"WARRANTY"
replace convertable top
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
replace convertable top
Hi everyone, I just ordered a new top for my 89 convertable. Does anyone know of a website that explains how to replace the top, or does anyone have any experience in this that could lend any help or tips
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville Fl
I changed the top on my '87 vert. It is a pain in the butt. You will spend half a day stripping the weatherstrip adhesive.. Basically the top is just glued to the front bow and the rear bow. You will also need to replace the weatherstripping that the windows seal against. I spent about 10 hours over a couple days doing mine. Next time I'll just pay someone to do.
Race Director
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
Try here www.alknochinteriors.com
I installed a top on a C3 a few years ago using a video he provided. Maybe he makes one for the C4 also.
Corvette America lists a vinyl top for $289.
Edit: I looked at the Al Knoch on-line catalog and saw the same C4 vinyl top for $219!
I installed a top on a C3 a few years ago using a video he provided. Maybe he makes one for the C4 also.
Corvette America lists a vinyl top for $289.
Edit: I looked at the Al Knoch on-line catalog and saw the same C4 vinyl top for $219!
Last edited by corvetteronw; Jun 30, 2005 at 12:11 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
I just got done putting one on my 94.
Make sure the top is in the center .
Before you remove the old one mark the center of the old front and back.
You will need all new window weather strips.
Glue the front in place first and install the back weather strip around the
drivers window first.
Take pictures of that area and screws first to make sure it is in the center of the rail.
Use a brush on glue and brush it on both sides.
After you are done don't cut off the excess in the back until the next day.
I would also replace all the felt.
I just got some industrial velcro and only used the felt part.
Make sure the top is in the center .
Before you remove the old one mark the center of the old front and back.
You will need all new window weather strips.
Glue the front in place first and install the back weather strip around the
drivers window first.
Take pictures of that area and screws first to make sure it is in the center of the rail.
Use a brush on glue and brush it on both sides.
After you are done don't cut off the excess in the back until the next day.
I would also replace all the felt.
I just got some industrial velcro and only used the felt part.
Last edited by REDC4CORVETTE; Jun 30, 2005 at 01:28 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Spokane Wa
update to a glass window if you can.
I replaced mine two years ago. I took the frame and hung it from the ceiling and my motor hoist upside down. This kept the frame fully extended the whole time. It made lining up the top alot easier. If you can I would upgrade to a 94-96 glass window. It glues right on those old frames. A little stiff at first. You have to pull the window out over the frame as you put the top down. But once stretched out(6 months or so.) the top works great. I don't know if all tops take that long to stretch out, but mine did.
Last edited by fnseeker; Jun 30, 2005 at 10:16 PM. Reason: spelling
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
I have an install video that I purchased about 5 years ago. It walked me through pretty good. I might be able to dub you a DVD of it. (video was not copyrighted). Many people on this forum have sucessfully installed thier own tops. If you're a hands on kind of person you should have no problems with getting great results. IM me and I'll give you my phone number.
Rick
Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,515
Likes: 1,302
From: Windermere FL
My quote was $1200 + weatherstripping.
Here is a tech tip that should help. The video is a must
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=117&TopicID=2
The key is to get all - I mean all - the old glue off the back bow. That is where I ran into trouble.
Here is a tech tip that should help. The video is a must
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=117&TopicID=2
The key is to get all - I mean all - the old glue off the back bow. That is where I ran into trouble.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
thanks everyone for the input.
I got it on and it looks great. It was a lot of work though, not
hard work but you must go slow and make sure everything is right.
I ran into one little problem, I clued the top and molding on the passengers side but didnt notice it was not pulled back far enough and the window pressed against it when I shut the door. I fixed it by removing the weather stripping again and repositioning the top a little further back.
It was a lot of work but I saved alot of money and am happy the
way it turned out.
My suggestion to everyone is just go slow, make sure everything is the way you want it before you glue.
Thanks again
Dave
I got it on and it looks great. It was a lot of work though, not
hard work but you must go slow and make sure everything is right.
I ran into one little problem, I clued the top and molding on the passengers side but didnt notice it was not pulled back far enough and the window pressed against it when I shut the door. I fixed it by removing the weather stripping again and repositioning the top a little further back.
It was a lot of work but I saved alot of money and am happy the
way it turned out.
My suggestion to everyone is just go slow, make sure everything is the way you want it before you glue.
Thanks again
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas