New Convertible Top Install
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Smith Mountain Lake Va
New Convertible Top Install
Has anyone gotten a new convertible top and actually did the install? I want to get a new top but I am not sure how hard the install will be? I just want to know what I am getting into before hand.. Thanks for any help
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Paducah KY
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I replaced my complete top on my 98 with one off of an 04. There are only a few bolts holding the top assembly on. The trick is getting the new top lined up right so that it latches properly at the windshield. You definately need another person to help out. It took about an hour to get everything lined up perfect.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Smith Mountain Lake Va
I replaced my complete top on my 98 with one off of an 04. There are only a few bolts holding the top assembly on. The trick is getting the new top lined up right so that it latches properly at the windshield. You definately need another person to help out. It took about an hour to get everything lined up perfect.
Or for that matter if anyone has a black top they want to sell or course I am interesed!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Unless you:
A) Have done previous top installations, and presuming you are not installing anything other than the fabric, get it professionally done.
B) Have the "full top" (I.e., bows, frame, fabric attached) you will not benefit from a DIY job - more than likely you'll run into issues.
Just my $0.02
A) Have done previous top installations, and presuming you are not installing anything other than the fabric, get it professionally done.
B) Have the "full top" (I.e., bows, frame, fabric attached) you will not benefit from a DIY job - more than likely you'll run into issues.
Just my $0.02
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,072
Likes: 196
From: Arizona
Unless you:
A) Have done previous top installations, and presuming you are not installing anything other than the fabric, get it professionally done.
B) Have the "full top" (I.e., bows, frame, fabric attached) you will not benefit from a DIY job - more than likely you'll run into issues.
Just my $0.02
A) Have done previous top installations, and presuming you are not installing anything other than the fabric, get it professionally done.
B) Have the "full top" (I.e., bows, frame, fabric attached) you will not benefit from a DIY job - more than likely you'll run into issues.
Just my $0.02
And find the best professional you can -- do not do this on the cheap. You will be sorry. Good luck! 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
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From: Miami Beach FL
I replaced my complete top on my 98 with one off of an 04. There are only a few bolts holding the top assembly on. The trick is getting the new top lined up right so that it latches properly at the windshield. You definately need another person to help out. It took about an hour to get everything lined up perfect.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Team Owner
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From: Miami Beach FL
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I've done it...it's quite a job for the inexperienced. You'll need a very good staple gun and several hours to do it right. If you're not DIY inclined, make that a weekend.
It's not altogether hard, but it's not easy either.
It's not altogether hard, but it's not easy either.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
1) Remove top and frame
2) Remove existing staples and top
3) Place and align new top over frame (top down position)
4) Work from center of top out starting with front then back. Move on to the sides checking alignment all along the way.
or something to that effect? Thanks