Convertible top install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Convertible top install
My 70 has the hardtop only. I want to put a rag top and need help from anyone that has done it, before I tackle this job. I have NOTHING yet for the soft top, no brackets, no bows, no nothing. I see that all parts catalogs sell the pieces individually, and a few sell it complete (for a few bucks more, but it's already done). Has anyone bought it separate and has anyone bought it assembled? How difficult was each, do you recommend one over the other? Which Vendor do you recommend (I have catalogs from just about everybody)? My gut is to buy one assembled and pay the 3k (approx )to make sure it is done right, but I wanted to see if you all thought that it was a rip off and/or relatively easy to get the bracket and install the top myself. The reason I am leary is that I see that a few parts catalogs sell a DVD on how to install a top, which means it's probably kinda hard if it has a special "how to" DVD. All Feedback appreciated.
---Donnie
---Donnie
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Donnie,
I CAN'T help with your top discussion, I know nothing except that I like convertibles.
I CAN say the DVD is probably a very good idea. It might help you to decide if you even want to try the installation yourself. I bought a VHS tape about seat cover installation and it was WELL worth the $.
Regards,
Alan
I CAN'T help with your top discussion, I know nothing except that I like convertibles.
I CAN say the DVD is probably a very good idea. It might help you to decide if you even want to try the installation yourself. I bought a VHS tape about seat cover installation and it was WELL worth the $.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i replaced the canvas on my 70. i didn't have to remove the frame, so i can't give you any information on that part, except that it has to be positioned so that the front windshield and rear deck attachments line up.
it's not too complex a job. i don't think spending money on the video is worth it. the weather stripping is installed over the fabric in the window area and holds it in place. the instructions that can be found on the web make a overly complex description of determining the length of the straps that connect the rear top bow and the rear bottom bow. all you have to keep inmind is that the length of those straps have to fit the height of the rear window.
the hardest part was finding the proper sized tack strip for the top rear bow. the channel in my bow was much wider that the tack strip that came with the kit. stuffing the weather stripping in the bottom raer bow was a job, but a spline tool for window screens helped.
i think i spent about 8 hours on it.
it's not too complex a job. i don't think spending money on the video is worth it. the weather stripping is installed over the fabric in the window area and holds it in place. the instructions that can be found on the web make a overly complex description of determining the length of the straps that connect the rear top bow and the rear bottom bow. all you have to keep inmind is that the length of those straps have to fit the height of the rear window.
the hardest part was finding the proper sized tack strip for the top rear bow. the channel in my bow was much wider that the tack strip that came with the kit. stuffing the weather stripping in the bottom raer bow was a job, but a spline tool for window screens helped.
i think i spent about 8 hours on it.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
You have 2 distinct issues here.
First, you have to get a frame. I got a good used one off e-bay. It will probably need some work. This is probably the most expensive part of the whole job. The frame installs real easy and the adjustments are easy also.
I had a professional shop insall my cover, but others have done it theirselves.
I think I spent about $1500 total about 3 yrs ago.
First, you have to get a frame. I got a good used one off e-bay. It will probably need some work. This is probably the most expensive part of the whole job. The frame installs real easy and the adjustments are easy also.
I had a professional shop insall my cover, but others have done it theirselves.
I think I spent about $1500 total about 3 yrs ago.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Top
I recently refurbished/replaced the rag top on my 70. The DVD is a must, as for the frame, that will cost ya. The vinyl top install is not to hard, just follow the instruction closely.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Try and find a complete frame assembly rather than parting one together. Make sure the header panel is not badly rusted or any of the other pieces. Surface rust can be taken care of fairly easily. Make sure all of the joints are free with no binding. Make sure all of the hardware and latches are there and they are not badly worn or sloppy. Give the frame a good coat of satin black and that part is done.
Get the DVD as the other guys have stated and buy a good quality top from either Willcox or Al Knoch. Also get new tack strips. I just refurbed the frame on the 68 and will be installing the top shortly.
You might try Sully's Tops in Fresno California for a frame assembly. They also pop up on ebay and I think ZIP sells frame assemblies. Try Willcox as well for a frame, they have lots of used parts.
Get the DVD as the other guys have stated and buy a good quality top from either Willcox or Al Knoch. Also get new tack strips. I just refurbed the frame on the 68 and will be installing the top shortly.
You might try Sully's Tops in Fresno California for a frame assembly. They also pop up on ebay and I think ZIP sells frame assemblies. Try Willcox as well for a frame, they have lots of used parts.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis Missouri
Top Frame
The frame is the big dollars. I also have a 1970 when I bought it there was only a hard top. I looks for several months. Finally found one from TJ Piper they are exspensive but have high quality stuff. Spent $2500 for a complete frame, turned out to be a little less than the sum of all the parts from the typical suppliers. I also installed the top not too dificult just take you time. Corvette Central rents the viedo for only $15, I used it if was helpfull.
Good luck
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
Before I bought my vette I was looking at a coupe and a convertible that this guy had. I bought the DVD from ecklers on the interior and seats and replacing the vinyl top. It was 25.00 + -.
The top on the convertible was in good shape but the rails & bows were in need of repainting and wanted to know how hard it was going to be to one day re do the top.
I watched the dvd and feel I'll have no problem in replacing a top and working on the frame & rails.
I bought the coupe from this guy at the first of the year and my go ahead and get the convertible next month. The first thing I'll have to do is clean up the frame and replace the weather striping on the top.
I had better watch that DVD again. It's worth the money.
ZIP has full top assemblys and frames I think.
Hope this helps.
The top on the convertible was in good shape but the rails & bows were in need of repainting and wanted to know how hard it was going to be to one day re do the top.
I watched the dvd and feel I'll have no problem in replacing a top and working on the frame & rails.
I bought the coupe from this guy at the first of the year and my go ahead and get the convertible next month. The first thing I'll have to do is clean up the frame and replace the weather striping on the top.
I had better watch that DVD again. It's worth the money.
ZIP has full top assemblys and frames I think.
Hope this helps.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I just did this a few weeks ago for the first time. I rented the DVD from Corvette Central (34.95 these days). It came out pretty nice, but it could be better and would be if I could do it again now!
There are recent posts on the subject on this forum, and in one, I gave a few suggestions right after I did it which would be helpful to the first timer.
It's not a bad job at all, but I agree with the recommendation to find a frame rather than try to piece one together.
There are recent posts on the subject on this forum, and in one, I gave a few suggestions right after I did it which would be helpful to the first timer.
It's not a bad job at all, but I agree with the recommendation to find a frame rather than try to piece one together.
. Thanks again!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
have the weather stripping ready when you install the fabric. as i said in my earlier post, the weather stripping holds the fabric in place around the window. but i think(after doing this once) the most important fit is the side windows. if you get the sides positioned correctly, the rest of the fabric will fall into place.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Make sure you have the tack strips (for the center bows) as well. They may come with the new frame, but make sure you have them before you start with the top install. Also, fit the frame to the car and adjust everything before you add the actual top, and be aware that the hardtop and soft top frame rarely fit the side glass the same.
Hans
Hans
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
