Convertible top install
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 0
From: Colchester Connecticut
Convertible top install
I got a 2000 C5 and want to change the top on it, since it is showing signs of wear. Has anyone ever done the job them self and what is invlove if you do it yourself. I have searched for threads but have not found any information on this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 299
From: Land of the fruits and nuts
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
It looks like more than I would want to do . To get it just right so there are no wrinkles or leaks looks pretty tough to me. I had a ROBBINS top put on mine last year for $1200. Best of luck to you if you put it on yourself.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Of all the DIY stuff on the forum I think you'll find that most recommend getting a pro to do the top. I did a Robbins Top on mine and their website has a list of recommended installers. I chose one close to me and it worked out great.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Don't let it scare you. I've done a bunch of tops on several different kinds of cars and this one will be much easier for 2 reasons.
1. It's small! Less staples, stretching etc...
2. The rear bow lifts up out of your car into the vertical position. This is a huge convenience as you don't have to crawl around the back seat taking apart the interior and unbolting it from the well.
I did the top on my Z28 last year for 475. That was a Haartz o.e. fabric top, new pads, cables and heated glass rear window. The best quote I was given (out of curiosity) was 1200.
If you have decent DIY skills, basic hand tools and the old top as a reference for marking staple locations on your new top, it shouldn't be too bad.
Worst case scenario is if you F it up and it looks wrinkly, then pay the upholstery shop to put in on for you correctly.
Good luck!
1. It's small! Less staples, stretching etc...
2. The rear bow lifts up out of your car into the vertical position. This is a huge convenience as you don't have to crawl around the back seat taking apart the interior and unbolting it from the well.
I did the top on my Z28 last year for 475. That was a Haartz o.e. fabric top, new pads, cables and heated glass rear window. The best quote I was given (out of curiosity) was 1200.
If you have decent DIY skills, basic hand tools and the old top as a reference for marking staple locations on your new top, it shouldn't be too bad.
Worst case scenario is if you F it up and it looks wrinkly, then pay the upholstery shop to put in on for you correctly.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,126
Likes: 19
From: Streamwood illinois
I just purchased a frame w/ a top on it to switch colors and bolted it in myself. It is jsut 6 bolts. It was cheaper/easier than buying a top and paying the small fortune these guys want to install them (1k!!)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 64
From: DFW Texas
CI 7-8 Veteran
CI 8 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07
i swapped the top out when i did my vert conversion, i used the GM shop manuals and followed it step by step, took my time and it fits like a glove... had to buy about 15 spring clamps to do the process.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,808
Likes: 1
From: Sierra Foothills California
I just had a new top installed. Charged me $400.00 labor as he had to replace the hard plastic material on the 1st and last bow the material is stapled to. All of the old stuff cracked due to age (8 yrs) It was pretty much an all day job for someone who'd done quite a few. I was fortunate in finding a new oak top on Craigslist for $200.00. 
