C4 Convertible Top Replacement

[Ed Bradley 88 C4 Convt]

I first want to apologize for starting a thread/question for a topic that must have been discussed many times here. I have used the search function on this site, but have not found answers to my question. I am a brand new member after buying an 88 Convertible this past weekend. I have not owned a Corvette since early 1983 when I bought one of the first federal specification C4s while working as an engineer for GM. I am excited to own the car that have been wanting for the past 16 years!

My question is two fold: How difficult is it to replace an OEM top with a NOS OEM top on an 88 C4? And, where is the best source for thorough instructions for the installation procedure? I have a NOS top on the way - I just bought it on eBay and seller suggested that this is the best source for C4 information. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[invinceablevett]

Anybody gonna help out here?....I'm curious about a top replacement also.I'd like to change my plastic rear window to a glass one.I'm willing to get a new top if I have to.TIA.

 

[hAZcAT]

I too have been thinking about replaceing my top, the tops I have seen have all been in the tune of 600 bucks.....


I am also thinking about a hard top, I never have seen one installed but they look cool in pictures but I want to see one in person.

 

[invinceablevett]

The hard top looks awesome but I couldn't imagine myself taking on and off everytime I want to go topless........I spoke to a mechanic ijn the neighborhood who told me that he knew someone who replaces the back window for 50 bucks.I find that hard to believe but if and when I get his number I will try it before replacing the whole top.My top doesn't need replacing so I want to try find a way to avoid replacing it.My back window does need replacing .....Why in the world GM used that plastic is beyond my comprehension...Do they even test the materials before they use them???

 

[hAZcAT]

I would think you would put the hard top on in late fall and take it off in spring, and install the soft top for the summer.

although where I live it can be a great day in the winter and a 4 inches of rain the next, or what I love, rain in the morning and then a super nice afternoon.

I do my very best not to drive the Vette in the rain, the only water it sees is when I wash it, about once a month (I use the wipe towels, fast and does a good job)

 

[invinceablevett]

Hazcat.....sounds like a plan !!!!.....Only problem with OUR weather up here my Corvette goes into hibernation November 1st and comes out on April 1st so a hard-top is not something that would be useful for me........Anybody gonna point us into the right direction concerning our soft-top replacement?????TIA.

 

[tyrel]

If you're replacing the convertible top yourself, I've got to hand it to you. I tried it five years ago and never had a more frustrating, exhausting experience in my life. Folding, stretching, gluing, and when you pull this side the other side pulls way out of whack. Finally I took it in to a convertible top shop and they fixed my mistakes.

 

[invinceablevett]

thanks tyrel for the heads-up.I wasn't planning to change the top myself.I was just wondering if I could change the back window OR if I had to change the whole top just to get the window new(glass one)

 

[Ed Bradley 88 C4 Convt]

Convertible Top Replacement

Thanks for responses. My buddy and I are going to attempt to replace my top this weekend with a NOS top that I purchased on eBay. I have limited experience replacing tops on MGBs (fairly simple), and he has much more experience replacing complicated tops on other cars, as well as automotive upholstery experince. If anybody is interested I will post a reply on Monday to let you know how it went.

 

[hAZcAT]

does any one know if all of the 86-96 convert tops are the same?

 

[RubyDropTop]

Well, they are different in that '93 was the last year for a vinyl rear window, after that they went to glass with a defrost feature. Are you referring to measurements?

 

[hAZcAT]

I was refering to the size, I have seen some hard tops from 93 and I was thinking of getting one.

 

[invinceablevett]

I want to replace just the back window in my '92.It is now made of plastic and I want to install a glass one......Can this be done?????

 

[pci_raid]

I'd like to hear if that is possible too! Only took 3 years of actual usage to make mine haze over. Mine was absolutely perfect when i got it. Now i can barely see out of it. Bummer part is my top is perfect! is there anyway to clean it up some? I was thinking about using car polish to clean it.

Bob

 

[RubyDropTop]

3M makes a very nice plastic polish that I have used a great deal. I would not treat the vinyl as if it were paint by using a car polish. Good quality microfiber is always a good choice as well.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

I have a 1986 covert. with the original top and I will need help ... I looked at the C3 instructions and that would not work for a C4....this was in Corvette Fever...Does it help to wet the inner side (with a mist bottle) before trying to do the installation??? It seems this would make it more plyable....
Has anyone came up with a solution...to this installation...
thanks

 

[tred95]

Yes. I also have a problem with my soft top. The glass on the window is starting to pull away at the bottom. The top itself is in decent shape, but that window seperation really looks crummy. Anyway I have the hardtop on now for the cold months, even though I won't be out once we get snow.

 

[Robertuoo]

C4 Convertible top !

My post is more of a question then a reply . I too have a 88 vert with a bad top and plastic back window my ?s are I found a great looking top with glass a 94 or 95 C4 in a salvage yard . Okay, can I just change the top to include the frame on my 88 ? and will the newer frame just bolt on ? The salvage yard seems to think so anybody have an answer .
thanks Robert

 

[vette newbie]

Hello,
I have white '93 that had a white top. It was ugly and felt like plastic canvas. We use Corvette Specialists in Beaumont Texas. They ordered a black top with glass back from a company in California. The top feels more like fabric and looks awesome on our white car. The cost for labor and parts was about $1200. Its a good investment and you get lots of looks. Good luck.

 

[Jeb]

Ecklers has replacement vinyl tops with glass in various colors, including white. They're about $500.