Dennis
sequence for hard top install
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 108
sequence for hard top install
We set the hard top on without fixing it with the rear screws - noticved that the rubebr gasket around the bolt was broken and will make a new one from a piece of rubber.
What is the best way to install the top without a pully system? Do you need to put the screws in the slots before installing? Afraid that they will fall off and scratch the car - help appreciated
What is the best way to install the top without a pully system? Do you need to put the screws in the slots before installing? Afraid that they will fall off and scratch the car - help appreciated
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,351
Likes: 2,724
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Put the screws in the slots first. I made some cardboard protectors with slots (6x6 for the rear and 3x6 for the side) that surround the bolt holes (except for the slots) and side bolt areas. I use painters blue tape to hold them in place since it's easy to remove the protectors. I get a friend to help me carry the top and place it on the car, then slide the the protectors out and bolt the top down. 
Dennis
Dennis
Last edited by Bluestripe67; Jan 1, 2014 at 01:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 108
Thanks Dennis - will install correctly tomorrow. Today I used rubbing coumpound to polish the rear Plexiglas - came out great - the previous owners did a very good job of keeping the back window scratch free for all those years!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 658
From: Virginia Beach VA
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
It is at least a two man job. I attach the two side metal taps first using great care not to scratch the paint with the side tabs. It is wise to use blue tape to protect the paint. Once the side bolts are engaged, I trip the back hatch and lift it enough so you can tilt the top forward. Now you can put the smaller slotted blots in the back frame. I use a good size washer and a lock nut on the bottom. A racket wrench works well. My hands and arms are to big to get in between the hatch and soft top with the hatch attached. Now you can secure the front making sure the pins are aligned with their holes prior to pulling the handles all the way up. I also use the clear plastic on the hatch cover to protect the paint. Prior to installing the top, clean the back glass and wipe off the rubber seal. Notice I said it is a two man job, the first time I tried installing the top, my wife hurt her back.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,348
Likes: 2,076
From: California
NO NO NO People!
You sit the hardtop on top of something tall. Then you knee bend under the top backing up under it. Lift with your knees as you find the balance of the Hardtop on your back!!!! Then you carefully walk toward the car. Oh ya! You should have already opened the car door. Then you step up into the car walking across the seats. Then you align yourself in the right relationship to install. Then you kind of do a combination knee bend and sit down move, bending forward setting the top on the windshield head rail. When you have unweighted the front of the unit, you kind of twist to look and gently sit the rear of the top onto the decklid. Once it is resting front and back, you can push or move by placing the palms of your hands onto the roof and adjust the position. Once the rear pins are aligned with the holes, then clamp the front. If you get something wrong, you may need a Chiropractor!!!!
I wish I had video to post!!!!!!!!!
Derek
I wish I had video to post!!!!!!!!!
Derek
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Most of this information I never heard of....I just pick it up overhead and slide into the drivers seat and just let it down to the deck and windshield.....Simple...finish it off by screwing the bolts down....
no tape necessary..whats that all about??....What I can say, now if your not in good shape, then use two people
no tape necessary..whats that all about??....What I can say, now if your not in good shape, then use two people
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,348
Likes: 2,076
From: California
Ok!
Thus you have a slight variation on my method. You slide and I kind of crunch into a petal position, but Ok, and also you could come in from the sides if you have very long arms (very long arms akin to a Shaq type guy, but on the swing out and over the car if you miss, then you probably will scratch your paint. My walking it up into the car and lowering is paint friendly safe! My method is for those types that don't keep friends around!
If you guys take me seriously, Maybe I will even share the method of putting a soft top up while driving! But you must be able to steer the wheel with your knees while the hands are working on the top! Kind of similar to dating, while working on the top!
If you guys take me seriously, Maybe I will even share the method of putting a soft top up while driving! But you must be able to steer the wheel with your knees while the hands are working on the top! Kind of similar to dating, while working on the top!
Last edited by TCracingCA; Jan 3, 2014 at 05:36 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
I'm impressed by you guys that do it yourself...
I usually get one of my more mechanically inclined friends to come over.. Insert the friend side to the decklid first (the point that connects by your shoulder) The make sure the rear bolts are in their slot.. Carefully lower the rear. Once the bolts are in the holes release the rear decklid and raise the hardtop and decklid as one. Install the nuts to those bolts. Lower the decklid and clamp the front latches..
I usually get one of my more mechanically inclined friends to come over.. Insert the friend side to the decklid first (the point that connects by your shoulder) The make sure the rear bolts are in their slot.. Carefully lower the rear. Once the bolts are in the holes release the rear decklid and raise the hardtop and decklid as one. Install the nuts to those bolts. Lower the decklid and clamp the front latches..