I have a printout with instructions but it's a little unclear on something. It keeps referring to "cementing". Is the top cemented on to the bows? I thought that only the weatherstrips had this. Where/what exactly gets this cementing? Where do I buy this cement? :confused: HELP!!

 

:lurk:

I'll be putting a new top on also. So I'll be watching this one :yesnod:

 

There are a few spots that the top gets glue applied:

1. Where it folds under the front bow, even though there is a srewed in hold down strip for that fron bow.

2. The rear bow is only held together by glue.

The key to a good job is to get off all the old glue off the rear bow. Because there is nothing mechanical holding the cloth on the rear bow, any deficiency in the glue strength will result in the top coming off the rear because of the tension there. Also make sure that you do not remove too much material from the rear bow. You want to have as much material left to hold the glue as possible.

The other bows in the middle are help on with mechanical attachments.

Check out https://www.corvetteforum.com/techtips/viewsubtopic.php?SubTopicID=117&TopicID= 2 for some help.

Good luck,




[Modified by Flame Red, 4:09 PM 7/30/2003]

 

Ok guys... for once I don't have a questions.

I changed my convertible tops on my 88 vette a few weeks ago with my step dad so I actually know what I'm talking about :)

The cement they are talking about it plain old contact cement glue, the one you would buy in a Canadian tire or hardware store, it comes in a Can and the glue is yellow. If you still don't know what it is then go to a hardware store and ask someone that work there for "contact cement glue" they'll find the stuff for you. Its normally close to the paint section in stores.

Its pretty simply to replace but it does take a wile.

Remove all the weather stripping from the side windows, and the metal brackets on the side of the windows and the front/under of the convertible top. I think the screws holding the brackets in places are called "torque screws" so you need a torque screw driver to remove them. Then as you start removing the top, start from back to front .

Try to notice were the glue was in the first place on the old top when removing it and simply reapply glue at the exact same places later on when putting on the new top. Its pretty easy to see were the glue was originally.

Before putting the glue, first put the new top over the convertible to make it fits.. and it should fit like a glove! "if you got a good quality convertible top" :)

Right after applying the glue on one sections wait about 5 to 10 min and let it dry and become sticky a bit before pressing it down into place to make it stick.
Do the back first with the glue, let it dry a bit, then press it so it sticks into place.
Then do the sides, same process with the glue, Then do the front, same process withthe glue.

You might need to pull on the top a bit to get it in place correctly but it should fit like a glove.

There are practically no screws holding the top.. its 90% glue, 10% screws, surprising when you think of the car going 60 - 70 miles an hour on the Highway.

I forgot to mention that there are two metal wires on the sides of the top, one of the passenger side and on the driver side. They hold the side of the convertible top in places since there is no glue or brackets over the windows holding the top in place "you'll see what I mean"

all in all, I would feel comfortable doing this over again "even alone" without any ones else. But it is allot better if you can be 2 to do the job.


I hope these help! :cheers:

 

:iagree: one other small tidbit which may may it a little easier to stretch the top. The #4 bow has a slotted bracket mounted at each end. (called 4 bow slats) There are two 5/16 bolts which hold these brackets on. Loosen those bolts and the 4 bow will drop about 1/2 inch because the slats are slotted for adjustment. You can use this adjustment to tighten the top somewhat, after installation to acheive a tighter fit if you have any sags once the installation is complete. Also, The #5 bow should have a scribe line in the exact center for positioning the top on the rear. You may have to remove the old glue to see it , but it is there. It is extremely important to line up the rear center of the top with the exact center of the 5 bow before proceding with the rest. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the great tips. I have the headliner removed and the two bows in the center released. The old top is ripped so removal will be pretty easy. My top will be here this morning. This evening I plan on taking the rest of the old top off. Even with a ceiling fan in the garage, it is so freak'n hot and humid that you can't stand to be in there for more than 30 minutes or so. I should have the job completed this weekend.

I have since installed the bushings in the headlamps so after this weekend I will be able to drive in the dark and the rain. :cheers: