anyone ordered one of these? just wondering about a real world review. I have an 87..


what do you guys thinks looks better on a white car, a white top, or black vinyl?

 

I think a white top looks best. If you do not have experience installing convertible tops, consider this carefully. It is a job for a pro.

 

I have never done this specifically, but I am quite handy, I don't think it will be an issue.

 

If you say so. I rebuilt a 1960 Buick from the ground up and would not attempt this, having looked into it in detail.

 

I like the contrast of the black, but a white top should keep things cooler inside, which is a concern here in TX on 100 degree days. I'd probably go with white.

I put a top on my '63 (years ago) looked ok and worked just fine. However I was younger then an thought I could do pretty much anything (mostly because I didn't have any money). Now that I'm older I think I would shop around for a reasonable price from a pro before I went at it myself.

There may be a thread here in the C4 section, but I found one the other day in the C5 section. I also recall a youtube video of a C4 top install, so you might do a search before you decide.

One thing to consider is that a pro will want to y use a supplier he is familiar with and you will probably get a better install if you let him supply the top. Just a thought.

And just fyi I have two verts, a C4 and a C5 and when the time comes I'm going to a pro.

 

Personally, for the cost and because money is tight I might try to do it myself after some careful research. If I failed miserably it only cost $200 and my time. However one nagging thing in the back of my mind is the image of some really bad installs I've seen. Estimates are free!

 

Only the original white Corvette convertible top was vinyl; all other colors were cloth. The ad states that the cloth material is the OEM Haartz Stayfast product. A white cloth convertible top would have been a royal PITA to keep clean.

The ad also states there is a installation video you can access but if you want to have it for use on a PC you have to buy the DVD. It sounds like the video is not really a step-by-step deal.

One thing to remember with a DIY convertible top install is you have to remove the old top. That commits you to the install. If you don't get the new top on correctly, you can get air and water leaks, the material could stretch if not stapled correctly or be so loose that the material can get pinched to the point where it could tear.

I would find a reputable auto upholstery shop and ask them what their labor charge would be to do the install assuming you are bringing your top. Ask about pads too. How about the weatherstripping on the car now? Is it in good shape or does it need replacing? Weatherstripping can get expensive!

 

Hi Steve,

I think making the decision to install a cloth top is huge. You are signing on for a big project. Removing the old top and trim may take as long as installing the top. I have seen estimates of 6 to 8 hours of cleaning the bows and trim pieces before you can begin reassembly. I went with a top with a little better quality cloth. The car is white with red interior and had a white vinyl top. I decided not to try to keep a white top clean in AZ. I went with a sort of ruby (mixture of black and maroon). The top will be a backup as my wife wants a hardtop. I think it really makes the convertible look completely different and makes it usable year around. Here in AZ summers can be brutal with just a cloth top. I believe the cloth tops are a little easier to stretch and fit for final finished look. I've been gathering info and tips from the various sources. This is one of those jobs that shows the final details of the job sort of like a paint job. You may have 80% of the job but the final 20% will show the public how good the job really is. It should be doable but not that easy. From what I have estimated, it would be rated as difficult to very difficult. I'm going for it but plan on taking ample time to perform each step and time for walking away when frustration sets in.

Good luck,

WEK.

 

Thanks everyone, I was hoping someone had actually ordered from that amazon seller just to give me an idea of fit and finish. I really only drive my corvette when there's no rain, I live in Canada so its 5/6 months a year of use at best. I actually removed the top entirely this year, I really only need it on there for storage and support for a car cover over the winter.

To answer the weather stripping question, what's on there is ****, another project I need to get too, when the wife stops spending all the extra money. Besides the top, weather stripping and like door panels the car is a great driver.

I will say this, I will try any project once and admit failure, I am ok losing $300 if the job defeats me, but I love new and interesting projects.

 

Sorry if it seemed like I was trying to discourage you from the project. Actually, I'm all for trying these like you. However, I found that besides all the warning advice about how hard it was (almost 100%), the only bright spot was when they advised getting the cloth over vinyl (made job easier). That was the only reference to "easier" I found. Also, the warranty of six years sounds very good. Mine was only 5!

Good luck,

WEK.

 

I had 89 for 23 years, had the top replaced, and I would also replace the headline at the same time. I would recommend Ragtop, I would see Vinyl show wear early and stain quickly.
I also would recommend Ragtop has protector.