Rag Top Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 9, 2006 | 05:41 PM

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

Likes: 2

From: Plainfield IL

Rag Top Question

Will a used convertible top assembly from a '95 Corvette fit an '86? You see, I am considering a top on eBay. The top is being removed from a salvaged '95. The top is a complete assembly which includes the steel frame, cloth top and rear glass window with defroster. I don't believe a glass window was an option in '86. Will this present any problems?

View Item Description

Last edited by Biker; Mar 10, 2006 at 08:57 AM.

Mar 9, 2006 | 10:08 PM

jerkyboy

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 2,152

Likes: 243

From: Northern VA

Boy that sounds like a good idea if it's in good shape. I'd like to know the answer to this as well.

Mar 10, 2006 | 08:09 AM

RJVette23

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: Raleigh NC

Adapter Kit....

The top will fit fine.....however you'll need an adapter kit...see below.

GM Adapter Kit part # 12522961 from GM($165.00 from gmpartsdirect.com)

Check this ebay link....it may be another option for your purchase...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/86-96...QQcmdZViewItem

RJVette23

Mar 10, 2006 | 09:34 AM

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

Likes: 2

From: Plainfield IL

Thanks for the feedback. I considered the item on eBay because it's a complete assembly, including the steel frame and cloth top with glass window. I could install it myself. However, after further consideration, the thought of buying an 11 year top sight unseen has changed my mind. Also, the seller has not replied to a question I asked two days ago.

RJvette23, that's an excellent price for a cloth top with a glass window. A rep at MidAmerica and some other people I spoke with told me rag top installations aren't easy. A novice installer can easily damage a top when installing it on a frame. For this reason, I'm going to have a local upholstery shop install my new top.

Mar 10, 2006 | 06:43 PM

87vette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 4,931

Likes: 3

From: Fort Lauderdale FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

For this reason, I'm going to have a local upholstery shop install my new top.

Be prepared to pay $$$ when having a shop install it for you. I was quoted from 600-700 dollars to install. I don't know if that is BS but I would shop around first before you make a final decision in choosing a shop to install for you.

Mar 11, 2006 | 09:16 AM

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

Likes: 2

From: Plainfield IL

Now I'm really confused.

The person selling the '95 Corvette convertible top assembly on eBay sent me a reply email stating the top will bolt right into my '85. Conversely, the post above says I need GM Adapter Kit #12522961.

What is the purpose of the adapter kit? Is it needed to fit a '96 cloth top with glass window on the convertible top steel frame in an '86 to '93 vette? I researched GM Adapter Kit #12522961 on the Web but did not find any description of the part, only price/ordering information. Does anyone know the purpose of the kit?

87vette, some upholestery shops I contacted me quoted estimates from $650 to $710 to replace my top. This includes parts/labor to install a vinly top with a plastic window. Add about $150 more for a cloth top with plastic window.

Mar 11, 2006 | 09:28 AM

baddmann

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 8,878

Likes: 2

From: Madison Mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

It will not "bolt right into your 85." You will need GM part#12522961 in order for it to fit.

You can get a top quality top from AABest Co for 399.00. Click here for details: AA Best Co

Mar 11, 2006 | 09:46 AM

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

Likes: 2

From: Plainfield IL

Has anyone installed their own convertible top? How difficult is it?

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

Brett Foote

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Joe Kucinski

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Joe Kucinski

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Michael S. Palmer

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Joe Kucinski

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Joe Kucinski

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Verdad Gallardo

Mar 11, 2006 | 11:09 AM

87vette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 4,931

Likes: 3

From: Fort Lauderdale FL

If you are getting the frame with the cloth top already installed with glass window.. and you purchase the adaptor kit.. you should be able to do it yourself. Otherwise if its a cloth top going onto your existing frame.. then that will be alot of work to do it right.

Mar 15, 2006 | 01:20 AM

#10

John Pantera

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 47

Likes: 0

That is BS unless shop is on Rodeo Drive. Mine was put on for $200.

Mar 19, 2006 | 03:50 PM

#11

triple_E_Farm

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 44

Likes: 0

From: Jacksonville Arkansas

[QUOTE=Biker]Now I'm really confused.

The person selling the '95 Corvette convertible top assembly on eBay sent me a reply email stating the top will bolt right into my '85. Conversely, the post above says I need GM Adapter Kit #12522961.

I would like to see your 85 convert.

Mar 19, 2006 | 05:05 PM

#12

RRT vette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 8,753

Likes: 9

From: Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJVette23

On a 86 vette only a plastic window was offered and I don't believe the 95 will be a direct bolt on. The guy might be blowing smoke just to get you to buy it. But my opinion.

Last edited by RRT vette; Mar 20, 2006 at 10:42 AM.

Mar 20, 2006 | 10:11 AM

#13

hz900

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,699

Likes: 2

From: The Black Hole LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

Has anyone installed their own convertible top? How difficult is it?

I did mine on my '90 this weekend. Putting the cloth top on the existing metal frame. Took about 2 hours to get it on and the headliner re-installed. Its been a couple months but I think it took me longer to get the old top off then put the new top on (about 3 hours). I was putting it off because of not really wanting to tackle it, but it turned out to not be that hard at all if you take your time. I did it by myself in my 1 car garage.

I bought a used top for $50 off ebay to replace mine (changing colors). I now wish I had bought one with a glass rear window, because somewhere along the line of unpacking it, unfolding it, installing it, I developed a crack in the rear window, becaue it was starting to dry rot. Now I have to buy a kit to install a glass window.

Mar 20, 2006 | 02:51 PM

#14

rondo73

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 99

Likes: 0

From: Bossier City Louisiana

I still haven't seen anyone post what comes with the GM Adapter Kit #12522961. Is it hardware, latches, etc.?????

Mar 20, 2006 | 03:33 PM

#15

86PACER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 5,858

Likes: 7

From: Santa Maria CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

To use a 94-96 top on an 86-93 vert you need the kit, cause the later verts have different mountings. If it really is a 95 top he's selling, he's BS'ing you saying that.

Mar 20, 2006 | 03:38 PM

#16

86PACER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 5,858

Likes: 7

From: Santa Maria CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondo73

I still haven't seen anyone post what comes with the GM Adapter Kit #12522961. Is it hardware, latches, etc.?????

Here's one right here.
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050F
They are expensive. Add them together and you might as well buy a new top. The Paddock listed in their catalog a top for the early verts that came with a glass window and did not need the GM adapter kit. I called them about it, and they said that it is correct. It costed less than $400.

Jun 20, 2006 | 01:53 AM

#17

Lightfoot

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 6,713

Likes: 0

CI 1 through 10 Vet

guys,
If i am reading his first post correctly, i dont think he needs that kit to make it work on his car. That kit is to install a glass window top cover on to a frame that previously held a plastic windowed top. They (glass windowed tops) do require additional hardware on the frame, in order to make them fold differently, and to add more support for the heavier window. The kit should not be required since he is buying the complete top assembly with top already on the frame. The seller is correct, it should bolt right on

Last edited by Lightfoot; Jun 20, 2006 at 02:10 AM.

Reply Subscribe