Vert top installation help?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Vert top installation help?
Can someone help me out with some instructions on vert top installation? I bought a new top for my 69 and going to attempt to install it myself and don't have the first clue where to start. Can someone help me out please?
Thanks in advance! :cheers:
Thanks in advance! :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,861
Likes: 713
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Vert top installation help? (Steve Adkins)
Buy the Al Knoch video. It goes through step by step. Did my 69 top a few winters ago. You start by carefully removing the old top, measuring the distances between the bows. Then, you remove the rear bow and install that part first. Then re-attach the bow....measure to the upper attachment for the rear window...staple...etc. The video gives you a step by step. DO NOT try to staple with a hand stapler....buy or rent an electric or pneumatic stapler. Also, you might have to replace some or all of the tack strips. Also....once the old top is off...it's a good time to repaint the bows, etc. This is the kind of project that mushrooms....NOT a project to be done in one afternoon. Chuck
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Vert top installation help? (Steve Adkins)
Steve check the archives for post on this and use the Ecklers video if you can. It takes 2 persons to do it right, and new rubber at both ends. Also, be sure there is no rust on the front header piece where the tack strip goes. Best thing would be to take it apart in one session, carefully making notes, then get any parts you need. Also you could re-finish the frame, then get help and put it back together. You definitely need a pro quality stapler and good contact adhesive. Some of the adhesive is not rated for high temps.
I did mine first try on my '69 daily driver, although the rear rubber still isn't right. Good luck!
Hans
I did mine first try on my '69 daily driver, although the rear rubber still isn't right. Good luck!
Hans
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Vert top installation help? (Wrencher)
Steve check the archives for post on this and use the Ecklers video if you can. It takes 2 persons to do it right, and new rubber at both ends. Also, be sure there is no rust on the front header piece where the tack strip goes. Best thing would be to take it apart in one session, carefully making notes, then get any parts you need. Also you could re-finish the frame, then get help and put it back together. You definitely need a pro quality stapler and good contact adhesive. Some of the adhesive is not rated for high temps.
I did mine first try on my '69 daily driver, although the rear rubber still isn't right. Good luck!
Hans
I did mine first try on my '69 daily driver, although the rear rubber still isn't right. Good luck!
Hans
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,861
Likes: 713
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Vert top installation help? (Wrencher)
I swear we had an Al Knoch video. It wasn't mine. Belonged to a friend who helped me do my top. I'm sure any video would show the proper assembly sequence. Trying to explain how to put the top on over the internet is like trying to tell somebody how to tie a necktie over the telephone. :) Chuck
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FLA
Re: Vert top installation help? (Chuck Gongloff)
Chuck, does the video give some bow measurements? In my case I'm starting from scratch with a completely bare frame. The frame has been sandblasted, primered and painted a satin black.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Vert top installation help? (68rdstr)
Chuck, does the video give some bow measurements? In my case I'm starting from scratch with a completely bare frame. The frame has been sandblasted, primered and painted a satin black.
Thanks!
Thanks!