Convertible top replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 572
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From: Pittsburgh, PA - UCCC 11 Second Club
Convertible top replacement
I’m thinking of replacing the convertible top on my 2004 Commemorative corvette. Where is the best place to buy and what should it cost?
Is it a product I can put on myself or do I need to take it to a professional who has the specific tools to install like a car seat cover?
Thanks
Is it a product I can put on myself or do I need to take it to a professional who has the specific tools to install like a car seat cover?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
I am not far behind you keep us posted on what you find. it seems a lot less to it then on my 06 mustang convertible and that was $1400 to do
Pro
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Melting Slicks
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www.topsonline.com Robbins brand would be best. Will dropship to an installer they recommend or you choose. If you can't install seat covers you don't want to fool with a top.
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Can’t help you with a recommendation for a vendor to buy a top from, but I don’t think I would try to install one myself. Good luck.
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www.topsonline.com Robbins brand would be best. Will dropship to an installer they recommend or you choose. If you can't install seat covers you don't want to fool with a top.
I also suggest letting a pro handle the installation as it’s more complex than many anticipate due to the headliner installation and alignment with the rubber moldings and other trim in order to secure a tight fit that prevents water and excess air getting in.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 572
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From: Pittsburgh, PA - UCCC 11 Second Club
I need a shale color top and GM has discontinued all replacement tops for 2004 Corvettes.
Top line does not carry the shale color however they do have a similar color so they are sending me a sample.
I really want to keep the car original so I will keep looking.
Top line does not carry the shale color however they do have a similar color so they are sending me a sample.
I really want to keep the car original so I will keep looking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
To those in northern New Jersey and surrounding areas, a friend of mine specializes in convertible top repair and replacement. His business is Blue Sky Tops in Little Falls, NJ. 973-575-7798. He also does custom interior upholstering. His name is Mike Gaiser. He can also supply the replacement.
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I had a pro install a Robbins Top in my 1990 Miata. It was a very high quality piece...a huge improvement over OEM. I am looking at a new top for my 2001 Vette. Based on past experience, I will pay a pro. In my area about 1400 including price of top.
Pro
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From: Roseville Ca.
Good luck with your search.
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You definitely want to take it to a professional. It is actually just as important to find a good installer as it is to find a good quality top. I had the top on my 2004 replaced 6 months ago. It was amazing how much of a difference it made.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2001
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From: Pittsburgh, PA - UCCC 11 Second Club
Thank you very much. I found a post he made a couple of months ago and sent him a PM.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Try looking up Forum member Joe Scafide(?) I was looking for a replacement a couple years back and he had an extra shale top he was trying to sell, still in the wrapper from a show he attended for a reasonable price. Shipping killed the deal for me as he's located in the Chicago area and definitely have it installed by a pro.
Good luck with your search.
Good luck with your search.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
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From: Lafayette Louisiana
The original top on our CE verts is "EZ On" (tag on underside of old top). I bought it new in 2004. I replaced mine a couple of years ago with another EZ On which I bought off the auction site for around $400. They seem cost some more now. I got the Tan color which is close if not identical to the original shale. I did the replace myself. It's not easy, but if you are pretty good DIYer you can do it.
Some of the threads show taking the top frame completely off the car. I did not. Also, I did not replace the head liner. There was nothing wrong with my head liner. That appears to add a lot of difficulty to the job.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-C...YAAOSwa39Ut1h~
Some of the threads show taking the top frame completely off the car. I did not. Also, I did not replace the head liner. There was nothing wrong with my head liner. That appears to add a lot of difficulty to the job.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-C...YAAOSwa39Ut1h~
Last edited by UM Rebel; Jun 8, 2018 at 12:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 572
Likes: 20
From: Pittsburgh, PA - UCCC 11 Second Club
So the original top is not "Robbins"?
Thanks for the link. The price has gone up but if they have what I want it is worth it.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the link. The price has gone up but if they have what I want it is worth it.
Thanks again.
The original top on our CE verts is "EZ On" (tag on underside of old top). I bought it new in 2004. I replaced mine a couple of years ago with another EZ On which I bought off the auction site for around $400. They seem cost some more now. I got the Tan color which is close if not identical to the original shale. I did the replace myself. It's not easy, but if you are pretty good DIYer you can do it.
Some of the threads show taking the top frame completely off the car. I did not. Also, I did not replace the head liner. There was nothing wrong with my head liner. That appears to add a lot of difficulty to the job.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-C...YAAOSwa39Ut1h~
Some of the threads show taking the top frame completely off the car. I did not. Also, I did not replace the head liner. There was nothing wrong with my head liner. That appears to add a lot of difficulty to the job.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-C...YAAOSwa39Ut1h~