Installing a Convertible Top

[Grizzly]

Soon I will have to replace the top on my '92. Not because it leaks, it's just getting to look a little shabby. The more I work on the paint, add accessories and change the wheels the worse it looks in comparison.

I've read some posts that say it is a terrible job and best left to the experts. Has anyone out there actually done it? I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks..............

 

[vette-dude]

Soon I will have to replace the top on my '92. Not because it leaks, it's just getting to look a little shabby. The more I work on the paint, add accessories and change the wheels the worse it looks in comparison.

I've read some posts that say it is a terrible job and best left to the experts. Has anyone out there actually done it? I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks..............

I've helped install conv. tops on older cars in the past and it is a job best left to the experts. To many variables that have to be addressed and if you don't have the knowledge and expertise it will look like heck. Just my $.02.

Randy

 

[tyrel]

I agree. This is a terribly complicated job, lots of cutting, adjusting, gluing, ironing, etc. and you'll never be happy with the fit. It's best left to the professionals.

 

[invinceablevett]

Disgusting job if you ask me.I decided to have the job done by experts and I don't regret it.I stuck around a while and there was alot of pulling glueing and I'm sure I would have drove the car there anyway to have the job finished.
My top was still in decent shape but the window was totally blurred.I wanted to modify it to get the glass window but decided to stick with the plastic window.
They did a great job......I could never have done it myself....just my 2 cents.

 

[alka1967]

Disgusting job if you ask me.I decided to have the job done by experts and I don't regret it.I stuck around a while and there was alot of pulling glueing and I'm sure I would have drove the car there anyway to have the job finished.
My top was still in decent shape but the window was totally blurred.I wanted to modify it to get the glass window but decided to stick with the plastic window.
They did a great job......I could never have done it myself....just my 2 cents.

I am also looking to replace my top because of a blurred back window especially after I was quoted $600 just to replace the plastic. I am curious why you decided to stay with a plastic window instead of upgrading to glass. I know it's more expensive, but is there installation/fitting problems too? Did you buy the new top yourself and have it professionally installed or did the installer provide the top? Thanks.

 

[invinceablevett]

The reason I stuck with the plastic was because no-one around had ever done the conversion.The "kit" to do the conversion was 600 bucks Can. and had a month backorder at my local G.M. dealer.
The installer told me that even though the "glass" window might hold up longer eventually the top would have to go.My original plastic window lasted 12 years and that was because I had no clue it needed special attention.

The installer wanted me to purchase the top through him but I bought it from MidAmerica (through a local Corvette Specialist who I consider a buddy) and told him I got a great deal(yes I lied).I saved 200 bucks.

Stafast top............. 610.00(plus 15% tax)
Weatherstripping...........370.00(plus tax)
"window huugers"that sit on top of the doors?......100.00(plus tax)
and ...Installation 450.00 tax included
:crazy
Not bad for a guy who is thinking of trading it in.......

I can see clearly now

 

[alka1967]

The reason I stuck with the plastic was because no-one around had ever done the conversion.The "kit" to do the conversion was 600 bucks Can. and had a month backorder at my local G.M. dealer.
The installer told me that even though the "glass" window might hold up longer eventually the top would have to go.My original plastic window lasted 12 years and that was because I had no clue it needed special attention.

The installer wanted me to purchase the top through him but I bought it from MidAmerica (through a local Corvette Specialist who I consider a buddy) and told him I got a great deal(yes I lied).I saved 200 bucks.

Stafast top............. 610.00(plus 15% tax)
Weatherstripping...........370.00(plus tax)
"window huugers"that sit on top of the doors?......100.00(plus tax)
and ...Installation 450.00 tax included
:crazy
Not bad for a guy who is thinking of trading it in.......

I can see clearly now

Thanks for the info. I can get a top with glass window for around $400, conversion kit for $150 and weatherstripping for around $200 (all US $). I'm waiting for quotes on the installation cost.

If you got 12 years out of your plastic window, maybe I'll go that way and save $2-300. I just bought the car in Jan, so I don't know how long the window has been bad. I hardly use the top, just if I get caught in the rain, which hasn't happened yet.