convertible hardtop
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
convertible hardtop
Friends,
I just bought a hardtop for my 94 convertible. I have all the hardware, but not sure how to install it so I can put the top on. Can anyone direct me to any factory instructions or other help? Thank you kindly.
I just bought a hardtop for my 94 convertible. I have all the hardware, but not sure how to install it so I can put the top on. Can anyone direct me to any factory instructions or other help? Thank you kindly.
#2
Team Owner
Here's the instruction manual fo rinstalling the factory hardtop:
They may not appear in the correct order, but each step is numbered. You should be able to print each image and keep them in the car.
They may not appear in the correct order, but each step is numbered. You should be able to print each image and keep them in the car.
#3
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
#5
Team Owner
Hardtops will occasionally show up in the C4 Parts For Sale section. The chances of finding one in the same color as your car will probably be real slim but a good auto body/paint shop can repaint the top to match the car.
Make sure that a top you want to buy includes the two steel mounting brackets (lock pillar brackets). These brackets are what secures to top to the car and increases body stiffness. Without them, the rear locking pins that go into the decklid can rip the decklid lock out!
Also look for a top with the weatherstripping in really good condition! It cost hundreds of dollars for replacement weatherstripping...
Make sure that a top you want to buy includes the two steel mounting brackets (lock pillar brackets). These brackets are what secures to top to the car and increases body stiffness. Without them, the rear locking pins that go into the decklid can rip the decklid lock out!
Also look for a top with the weatherstripping in really good condition! It cost hundreds of dollars for replacement weatherstripping...
#6
EBAY, Here, Craigslist, anywhere.
I bought the smoothline aftermarket one first from down south, then I sold it local, because I bought a GM one local.
Shipping for many were like 400-500 for me.
I had the smooth line shipped airfreight with a roll bar for 150.
An average top is 500. Some ask all the way up to 1500.
Aftermarket does not tie in to car, GM has the brackets seen above.
Some have defrost some don't.
I bought the smoothline aftermarket one first from down south, then I sold it local, because I bought a GM one local.
Shipping for many were like 400-500 for me.
I had the smooth line shipped airfreight with a roll bar for 150.
An average top is 500. Some ask all the way up to 1500.
Aftermarket does not tie in to car, GM has the brackets seen above.
Some have defrost some don't.
#7
Pro
If you need the brackets and hardware, there are two sets on ebay now and usually they are available. The hard thing to get seems to be the carpet deck lid protector.
#8
Team Owner
That decklid cover is a great thing to have so that the paint on the decklid won't be scratched. I would bet that an automotive upholstery shop could make one. IIRC, they were a cardboard base and covered with a cloth material. They were a friction fit so no snaps or ties would be needed.
#9
Pro
That decklid cover is a great thing to have so that the paint on the decklid won't be scratched. I would bet that an automotive upholstery shop could make one. IIRC, they were a cardboard base and covered with a cloth material. They were a friction fit so no snaps or ties would be needed.
#10
Racer
#12
Racer
sre
P.S. Howdy neighbor, i'm in Libery, SC. - Triple black '88 convertible.
#13
What I had was a semi-rigid piece that was a carpet-like fabric over heavier cardboard-like substrate.. It was form-fitted to cover the hold-down bolts at the back of the hardtop and the the entire back deck under the hardtop. About 40" wide and about 16" deep.
#14
Racer
Ah yes. I read the thread finally (doh). I've never had a hardtop, i didnt know that was a thing. Good luck finding one. But as the thread mentioned, surely one could be made.
sre
sre
#16
Racer