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Started Convertible Top Replacement

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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 04:41 PM
  #1  
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Default Started Convertible Top Replacement

Well, ordered my new canvas top from Al Knoch yesterday and Eddie70 is sending me the video (thanks again) so I decided to strip the frame down today and see how bad the rust was. Didn't take too long to get the vinyl off since I actually sliced it off in a few areas instead of pulling the staples. I am replacing all the tack strips so I decided to save that step.

And, I was pleasantly surprised. Front tack strip area was rusty but no holes. Wire wheel cleaned it up nicely and I hit it with some Rustoleom. Starting to look good.

Now I just have to show some patience for the parts to show up (called today and awaiting shipment).

Question for those who have done this before. Top was glued to the rear bow and sides. Also, top was rivetted to the vertical panel at the rear of the glass. Did the factory rivet the tops???
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 04:54 PM
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Pictures! Take plenty of them and share with us all.
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 05:02 PM
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Mine was riveted at the rear of the window also. I just thought it was Bubba at work again. In the video this was never addressed, they just used contact glue to hold it in place. I only used rivets to hold the wire in place on the sides and the rivets come in the kit.
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 05:22 PM
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Steve take pictures and notes! This is a job I haven't done yet but will need to once I get back to working on my 69. Which tape do you have?

Gary
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by gtr1999
Steve take pictures and notes! This is a job I haven't done yet but will need to once I get back to working on my 69. Which tape do you have?

Gary
Gary,

Eddie is sending me the Al Knoch tape that has been making the forum rounds. I'll be happy to pass it on when I am done.

I have 20 pics already on the tear down to help me remember things. Frame is totally stripped with the exception of the pads and straps. Figured I would leave them on till I got the new ones so I could do one side at a time to keep the frame all lined up.
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 05:47 PM
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im planning on doing it this winter. im just afraid to see what the frame looks like, its sat in another garage for about 20 years now. atleast the mice didnt get to the new canvas thats also the same age, the canvas still looks and feels brand new.
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 09:11 PM
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Please keep us posted and post some pictures. I need to replace the top on my 69.

Thanks,
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 09:34 PM
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Yeah, I need to replace mine as well. Or just the window, if that was an option. the rest is in great shape.
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 09:43 PM
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Steve,

I have a new canvas top sitting on the shelf. Was about to install the top this week. Engine broke so may do the top next week. See how I go for time. Please post lots of pics.

Cheers, Pete
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
Pictures! Take plenty of them and share with us all.
and link it here
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Old Nov 11, 2005 | 10:55 PM
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If the original tack strip looks good I do not replace it. Most of the time only the one on the front header is all that is bad. The other ones are hard to replace.
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Old Nov 12, 2005 | 12:16 AM
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Good Luck Steve! Can't wait to see the end results. I too have this on the to do list this winter.
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