Convertible top installation???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: San Diego/Pontiac CA/MI
Convertible top installation???
I have a 75 with a top that is getting old. I was thinking about getting one through the catalog like Eklers or Mid-America. Someone even offers a video tape on the subject. \
Has anyone done this before? I would like to hear about your experience before I tackle this job..
Thanks
California Gary :cool:
Has anyone done this before? I would like to hear about your experience before I tackle this job..
Thanks
California Gary :cool:
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,077
Likes: 27
From: Northeast South Dakota
Re: Convertible top installation??? (HomeboyMI)
I have never done it, but here's what I was told. I bought a convertible top frame from a guy that is into corvettes. It needs a new canvas top. He said he has done one before and it's a real PITA. He said it's so tough to do that even upholstery shops won't do it. I am going to do it myself one of these days, I'll know then for sure. But, I also had an uncle that put a new top on his Jensen Healey, and he said it isn't that hard. Just time consuming. I don't know for sure, that's just what I've heard.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 235
Likes: 2
From: York pa
Re: Convertible top installation??? (HomeboyMI)
I have a 72 convertible. After paying someone $250 15 year ago to do I decided to try it myself since their work was less than quality. They told me the only thing a convertible top does is to keep majority of the rain off until you get to a garage. I proved them wrong. Mine job did not leak!
The job takes about an afternoon and nothing to it. All the supplies are now available through many of the catalogs. I never saw the video just did it myself, twice now but have heard the video is informative. Only thing I find is the rear window needs to be tight or not very clear to see out of. Just take your time.
The job takes about an afternoon and nothing to it. All the supplies are now available through many of the catalogs. I never saw the video just did it myself, twice now but have heard the video is informative. Only thing I find is the rear window needs to be tight or not very clear to see out of. Just take your time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Re: Convertible top installation??? (HomeboyMI)
I have replaced mine, also. I have a 75 and the tack strips were in ok shape so I didn't replace them. I have a narrow crown air stapler that I bought a box of 1/2" staples to attach the top to the tack strips. Didn't have a video, but just took my time taking off the old top, as to just reverse the process with the new top. I thought it came out ok, but if I were to do it again, I could do a better job. But it doesn't leak and looks pretty good, and most of the time I ride around with the top down.
The best thing about it- it cost me only $180 to replace my top and an afternoon of work. Heck, I can afford to do it 3 times if needed for the same cost as paying someone else.
The best thing about it- it cost me only $180 to replace my top and an afternoon of work. Heck, I can afford to do it 3 times if needed for the same cost as paying someone else.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Convertible top installation??? (Rich's75)
I did the convertible top on my 69 last winter. I had never done one. Had a friend who helped...he had done 3 previously. It took us about 3 weeks, BUT, it was winter, and the car was garaged, not going anywhere. I guess it took both of us a total of about 8 working hours to do it. Used an Al Knoch top. Fit was good. Had to replace the tack strips too. You can do it, but I seriously doubt that you can do it in a few hours :) I also restored and repainted the top frame, and spent HOURS adjusting the top frame and both side windows to get a good fit. Chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 1
From: Frankfurt, Taunus Hills
Re: Convertible top installation??? (Chuck Gongloff)
I just tore down my softtop, but was wise enough to shoot about 80 pics of it, just to get sure that nothing is gonna be missed later!
My frame needs sandblasting and I want to powdercoat it - cause its not that expensive and it lasts longer!
A shop will do my Top then, I just keep the pics on file for documentation later!
My top currently sits at Ecklers Warehouse in FL. I´m waiting for the hardware on the frame.
Currently the pics only cover the teardown. The rebuilt will be covered as soon as it will take place!
I plan to post the pics on a future Homepage later - I will keep the forum informed on this!
My frame needs sandblasting and I want to powdercoat it - cause its not that expensive and it lasts longer!
A shop will do my Top then, I just keep the pics on file for documentation later!
My top currently sits at Ecklers Warehouse in FL. I´m waiting for the hardware on the frame.
Currently the pics only cover the teardown. The rebuilt will be covered as soon as it will take place!
I plan to post the pics on a future Homepage later - I will keep the forum informed on this!
