanded otherwise. Easy enough to do for those who do not face similar constraints.

No new holes were drilled, and the hard top mounts over the tonneau without requiring removal. Seems to help a bit with air turbulence, but that is entirely subjective, and only tested to 80mph.

Jon
'69 SRL (stock)
'70 SRL LT1
'71 TD2B (two races, original paint)

What is it made of? Any fabrication photos?

[Alvin]

I've always differentiated a spyder as having a hard tonneau directly behind the seats.

X2

Ironically , I’ve lately been thinking about making something like that... one of my many millions of dream projects

Simon this is for you!

[2mAn]

Simon this is for you!

I was hoping you’d have a pic to share!... thank you

[spyder]

Wait, What?