Convertible top install

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Apr 26, 2008 | 08:59 PM

Johns87

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 250

Likes: 1

Convertible top install

Hello,
I am about to buy a cloth convertible top with a glass back window to put on My 87 Convertible. I am thinking about getting it from Ecklers. I will have to buy the 'frame retro-fit kit' for 189.99 also.
Has anyone ever installed their own convertible top and/or done the frame retro to put a top with a glass back window into a 87 or similiar model?
Any and ALL info is very much appreciated! The top and parts is going to cost about $700.00 and on a 'working-mans' income, I'm not sure I can afford to have it installed(not to mention $3.80 premium).
Thanks again and Take Care, -John

Apr 26, 2008 | 10:21 PM

janarvae

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 988

Likes: 7

From: Sarasota Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johns87

John,

Check my name for posts concerning the install. I list several tips on tools, techniques, adhesive, etc. If you want, I have already sent 8 or so forum members installation DVD's and could include you in the next ones I need to send out. I really wanted to do the mod for the glass window, but Eckler's said it was discontinued at the time I installed my 1991 stayfast top. From my experience, I learned that preparation is of the upmost importance. Overall, the non-modded install isn't too difficult. Just label everything very well and clean off all the old adhesive. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

I also put on new weatherstripping and found the eckler's kit (sourced from corvette america) to be of mediocre fitment. I advise replacing your 20-something year old weatherstripping, but that adds ~$300 or so to your estimate. You will at least need to replace the rear bow/decklid piece as it is very hard to salvage.

Jonathan

Apr 26, 2008 | 11:08 PM

Johns87

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 250

Likes: 1

ANY Help Appreciated!!!!

janarvae,
Jonathan,
I would appreciate ANYTHING that you can do for Me! I have never put-on a convertible top.

Thanks again and Take Care, -John

Last edited by Johns87; Apr 28, 2008 at 06:20 PM. Reason: remove addy

Apr 26, 2008 | 11:12 PM

phat87

Pro

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 671

Likes: 10

2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist

Dvd

I would be interested in one of those DVDs also. I am thinking of doing the top on my 93.

Apr 26, 2008 | 11:28 PM

janarvae

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 988

Likes: 7

From: Sarasota Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johns87

janarvae,
Jonathan,
I would appreciate ANYTHING that you can do for Me! I have never put-on a convertible top.
If you have a DVD on the install, just PM for how much it is.

Thanks again and Take Care, -John

John, I sent you a PM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phat87

I would be interested in one of those DVDs also. I am thinking of doing the top on my 93.

Sure, just PM me your information.

Apr 27, 2008 | 04:12 AM

Ray Quayle

- 1986 Original Owner -

Joined: Apr 1999

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From: North Yorkshire, England

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You'd have thought that reporduction of that DVD would be a copyright infringement. Sending a pirate copy of a DVD to a Police Chief may not be wise!

Apr 27, 2008 | 09:44 AM

Kool88vette

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,934

Likes: 3

From: Citrus Heights California

I'm gonna change my top also and would like a copy of that CD.

I just want you to know that there are alternatives to your plan.

I believe you can buy a later C4 convertible top with a glass window and make it fit,
Also, there are several places to buy much better fabric for less money.

Here is a just one site that might be of interest to you. There are many others. Here is the later C4 Corvette with the heated glass for less money than Eckler's when you included shipping. http://www.ezsofttops.com/p-94-corve...ss-window.aspx

This is the one I'm gonna order. http://www.ezsofttops.com/p-91-corve...ic-window.aspx

It's $299.00 with free shipping for high grade cloth.

Last edited by Kool88vette; Apr 27, 2008 at 10:29 AM.

Apr 27, 2008 | 11:56 AM

janarvae

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 988

Likes: 7

From: Sarasota Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Quayle

You'd have thought that reporduction of that DVD would be a copyright infringement. Sending a pirate copy of a DVD to a Police Chief may not be wise!

Thanks for your concern. I am apprehensive because of this. I can't enjoy my corvette if I'm in jail, but I want to help you guys out. Is there anyway to send it without a return address?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kool88vette

PM sent. I just checked the warranty that came with my StayFast top bought from Eckler's and it says Ez On Tops. I guess Eckler's is just a middle-man. Buying straight from the manufacturer should be cheaper.

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Apr 27, 2008 | 04:13 PM

rich653

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 780

Likes: 0

From: New Port Richey Florida

janarvae was big help when I did mine, also some hints in this article.

http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ent/index.html

and check these prices too.

http://acceleratedsupply.com/index.php

Apr 27, 2008 | 08:56 PM

#10

Kool88vette

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,934

Likes: 3

From: Citrus Heights California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Quayle

You'd have thought that reporduction of that DVD would be a copyright infringement. Sending a pirate copy of a DVD to a Police Chief may not be wise!

I believe it's not copyright infringement if you give a copy to a friend. He's just asking for shipping costs and the cost to make a copy.

This has been going on for for decades. I can give you a cassette copy, a dvd, a cd or a copy of anything else.

I just can't legally do it for a profit.

Apr 27, 2008 | 09:35 PM

#11

janarvae

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 988

Likes: 7

From: Sarasota Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich653

janarvae was big help when I did mine, also some hints in this article.

http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ent/index.html

and check these prices too.

http://acceleratedsupply.com/index.php

Thanks Rich, its nice to hear from you. In those pictures your top turned out great! How is it holding up?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kool88vette

Thanks for the reassurance - that's what I thought. I never had the intention of making money. I just want to return some knowledge and favors that this forum and its members have given me in my short time on it.

Jonathan

Apr 28, 2008 | 06:26 PM

#12

Johns87

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 250

Likes: 1

That is Exactly right. It's like running off pages from a book for a friend. As long as you are not selling them, it is perfectly fine.

Thanks and Take Care, -John

Apr 28, 2008 | 08:42 PM

#13

Eric91softtop

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 26

Likes: 0

From: Knoxville Tennessee

Me too Me too

Janavae I'd be interested in a copy of the video as well I'm ready to put a new top on my 91. I already picked up a stayfast top.

Apr 28, 2008 | 09:48 PM

#14

1bdvet

Team Owner

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 53,673

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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990

U.S. Air Force

St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26

NCM Sinkhole Donor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johns87

I can tell you something I didn't think about or know till after my top was replaced with the glass window on my 1989. I lost all luggage room when the top is down. Those fold up chairs you have to be careful cause if you force you will break the glass. I used to able to throw a week supply of clothes in a bag and throw the top down and drive. Can't do it after the window was installed cause the new way it folds down takes the whole compartment. Oh yes rear defroster works, that's a plus, and no I had it done by professionals.

Apr 29, 2008 | 07:28 AM

#15

rich653

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 780

Likes: 0

From: New Port Richey Florida

[QUOTE=janarvae;1565213737]Thanks Rich, its nice to hear from you. In those pictures your top turned out great! How is it holding up?

Hey Jonathan, top is great I get this huge feeling of accomplishment when I look at it. The only place I had a hard time was across the front bow, I didn't get the material quite tight enough against the bow but not bad enough to take it apart, well you never know I could get ambitous one day. Good hearing from ya, Take care

Apr 29, 2008 | 08:40 PM

#16

Johns87

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 250

Likes: 1

1BDVET,
I am SOOO glad you posted! I did not know anything about that.
I have four duffle bags, a CD changer and a mounted locking stainless steel box (to stash pistol, wallet etc.) that all fit well with the factory top. I don't want to loose this valuable little space. I like to take my car on road-trips.

Thanks again, -John

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