My convertible top is starting to wear. I found several color matching tops, but the gaskets/weather stripping are harder to find and rather expensive for what they are. Is it necessary to change these with a new top?

 

I replaced my top on my 2000 and was able to reuse all my gaskets. Be careful removing them to not tear them and you should be fine if they are in good condition. I used a Kee auto top and it was really nice quality and fit well.

 

Thank you very much, very appreciated. Any other tips you would recommend before I take on this project?

 

in my case which I believe would be most c5's the strips you tack into are hard plastic and old. I had some of it crack and some pieces came off. I was luck enough to pull tight and staple on both side and it was okay. I would recommend trying to find those plastic strips and replace them as weather and age probably has dry rotted yours as well. I'm not sure who sells them and they are riveted in so it will be a bit of a pain, but if I did another for long term I would replace them. I had to remove some of the staples and then pull tighter again after the top was fully installed to pull out some wrinkles. Take lots of pictures when removing the old one and videos. Just so you have reference to how the goes back on. I did a c4 and that was rubber cemented on and was more of a pain for sure! It's a one shot deal so you really have to get it right. The fabric staple allows for some error but when removing and re stapling opens the door to the plastic you staple into cracking and pieces come loose. You'll see what I mean when you start putting it back on. Leave extra fabric and cut AFTER you have stapled and aligned the new top. You will need a good sizer as the fabric is thick. You will need a steamer to remove fine wrinkles after the job is complete. Don't try to pull it so tight that EVERY wrinkle is gone as the steam and heat when it cools will pull out the minor wrinkles. Now that I did one I think the next one I could do even better, you'll see what I mean as the positioning and how tight to pull it you can't explain, you just have to do it and learn. It's not impossible to do it yourself but more than likely you may have some small wrinkles, if you are looking for perfection (like complete factory, show car finish) you may want someone who has experience to do it. For me I was happy with it and it was much better than the original 25 year old top for sure!

I thought I had more photos but I don't and unfortunately I totaled the car a few months later...ugh. The last photo was after I worked out as much of the wrinkles I could and had applied the fabric protector.

As you do it if you have questions let me know and I'll try to help.

 

Once your done, I would advise using a protectant, I use once a year Sonax Rubber Protectant : 3.38oz. German product only a little goes a long way.

 

I use 303 convertible cleaner and protectant kit works well too. Use a horse hair brush to scrub no matter what kit you use. It is easy to clean and once a year is generally enough.

 

I had my top replaced by a local auto upholstery shop that actually had a ton of experience working with Corvettes. Came out of it with a warranty (including a lifetime warranty on the rear window). Just a thought. If you want to do it yourself, good luck! Post up some pics when you're done.

 

Doing it yourself is ok if you know what you are doing and or have someone helping that know what they are doing. Other wise it is best to pay the money to get it done right. It will last longer and hold top better. If you get a warranty even better.