Can I install a convertible top
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
Can I install a convertible top
I am in need of a new vert. top really really bad. I know it will be labor intensive, but is this a weekend warrior project or not? I have seen diagrams on how it is done. It looks "doable" (famous last words). How many of you guys have done your own? How did it turn out? I sure could use the money I would be saving on installation on other projects. However, if I am going to have to use the money I save buying the second top when I bubba up the first, I will go ahead and bite the bullet for a pro install.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,985
Likes: 78
From: SoCal.
Re: Can I install a convertible top (MoneyPit)
I did mine, also a '69, about 15 years ago. I took my time and it came out fine. Later this year I expect to be doing it a second time. Same car, just 15 years later.
Get the top kit, the padding, and the tack strips. Although I have not seen it, it has been said that the video is worth it. Advice; have directions as you can not properly fit the top without the setup measurements.
A weekend will do, but have everything you need ready to go.
Best of luck, George
PS: I think of our Vette not as a moneypit but as a cookey jar.
Get the top kit, the padding, and the tack strips. Although I have not seen it, it has been said that the video is worth it. Advice; have directions as you can not properly fit the top without the setup measurements.
A weekend will do, but have everything you need ready to go.
Best of luck, George
PS: I think of our Vette not as a moneypit but as a cookey jar.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 569
Likes: 1
From: Clever, Mo. USA
Re: Can I install a convertible top (999)
I also did it on my 71 and it turned out great. I bought the video from ecklers and it was a big help. Like suggested before buy a complete kit so you don't have to find parts half way through. I would definately suggest you find a helper. My wife helped me. It turned out really good and we saved a fortune. A professional install is very expensive.
Good luck,
Good luck,
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Can I install a convertible top (MoneyPit)
I did mine. Used the references discussed above.
Would I do it again? Don't think so. Would spend the money to have it professionaly done. It is a real pain. If you are a detail person, take your time, then you may make it.
tom...
Would I do it again? Don't think so. Would spend the money to have it professionaly done. It is a real pain. If you are a detail person, take your time, then you may make it.
tom...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
Re: Can I install a convertible top (dennisr)
Thanks for the quick replies. I think I will purchase the video asap. It sounds like it would be worth the price, even if I just use it to keep a pro honest.
Another related question. Is a fairly high air temp required for installation (i.e. is a cool fall day not a good idea for top installation). I seem to remember that sunlight helps "fit" the top.
dennisr. The war bonnet yellow is awesome. Although, I haven't found too many colors that look bad on a corvette.
PS There are some damned expensive cookies in my jar. [IMG]
Another related question. Is a fairly high air temp required for installation (i.e. is a cool fall day not a good idea for top installation). I seem to remember that sunlight helps "fit" the top.
dennisr. The war bonnet yellow is awesome. Although, I haven't found too many colors that look bad on a corvette.
PS There are some damned expensive cookies in my jar. [IMG]
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad CA
Re: Can I install a convertible top (MoneyPit)
MoneyPit-
I'm still figuring out where my advice fits in the spectrum of gurus around here (very low-- this is my third post), but here's my $0.02.
I went through the same dilemma you did (worrying about having to bite the bullet for another top, etc.) I took the plunge, and with very little difficulty replaced the top on my '74. One good thing is there is very little cutting involved, so if something doesn't fit right, you can carefully 'undo' it and make it right. I was very happy with how my top turned out, and from start (removing the old top) to finish (having a beer) it was a one day project. I didn't have a video or know anybody who had done one, so I just took it veryl slowly and it went fine.
I found the new vinyl to be very 'workable' in the summer sun, but I don't have anything to compare it to.
Hope this helps.
I'm still figuring out where my advice fits in the spectrum of gurus around here (very low-- this is my third post), but here's my $0.02.
I went through the same dilemma you did (worrying about having to bite the bullet for another top, etc.) I took the plunge, and with very little difficulty replaced the top on my '74. One good thing is there is very little cutting involved, so if something doesn't fit right, you can carefully 'undo' it and make it right. I was very happy with how my top turned out, and from start (removing the old top) to finish (having a beer) it was a one day project. I didn't have a video or know anybody who had done one, so I just took it veryl slowly and it went fine.
I found the new vinyl to be very 'workable' in the summer sun, but I don't have anything to compare it to.
Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
Re: Can I install a convertible top (thebruce)
thebruce: Thanks for the reply. I think I am going to have to try it. I am trying to do everything myself. This can be one (or maybe 3) notches in my belt.
999: The cookie jar was a good analogy. Maybe if I talked better about MoneyPit, she would run better for me.
999: The cookie jar was a good analogy. Maybe if I talked better about MoneyPit, she would run better for me.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Re: Can I install a convertible top (MoneyPit)
Your guys are a lot braver than I. When I removed my old top, I found a disaster. My top frame was very rusted and bent and the front header was rusted out. I have already spend about $600.00 to get the frame repaired, and it still does not look right. Now I got to send it to the vette resto shop for final fit. I do plan to have my top professionally done. I found a shop that will do it for about $300.00. I think it is worth it! Good luck.
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,066
From: Virginia USA
Re: Can I install a convertible top (Jim73)
To all the people that have installed their own top.
1. Where did you get the top? Ecklers, Zip etc.
2. How is the quality of the top and kits?
3. What tool did you use to tack the top down on the tack strips?
I am going to tackle this when I get the funds but am just wondering where to purchace the kit when the time comes. I installed an MG top a long time ago and so I believe I can do this one.
Thanks
John
1. Where did you get the top? Ecklers, Zip etc.
2. How is the quality of the top and kits?
3. What tool did you use to tack the top down on the tack strips?
I am going to tackle this when I get the funds but am just wondering where to purchace the kit when the time comes. I installed an MG top a long time ago and so I believe I can do this one.
Thanks
John
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
Re: Can I install a convertible top (Jim73)
I have asked this many times with no response :( Does anyone know where I can get the front vinyl covered foam 'strip' that gets attached to the front of the top.
None of the catalogs has just the strip.
Anyway, I did my own top on a warm day. Total time was about 6 hours but I did a reasonable job. Go for it. Take your time.
None of the catalogs has just the strip.
Anyway, I did my own top on a warm day. Total time was about 6 hours but I did a reasonable job. Go for it. Take your time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Re: Can I install a convertible top (MoneyPit)
Hi
I did myne last winter on my 68 big block. Ordered it from ZIP and was happy with the quality.
The instruction sheet wasn't easy to understand.
I also found my frames pretty rusty, specially the front header. Also had to renew the front headers tack strips. Repainted the complete frame after repair.
I agree that one day does it if it's a staight rag replacement, but with all the problems I encountered, it finally took a couple of weekends.
I also didn't manage to get all wrinkles out of the back windshield, but I'm not so worried about this.
Good luck, Gunther
I did myne last winter on my 68 big block. Ordered it from ZIP and was happy with the quality.
The instruction sheet wasn't easy to understand.
I also found my frames pretty rusty, specially the front header. Also had to renew the front headers tack strips. Repainted the complete frame after repair.
I agree that one day does it if it's a staight rag replacement, but with all the problems I encountered, it finally took a couple of weekends.
I also didn't manage to get all wrinkles out of the back windshield, but I'm not so worried about this.
Good luck, Gunther
