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Mar 10, 2005 | 09:20 PM

stingraydriver74

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 146

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From: Roanoke Rapids NC

soft top

anyone know how hard it is to replace a vinyl soft top on a 74 convertible? what is involved in installing it?

Mar 10, 2005 | 09:52 PM

LFZ

Team Owner

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 30,183

Likes: 313

From: Lake Norman NC

its hard...but not too bad..if you plan on doing it yourself, i highly recommend getting the Al Knoch video. definitely worth it.

Mar 10, 2005 | 11:23 PM

GrandSportC3

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 182,997

Likes: 88

From: Lakeland, FL

Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran

St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17

It's time consuming but not difficult at all.. The top usually comes with instructions... I've already replaced 3 C3 convertible tops...

Mar 11, 2005 | 06:35 AM

Frankenvette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 3,030

Likes: 17

From: White Pine / Dandridge TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingraydriver74

anyone know how hard it is to replace a vinyl soft top on a 74 convertible? what is involved in installing it?

I took my soft top off hoping to do it myself. I ended up finding so much rust in the top frame I had to replace half of it. Make sure you inspect the top frame for rust.

Mar 11, 2005 | 06:48 AM

Eddie 70

Race Director

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 19,659

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From: Lenoir City Tennessee

Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran

St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankenvette

I took my soft top off hoping to do it myself. I ended up finding so much rust in the top frame I had to replace half of it. Make sure you inspect the top frame for rust.

Rust is one of my fears when it comes to replacing my top. I don't think my top has ever leaked but who knows. It appears to be solid from looking up at it. Replacing the top frame could get expensive pretty fast.
When I do replace my top it will be with one that is made of the stayfast material. I think that looks much better than the vinyl tops that came on our cars.

Last edited by Eddie 70; Mar 11, 2005 at 06:51 AM.

Mar 11, 2005 | 09:11 AM

R1234

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 2,157

Likes: 0

From: Pensacola FLA

Its not too bad a job. My wife and I did the installation. I bought the Al Knoch top which included instructions. I had my top frame sandblasted and primered. Then I painted it semi-gloss black. On my frame, the front bow had the most rust.
Bryan

Mar 11, 2005 | 04:28 PM

criz51

Instructor

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 111

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From: Golden CO

Here's a couple links you might find helpful

http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html

http://rowleycorvette.com/raslides2/

Mar 12, 2005 | 08:49 PM

stingraydriver74

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 146

Likes: 1

From: Roanoke Rapids NC

thanks, for the info. i'm going to sandblast and repaint the frame and get the new vinyl piece, but what else will i might have to replace? anything like weatherstriping?

thanks,
brad