C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Convertible Top Replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 11:55 AM
  #1  
Tracker's Avatar
Tracker
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg PA
Default Convertible Top Replacement

I have a 1995 vert that I would like to have the top replaced on . I t realy is not that bad but I purchased the car used and the top has a few stains on it and it seems as if it was streached out and seems to be loose fitting
My Question is to anybody who knows where I can get a replacement put on. I would like it to be like the origial , mine is tan, and would like a pro to put it on. I have replaced the clutch,pressure plate, through out bearing, rear engine main oil seal and many mant mechanical parts. The top is just something I am afraid I might make one slip of the knife and there goes 500 bucks out the window.
I live in central PA,looked at tops the carlisle car show last year with no luck for installation.

So if anyone can lead me in the right direction on where to go or who to call I would appreciate it. I would like to see pictures of people who had there tops replaceed or even better yet would like to see a vet that had it done. thanks
Mike
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 01:56 PM
  #2  
corvetteronw's Avatar
corvetteronw
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Default

Mine was replaced just before I bought it due to some highway debris that cut it up. It looks perfect. The previous owner took it to the insurance company's suggested installer. So - ask your insurance company who does their work. Sorry, but no pics of the car with the top up as I leave it down all the time.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 06:01 PM
  #3  
KAZ2's Avatar
KAZ2
Instructor
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

There was a big thread on this subject last week. I bought a good ($400) top and a video and after watching the video decided that doing the install was not my cup of tea for the same reason you said (possible to ruin the new top). I found a trim shop that was recommended by a local custom car club and they did a perfect install (tight) for $200 which is a bargain. Regards
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2005 | 06:21 PM
  #4  
Zoot Allures's Avatar
Zoot Allures
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Default

Tracker - I live in Hanover and had my top replaced 2 years ago. The dealer I bought my car from took it to a guy around Manhiem. The only problem is the rear window stiching is not original in appearance. Otherwise I was happy with the job. I am currently on vacation in NC, but; can get you more info if you are interested.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2005 | 10:08 AM
  #5  
Tracker's Avatar
Tracker
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg PA
Default

Gollum

Thanks for the information I have heard of a shop close to the Manheim auction site that does a good job. I would be interested if you can get me the information of the shop. It sounds like you were happy about the install but I do not know exactly what you mean about the stiching. If you could give me an idea of what the cost was , that would be appreciated also.

I would like to look at the work that they do on there cars first. I am sure they would have a car at the shop that was just done. I have been to 2 places already but there work was not quite what Iwas looking for. I hate when the new top fits loose. And the edges roll up. If you have any pictures of yours I would like to look at them.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2005 | 11:01 AM
  #6  
redwing76's Avatar
redwing76
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Default

I replaced the top on my TR-6 took about 3 hrs theres no cutting. Its an easy job!
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2005 | 11:18 AM
  #7  
dock351's Avatar
dock351
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 1
From: Geneseo Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Default

im doing the job myself this weekend. I may not have time to do it all, but im going to get started. We are passing a video around of the install process. It doesnt look all that bad. i watched it last nite, and took notes, and am going to document the process with photos for a tech tip.

If you decide to do it yourself and want a copy of the tape, PM me your address. I will be attempting a dvd burn, so that may be avail. too.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2005 | 02:14 PM
  #8  
Tracker's Avatar
Tracker
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg PA
Default

Where did you buy your new top? I am not sure I am ready to tackle it. I would like to see the tape before i would try it.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Mar 25, 2005 | 03:22 PM
  #9  
grunz95's Avatar
grunz95
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Waddell Arizona
Default convertible top

Originally Posted by Tracker
I have a 1995 vert that I would like to have the top replaced on . I t realy is not that bad but I purchased the car used and the top has a few stains on it and it seems as if it was streached out and seems to be loose fitting
My Question is to anybody who knows where I can get a replacement put on. I would like it to be like the origial , mine is tan, and would like a pro to put it on. I have replaced the clutch,pressure plate, through out bearing, rear engine main oil seal and many mant mechanical parts. The top is just something I am afraid I might make one slip of the knife and there goes 500 bucks out the window.
I live in central PA,looked at tops the carlisle car show last year with no luck for installation.

So if anyone can lead me in the right direction on where to go or who to call I would appreciate it. I would like to see pictures of people who had there tops replaceed or even better yet would like to see a vet that had it done. thanks
Mike
Mike, I purchased my top for my 95 at Carlisle last year. I got the top from Al Knock,s interiors. He charged 200 or 250 I can not find the receipt. to be sure of the cost sorry. He would have installed it at the show but I did not drive my car there. The installtion was extra. I hope this can help.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2005 | 08:24 PM
  #10  
89vert's Avatar
89vert
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
From: Byron Center MI
Default

My 89 goes in Monday to a local trim shop that comes highly recomended by everyone I talk to. Should have it back on Friday
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2005 | 12:55 PM
  #11  
Zoot Allures's Avatar
Zoot Allures
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Default

Mike,

Check your PM

Tim
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Convertible Top Replacement





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:36 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE