Replace Convertible top myself?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Niedernhausen, Germany
Replace Convertible top myself?
Did anyone ever do this job himself? How hard is it to do? What else beside from the skin do I need?
I remember there was an article on the net somewhere (in Corvettefaq there is only pics but no instructions...). Anyone know?
Thanx!
I remember there was an article on the net somewhere (in Corvettefaq there is only pics but no instructions...). Anyone know?
Thanx!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 235
Likes: 2
From: York pa
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (V8yunkie)
Very easy to do. I have a 72 convertible. I have done it twice now after being charge $250 to have it done.
When you do the job be sure to buy the top and pads. Also along the front bow there is a stapling strip. Most catalogs sell a plastice strip to replace the cardboard used from factory. Takes about an afternoon. I have even seen a video advertised but have not looked into it.
Just lay everything out, center the top on the car. I start with the back and work forward. Toughest part I found was getting the weatherstripping set in around the back. :)
When you do the job be sure to buy the top and pads. Also along the front bow there is a stapling strip. Most catalogs sell a plastice strip to replace the cardboard used from factory. Takes about an afternoon. I have even seen a video advertised but have not looked into it.
Just lay everything out, center the top on the car. I start with the back and work forward. Toughest part I found was getting the weatherstripping set in around the back. :)
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (V8yunkie)
Just did mine last week and it wasn't bad. I posted last week with a report. I would definitely line up a buddy and allow a whole day. I agree about the rear weatherstrip. It was tough, and I'm still not sure I have it in right.
Hans
Hans
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
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (V8yunkie)
Did anyone ever do this job himself? How hard is it to do? What else beside from the skin do I need?
I remember there was an article on the net somewhere (in Corvettefaq there is only pics but no instructions...). Anyone know?
Thanx!
I remember there was an article on the net somewhere (in Corvettefaq there is only pics but no instructions...). Anyone know?
Thanx!
:cheers:
Olivier
P.S.: The first time I installed a convertible top on a C3 - it took me 7+ hours...
The second time (on my 68) it only took me 3 hours...
[Modified by GrandSportC3, 10:18 AM 8/20/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (Alwyn678)
HAART is the company that manufactures most every conv top sold in America but not sure they if they sell direct. Met one of their salesman at a function we had at our plant. Ask whomever you order from where they get their tops from, don't want no crappy foreign rag.
[Modified by Fevre, 10:15 AM 8/20/2002]
[Modified by Fevre, 10:15 AM 8/20/2002]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,861
Likes: 713
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (75Rag)
Whoa, there ! I beg to differ. :) There is no way that any first time installer can install a top in "an afternoon". This is a tedious, time consuming procedure. Also, one thing "begets" another. When you get the old top off, you'll likely want to refinish/repaint the top bows. Also, you might want or might need to replace the "tack strips". This in and of itself is very time consuming. You'll need new pads, and measurements to correctly staple the pads in place leaving the bows correctly spaced. Fitting the top to the rear bow is the first step. You'll make mistakes, and have to "unstaple" stuff you've already done. It really isn't hard, but I doubt that a first time installer can do it in one weekend. You'll also need a heavy duty electric stapler. Did mine on the 69 a few winters ago. Took a friend of mine and myself 2 weeks, working 2-3 nights per week to do the job. Turned out PERFECT. Al Knoch makes the most correct and in my opinion the best tops. Buy the whole kit with pads and all. He can also date your rear window to correcpond to the date of your car's assembly. Hope this helps. Chuck
[Modified by Chuck Gongloff, 5:00 PM 8/20/2002]
[Modified by Chuck Gongloff, 5:00 PM 8/20/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (75Rag)
I will be doing mine fairly soon as well, 75Rag on the wknd I met a guy who had a canvas one with a glass window made for him in Hamilton, we should try to find out where and how much before we look into getting a vinyl one up from the US. A friend of mine restored his 69 Camaro vert. and had a canvas top w/glass, looks great and fit is nice and snug and weather tight, will call him and get the name of the guy up here who did it for him.
[Modified by gdh, 7:43 PM 8/20/2002]
[Modified by gdh, 7:43 PM 8/20/2002]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Niedernhausen, Germany
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (gdh)
Well, Chuck actually confirms what a professional here in Germany told me: It is not that easy (and even he is not that keen on doing another again....).
BTW, I have found the instructions. Here is the link: http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html
Well, I guess an other challenge is just around the corner....
BTW, I have found the instructions. Here is the link: http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html
Well, I guess an other challenge is just around the corner....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (gdh)
gdh. Appreciate that.. lok forward to hearing from you. I'm only 15 mins from Hamilton, on a "bad wind day" I can sometimes smell it. Let me know if I can be of any help.
[Modified by 75Rag, 1:54 PM 8/21/2002]
[Modified by 75Rag, 1:54 PM 8/21/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: Lyons IL
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (V8yunkie)
I am also in need of a new top for my 71. Prices around here range from 650.00 to 850.00. All replace top pads and straps. If there is help out there for this try it yourself. But reading post seems like a tough job for novice.
good luck.
good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Ellicott City MD
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (V8yunkie)
Depending on the age of your weatherstipping, it may not come off clean enough to go back on. Weatherstripping will add a pretty big expense to the project. Also, the top will shrink during the first week, so even if you have a few wrinkles, leaving it in the sun and sprinkling water on will get rid of most of othem. BTW - I paid the pro's to do it, $1,000 including weatherstripping and some significant window adjusting labor.
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
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (John D.)
I am also in need of a new top for my 71. Prices around here range from 650.00 to 850.00. All replace top pads and straps. If there is help out there for this try it yourself. But reading post seems like a tough job for novice.
good luck.
good luck.
I paid $119 for a very nice top!!!
Before I changed the top on my 69 (sold) I have never done anything similar before. The top came with instructions and it wasn't all that difficult to install..
:cheers:
Olivier
[Modified by GrandSportC3, 10:51 AM 8/22/2002]
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
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (GrandSportC3)
BTW - I damaged my top a little bit and I will probably replace it very soon... I will make pics when I change the top again!!!
:cheers:
Olivier
:cheers:
Olivier
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Replace Convertible top myself? (Chuck Gongloff)
Chuck documented the whole job with pictures and posted the progress as he went along. He did a PERFECT job, and had plenty of hands to assist, if memory serves. I used an Al Knoch top as well, but not dated. I did not paint any of my bows, but replaced 2 tack strips and I will have to replace my front bow (rust) next time I do it. Here in Norcal, the sun is not kind to tops and I expect it to last just a few years (I talking about the plastic window - the vinyl should last longer). As inexpensive as they are, I don't mind doing it again. It can be done in a day, but you better have all your parts and some help. Plan a few days if you dont know the condition of your tack strips or you want to work on the frame.
Hans
Hans
