help with conv. top replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
help with conv. top replacement
I've just received a replacement top. Black vinyl with plastic window. Got it for $90.00, so I figured I'd put in to replace my stayfast cloth, as its old window is toast.
Anyway, I started to remove the headliner and started to get the jitters about the project. The headliner bow clips are like dry noodles and will crack if I pry them. And, the top looks difficult to put on, looks like it's stapled into the rail or something.
Can this be done by a rank amateur? I have time and patience and was hoping to save a ton of labor cost, but I don't want to ruin anything either.
Anyway, I started to remove the headliner and started to get the jitters about the project. The headliner bow clips are like dry noodles and will crack if I pry them. And, the top looks difficult to put on, looks like it's stapled into the rail or something.
Can this be done by a rank amateur? I have time and patience and was hoping to save a ton of labor cost, but I don't want to ruin anything either.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
There are a few guys in my club who have done their shark tops. I haven't seen what's involved in a C4 top. But I really really would like to learn too! If you do tackle the project PLEASE PLEASE take photos. 
I'll help you scan them, put them online in a tech web page or whatever. My convertible needs a top too and I've been thinking about doing it myself, so that it's done right! I know Eckler's and Al Knock sell videos for shark upholstery / tops etc. You might see if they have one for C4s too. Please keep us posted. :seeya
I'll help you scan them, put them online in a tech web page or whatever. My convertible needs a top too and I've been thinking about doing it myself, so that it's done right! I know Eckler's and Al Knock sell videos for shark upholstery / tops etc. You might see if they have one for C4s too. Please keep us posted. :seeya
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: LAKE BROWNWOOD, TEXAS, USA
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
Joe, I had the same problem with my 87, the top was ok and the window was toast. I bought my new top and the video on installation. After watching the video I chickened out on diy. I was able to find a shop in Abliene that does them for the chevy dealer who did a great job for $200. I like working on my Corvette,but, I think you have to have experience on the top install. None of the upholstery shops in this small city do tops. It is nice to have the clear back window! Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
Here's where I am so-far. Gee, this is kinda like a live play-by play :D
The top came off fairly easily from what I expected. Some patience and gentle prying did the trick. I can even re-use the stayfast top after I get the window replaced. This was a priority of mine but if you are replacing an old vinyl top, you can be a bit rougher and not worry about ruining the old top.
Here's some pictures of the work so far:
This is the bow retainer bar that holds the top down by slipping it into the fabric loop on the top, then screwing it into the bow. BTW, I only had to remove the headliner from the front two bows, it can stay on for the rest.
http://www.cygan.com/pics/bowretainer.jpg
This one is a pic with the whole top removed. The only thing on the rack is the headliner(hanging on the rear bow) and those nylon fabric strips. I suppose those are for strength. They are stapled to the bows. I would leave them alone.
http://www.cygan.com/pics/all-off.jpg
I'll set up a whole page on my web site once I'm done fitting the new one on.
Joe
The top came off fairly easily from what I expected. Some patience and gentle prying did the trick. I can even re-use the stayfast top after I get the window replaced. This was a priority of mine but if you are replacing an old vinyl top, you can be a bit rougher and not worry about ruining the old top.
Here's some pictures of the work so far:
This is the bow retainer bar that holds the top down by slipping it into the fabric loop on the top, then screwing it into the bow. BTW, I only had to remove the headliner from the front two bows, it can stay on for the rest.
http://www.cygan.com/pics/bowretainer.jpg
This one is a pic with the whole top removed. The only thing on the rack is the headliner(hanging on the rear bow) and those nylon fabric strips. I suppose those are for strength. They are stapled to the bows. I would leave them alone.
http://www.cygan.com/pics/all-off.jpg
I'll set up a whole page on my web site once I'm done fitting the new one on.
Joe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
Buy a How to video. I did my top myself after watching the video no problems and this was my first top. Another forum member said for what he paid for the top he could screw up three tops and still come out cheaper than taking it to a shop. I wouldn't say it was to hard of a job, but I probably would have screwed things up without the video.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
Make sure you use the right adhesive. I used 3M Super Trim Adhesive P/N 051135-08090 that I bought at AutoZone. This stuff really works great, but make sure you read the instructions first. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 786
Likes: 31
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
This may help:
http://www.d-p-g.com/corvettefever/june96/eN.htm
http://www.d-p-g.com/corvettefever/june96/eN.htm
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: help with conv. top replacement (Juliet)
Juliet,
I'm done and it fits fine. I'm going to try to put up a full set of pictures with comments this week. I'd say it was well worth the effort. Full top replacement for $90.00, plus $3.00 for adhesive, plus about 2 days of sweat :smash: = a job well done :cheers:
Check out my web site later this week.
[Modified by jcygan, 9:27 AM 9/3/2001]
I'm done and it fits fine. I'm going to try to put up a full set of pictures with comments this week. I'd say it was well worth the effort. Full top replacement for $90.00, plus $3.00 for adhesive, plus about 2 days of sweat :smash: = a job well done :cheers:
Check out my web site later this week.
[Modified by jcygan, 9:27 AM 9/3/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
I had my new cloth top installed but they warned me to keep the top up for at least 7 days while the adhesive cured and the top stretched out!!!! They said if you left the car out in the heat, you might get away with waiting only four or five days. Anyway, I kept my top up for 7 days just to be sure. I would think the curing process would be the same no matter which top you installed... just my .02
Looking forward to seeing your pictures......
Looking forward to seeing your pictures......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: help with conv. top replacement (jcygan)
I'm done and it fits fine. I'm going to try to put up a full set of pictures with comments this week
I'll be sure to tune into your web channel for details. :seeya
