Is there a way to install my new Melrose acrylic targa top (89) without removing everything on top of the widshield (i.e. visors, mirror, metal strip that they are attached to etc.)? Also, if the top is installed incorrecctly, Is there a chance of cracking the "glass"?

Thanks, Kim

 

You unbolt the old one with four torx bolts inside the cabin, then bolt the new one in. That should be it. There isn't any way to install it incorrectly though if there are squeeks you can try bolting it down somewhat differently, back bolts first then front or reversed.

 

Thanks for the reply, Aardwolf. The instructions that came with the top said to do all of those things (remove mirrors etc.) I managed to get it installed without doing that but it was a little tricky. The front bolts didn't line up right so I had to loosen and re tighten them untill it worked. There are hex bolts on the front brackets that allow you to adjust their position but you can't get to them with the top in place. I guess my main worry is that If I stressed the top when installing it I could cause the acrylic to crack or seals to fail. At $950 for the top I'd really hate to do that! Anyone installed an after market top with suggestions?

 

One can remove his top just about anywhere. One, however, should avoid installing his top on any but level ground. (Gas stations are all level at the pumps.) Start every bolt before snugging any bolt. Snug every bolt before tightening any bolt.

 

I thought it was just plug and play, so I am not understanding the remove the mirrors thing. Maybe you should call them. If you are fearful of the top binding and being damaged, don't tighten it and find out where and why it is binding.

 

If you had considerable difficulty getting the torx bolts to fit, you should probably consider doing the fit properly. It isn't that hard.

Take the top off. Remove the plastic covers over the brackets attached to the windshield. Pop visor press fit "nut" off. I do this with a small flat bladed screwdriver. (Get replacements at hardware store or use hammer and flat surface to redo yours.) Take out other press fit piece and spring. You should be able to reshape and reuse this larger press fit piece. Do both sides. Take out screw holding mirror in place and set mirror aside. Remove screws from the plastic cover running across the windshield (the one that the mirror and visors go through). Hold visor with one hand and give a rap to the top of the visor "stud" going through the bracket. Unplug visor if necessary and set aside. The plastic cover should now drop away and you can see the bolts holding the bracket in place. It helps to have two people at this point. Put the top back on, loosen brackets. Screw the top down like you did when all the pieces were in place. Apply firm pressure down on the top to create a good front seal (2nd person handy) and tighten bracket bolts holding bracket to windshield. Take top back off and replace the pieces you removed. My best hint is to use a padded speed clamp to press the support retainer and support nut (press fit pieces) in position. Put a 10mm or so socket on the support nut and use the clamp to squeeze it down and in place. The bottom pad of the clamp can press on the visor's metal elbow. It will probably take you about an hour the first time. Second hint is to NOT overtighten the screws going through plastic pieces.

 

Thanks for the detailed reply, Chatman. This is just the sort of process I was hoping to avoid for two reasons. The first reason is that I'm incredibly lazy and the second is that when I take my car to a flat spot to do this I will undoubtedly have left behind at least one tool that will be necessary to complete this project. If I have to do this I will print your reply and take it with me to said flat place. Thanks again for taking the time to help me out.
Anybody got a shortcut???

 

No problem.

But note that you don't need to worry about a flat spot. As long as all four wheels are on the same plane, it doesn't matter if it is angled up or down. Just don't do it with one wheel up on a curb.

 

ANyone in Utah know how to do this? SOunds like something i dont want to try myself.

 

If you can put the screws in without prying on the top to get them to start, you most likely have them adjusted correctly. Start the back two and see if the front ones line up. I would be more worried about cracking the windshield than the top.