Folks,

I would like to replace the convertible top on my 90 with a glass rear window retrofit. I found an excellent set of instructions @ http://www.d-p-g.com/corvettefever/june96/eN.htm I believe I will like to buy a Robbins top from: Convertible Tops Direct http://www.convertibletops.net/Corve...01986-1987.htm

My questions are:

1. Can a novice do this themself without it turning out like crapola?

2. Does anyone have one of those installation vidoes they want to sell?

3. I have been told that the rear bow weatherstrip (where it hits the rear deck) must be replaced. The other strips are in farily good condition for a 12 year old car. How much weather stripping did you have to replace?

I very much like to do my own work on this car, but I don't want to place myself in a position that I screw up the job or worse, have to take it to someone to finish it up. Any do-it-yourself experiences out there?

Thanks in advance.

Flame Red

 

I just bought a new top from Al Knoch at Carlisle. I haven't decided whether to do it myself. I was going to go with the glass back, but the top is down most of the time. Mid America has 10% off and free shipping from the Carlisle show. Call them and tell them you were at the show and want the show price. They have a video on installation of the top, and that is what I ordered to find out if I should take it on or not. Let me know what you decide, especially if you go first :jester

 

Bob,

I just called Chris Petris of Corvette Clinic. He wrote the article I have a link to above, so I believe that he knows what he is doing as far as that goes. It seems that he will let you supply your own top or he will get it for you. It said in the article that it takes him about 4 hours to install one.

I'm waiting for the quote. I don't know what rate he changes, but if he charges the nominal $65/hour, that $260 is reasonable to me for a quality installation. But I need to see the bottom line. Nothing would pi$$ me off more that blowing $500 for a new top and having it look bad because I screwed it up. But I would still rather do it if it were possible.

Flame Red

 

Chris Petris at Corvette Clinic replaced my top on my '91. He also installed the retro-fit kit for a glass back light and window defogger. After watching him do the job, and seeing what a fantastic job he does I was glad to pay him.

 

Unfortunately, there isn't anyone in my area that I trust to do the job. I will look around first though, but am prepared to take it on if I have to.

 

Experience counts, but putting on a top is not rocket science. The top gets glued on the front bow, rear bow, and side curtins, then excess is trimmed once fit is confirmed, just be patient and make sure everything is centered and lined up. If not satisfied with fit and your quick you can peel back the top and do it over again. The was a "how to" article in Corvette Fever or Vette on upgrading to glass window and even the experience installer pulled the top back off to get the proper fit. I had to pull the top off of the front bow because I was not satisfied, but second time was a charm. Good luck

 

Gents,

Rick, thanks for the words of encouragement!. You make it sound like it is possible even for a novice like me to do. :D Sounds like I just need to be patient. The normal rule of thumb for me is that if a professional can do it in 4 hours, it will take me about 40 hours :smash: So I'll allocate 3 days.

I got a quote for 8 hours of labor for $400. That is not too bad, given the experience level and respect I have for the installer. But I just love to skin my knuckles and bruise myself! :lol: It's not that I'm cheap and am looking to save a bunch of money. This is just part of the dues for membership in the faternity of the damned.

Sounds like I need the rear bow weatherstrip, 3M weather strip release agent, 3M Weather strip adhesive, the top with the necessary conversion accessories for the hard glass, and an installation video. I see that I can get the complete weatherstrip kit for the top for 695011 86-96 CONV TOP WEATHERSTRIP KIT-(7 PIECE) $280.00 from the TLD. Even though mine looks good there are a few hair line cracks after 12 years. I may as well do it correct and redo all of them while I am in there. The headliner look terrific so I will reuse that.

Any other goodies I'm overlooking?

Anyone want to sell me their installation video?

Thanks,

Flame Red

 

Flame Red, you made the best choice in getting a Robbins Top. You might try calling Kansas City Wholesale at 1-800-987-2872 and see what they want for a Robbins as that is where I purchased mine (don't let them sell you one of their products, stick with a Robbins). You could also call Robbins in Santa Monica at 310-450-3444, but they may not sell direct. I strongly suggest you pay an experienced trim shop to install the top. Someone that has installed tops on C4's. One way to find a good installer is to go to an upholstry wholesaler from the phone book and inquire as to an installer that orders a lot of tops. At least you know they are experienced. Also check with some used sports car dealer (foreign) as ask who does their soft top repair and installs as usually only the experienced would tackle those jobs.

I learned the hard way that a good fitting convertible top is half the top manif. (it should fit like a glove) and half the installer. I purchased a Mid-America (John's Corvette Care) top and had it installed only to take it off and return it. I then got a Robbins and another installer (that had installed on C4's, as there is a difference). It fit like it should and I was charged only $150 since I provided the top. Several others had given estimates of $300-600 even if I provided the top. It was an expensive lesson. Again, I suggest you let a pro handle the job. Most home installs quickly develop creases on the sides. Good Luck, Bill

 

I should also note I bought a Robbins top, that probably had something to do with my success. I also bought the 7 piece kit from TLD (they were GM originals). The How to video says to reuse all of the seals if they are in good shape (Mine weren't). Take it from tzzzn2 even you have someone else install it they might not install it to your likening. If you do it you can be as pickey as you want until you get the fit you like.