How tricky to install replacement convertible top

[renlaf]

Hi ! Everyone

Anybody had install a replacement convertible top ?

I order one that is already cut and sew and want to install it myself.

Is somebody experienced the job and is there a few points I should be more cautious about ?

Welcome good amateur advise

Thanks

René

 

[steelblue75]

I've never done one but i'm sure you'll get some great advice from the people here. By the way, Welcome

 

[tnovot]

There was a similar thread not too long ago. If you do a search, I'm sure it would turn up. As I remember, the majority of opinion was not to do it yourself but have it done professionally for proper appearance and longevity due to necessary fitting, etc.
By the way, NICE looking Vette.
Terry

 

[renlaf]

Thanks you

I've never done one but i'm sure you'll get some great advice from the people here. By the way, Welcome

Thanks steelblue75.
I appreciate your welcome.
Good to be on the forum

René

 

[Jeb]

Hi ! Everyone

Anybody had install a replacement convertible top ?

I order one that is already cut and sew and want to install it myself.

Is somebody experienced the job and is there a few points I should be more cautious about ?

Welcome good amateur advise

Thanks

René

First of all, I wouldn't try it and I'm pretty handy. There's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Second, if you plan on doing it (or even if you hire an expert) get thee a replacement rear weatherstrip to put on at the same time as you'll destroy the old one when you remove the old top.

Also, plan on snapping the heads off a few of those small screws which hold the metal strips on the underside of the front edge of the top. Then, you'll have to figure out how to get the broken pieces out. Plan a few hours failing to do this.

Hopefully, you're getting the message by now.

Good luck.

 

[renlaf]

Thanks you

There was a similar thread not too long ago. If you do a search, I'm sure it would turn up. As I remember, the majority of opinion was not to do it yourself but have it done professionally for proper appearance and longevity due to necessary fitting, etc.
By the way, NICE looking Vette.
Terry

Hello "tnovot"
Thank you for your reply. I will make research on older post and see what it is advised.
Happy you appreciate my vette look. Thanks for that !
René

 

[renlaf]

First of all, I wouldn't try it and I'm pretty handy. There's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Second, if you plan on doing it (or even if you hire an expert) get thee a replacement rear weatherstrip to put on at the same time as you'll destroy the old one when you remove the old top.

Also, plan on snapping the heads off a few of those small screws which hold the metal strips on the underside of the front edge of the top. Then, you'll have to figure out how to get the broken pieces out. Plan a few hours failing to do this.

Hopefully, you're getting the message by now.

Good luck.

Hello Jeb

Hum!....... my confidence is taking a hit. Yes I am getting the message loud and clear. So I have to think twice........ and it seems that before I say
"Yes I do".......I should say...... "No I don't" (I will remember that next time I want to get married)
Well, if a few other guys come with these kind of arguments, I will sure won't try anything.
Tell me Jeb, I got the point for the rear weatherstrip, by looking at it yesterday, I some kind of convince myself I probably had to change this.......but what about the other weatherstrip...... will I risk to damage them, like the front or sides ?
René

 

[Jeb]

If you're very careful, the front and side weatherstrip will be ok but if it's getting worn, it would be a good time to change it out also.

The problem most folks, including some so-called professional installers have is they don't get the top on tight enough or they try to get it too tight and the rear lip (around the rear bow) flips up and doesn't hug the rear deck when the top is up. When I bought my '87, the rear edge of the top flipped up and looked like hell. The front edge of the top also had a small gap where it "bowed" up away from the front bow.

I took it, and a new rear weatherstrip, to a professional and they agreed to 'try' to re-install it. They were successful but it was a rough one for them and they do Vettes a lot.

Some shops try to install the top with the frame off the car and that doesn't seem to work at all.

You might consider purchasing the top yourself and getting a pro to do the installation. If I had to do it again, I'd look for a replacement top with a glass window rather than the standard. I think they're about $100 more but, IMO, worth the money.

 

[renlaf]

re-thinking

If you're very careful, the front and side weatherstrip will be ok but if it's getting worn, it would be a good time to change it out also.

The problem most folks, including some so-called professional installers have is they don't get the top on tight enough or they try to get it too tight and the rear lip (around the rear bow) flips up and doesn't hug the rear deck when the top is up. When I bought my '87, the rear edge of the top flipped up and looked like hell. The front edge of the top also had a small gap where it "bowed" up away from the front bow.

I took it, and a new rear weatherstrip, to a professional and they agreed to 'try' to re-install it. They were successful but it was a rough one for them and they do Vettes a lot.

Some shops try to install the top with the frame off the car and that doesn't seem to work at all.

You might consider purchasing the top yourself and getting a pro to do the installation. If I had to do it again, I'd look for a replacement top with a glass window rather than the standard. I think they're about $100 more but, IMO, worth the money.

well , i am re-thinking all that and start the whole process by ordering weatherstrip

Thanks
René