Ripped convertible top
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: houston tx
Ripped convertible top
Well some one broke into my car and ripped my covertible top just a small length about 5 inchs long... well i bought a new top but not sure how much will an upholstery charge or can i change it my self im good with directions (specialy if pictures are on in)...
can i get an estimated how much u pay to change the top..... and also if i change my top do i also need to change my weatherstip or can i use the sam ones!! help please
can i get an estimated how much u pay to change the top..... and also if i change my top do i also need to change my weatherstip or can i use the sam ones!! help please
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
If you've never done it before (and it doesn't sound like you have) leave it to a pro. Prices vary, I got mine installed last year for $300. First call the dealership and ask who they farm it out to. That will probably be the high end. Then call around local shops and find the best deal.
Unless your weatherstripping is toast you can re-use it.
Unless your weatherstripping is toast you can re-use it.
Last edited by MagRedConv; Jun 11, 2009 at 02:21 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Norcal CA
I replaced mine myself and it came out very well, but it's a fair amount of work. You'll definitely need an air-powered staple gun and the right size staples (3/16 inch comes to mind off the top of my head. could also be 5/32") to attach the top to the urethane tack strips on front and rear bows. I bought one from ebay for about $70 along with this portable air compressor for $50.
http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-92101...4745497&sr=8-1
A manual staple gun like a T50 won't cut it (I tried) and 1/4 inch staples are too long to sit correctly in the tack strip. PM me if you have any questions. Having it installed by a shop in my area would have been 600+ just for the labor, so I came out ahead and got new tools as a bonus.
http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-92101...4745497&sr=8-1
A manual staple gun like a T50 won't cut it (I tried) and 1/4 inch staples are too long to sit correctly in the tack strip. PM me if you have any questions. Having it installed by a shop in my area would have been 600+ just for the labor, so I came out ahead and got new tools as a bonus.
Last edited by mulcy; Jun 11, 2009 at 02:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: houston tx
I replaced mine myself and it came out very well, but it's a fair amount of work. You'll definitely need an air-powered staple gun and the right size staples (3/16 inch comes to mind off the top of my head. could also be 5/32") to attach the top to the urethane tack strips on front and rear bows. I bought one from ebay for about $70 along with this portable air compressor for $50.
http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-92101...4745497&sr=8-1
A manual staple gun like a T50 won't cut it (I tried) and 1/4 inch staples are too long to sit correctly in the tack strip. PM me if you have any questions. Having it installed by a shop in my area would have been 600+ just for the labor, so I came out ahead and got new tools as a bonus.
http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-92101...4745497&sr=8-1
A manual staple gun like a T50 won't cut it (I tried) and 1/4 inch staples are too long to sit correctly in the tack strip. PM me if you have any questions. Having it installed by a shop in my area would have been 600+ just for the labor, so I came out ahead and got new tools as a bonus.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Elko Nevada
Try a google search I found a place the other day that included instructions with the top but I dont remember the name. if I find it I will post it up. good luck and if you do try it your self take lots of pictures.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Norcal CA
Here are instructions for a C4.
http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ent/index.html
The C5 top is pretty similar but uses tack strips and staples instead of glue. I'd start by carefully removing most of the weatherstripping. You can leave the pieces above the windows toward the rear. Then unscrew the metal cover which fits over the front bow. You'll see the staples underneath. When you start removing staples, do it carefully and one at a time. The tack strip underneath can be brittle and you don't want to break it.
It's important to be organized and keep track of where all the screws go. In addition to the air stapler and correct size staples, you'll need a rivet gun to attach the top to the vertical frame pieces just to the rear of your driver and passenger windows. I'd say the whole job took me about 12 hours, but I'm pretty slow and was figuring out what tool I'd need as a I went along. One more thing - threading the tension cables into the new top can be a little difficult. I attached string to them, pushed it through the sleeve with a thin metal dowel, then used it to pull the tension cables through.
http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ent/index.html
The C5 top is pretty similar but uses tack strips and staples instead of glue. I'd start by carefully removing most of the weatherstripping. You can leave the pieces above the windows toward the rear. Then unscrew the metal cover which fits over the front bow. You'll see the staples underneath. When you start removing staples, do it carefully and one at a time. The tack strip underneath can be brittle and you don't want to break it.
It's important to be organized and keep track of where all the screws go. In addition to the air stapler and correct size staples, you'll need a rivet gun to attach the top to the vertical frame pieces just to the rear of your driver and passenger windows. I'd say the whole job took me about 12 hours, but I'm pretty slow and was figuring out what tool I'd need as a I went along. One more thing - threading the tension cables into the new top can be a little difficult. I attached string to them, pushed it through the sleeve with a thin metal dowel, then used it to pull the tension cables through.
