Ragtop Swap

[CS72Roadster]

I'm looking at changing out the top on my '72 and am wondering if this task is more difficult than it looks. Should I tackle it or just take it to the shop and fork out the cash up front?

CS

 

[paintdaddy]

I would suggest having it done by a pro.Ive never tried it but Id be poed if it turned out looking like S.

 

[69MyWay]

Hey,

CS, I am Mr. Do-it-Yourself.....and I contracted that part of my job out!

It took the fellow that installed my top ALL DAY, and he pulled out all kinds of neat little tools and stuff from his truck to finish the job that I would never have thought of.

Just my .02....or in this case $250 which is what I think he charged me to install the top if I remember correctly.

 

[ChuckG]

I did the top on my 69 along with the help of several friends. Since then, we've also done a 62, a 73, and a 67. We're planning to help another club member do his 65 this fall. You can do it, BUT, you absolutely MUST buy the Al Knoch video, and watch it numerous times. It also helps to have a video recorder in the garage so you can refer back to it.

It takes us AT LEAST one week to do just the top, AND that does not include refinishing the top frame and aligning the windows. SO, your car will be "down" for 2-3 weeks. All of our tops have turned out very nicely, but we're SLOW.

You absolutely must have either an electric or pneumatic stapler. Chuck

 

[71VERT]

I just changed the tops on my 71 over the winter and the 69 a couple of weeks ago, I am stubburn and refuse to pay for something I think I can do myself. The second time I did it it was much easier after figuring out all the tricks from the first time. If you want it to be perfect take it to someone, How ever mine turned out ok the first time and it looks perfect on the second try.
Its really not that difficult I did it without any help, If you still have the old one on just carefully pay attention to how it is attached when you take it off and follow the directions that come with the new top. I used Al Knoch and their directions where pretty good. I would borrow an electric stapler, I didnt the first time and that was the biggest problem.

 

[Gunther]

Hi

I did my 68 top alone, no help at all.
It came out fine, some minor wrinkles in the window.
I found the biggest job was the overhaul of the top frames. The front bow was dented and corroded.
The tack strips where lousy. The front bow one was unusebale.
I would do it again and pay more attention to keep the window wrinkle free, if this is possible at all.

Now an other question.
I saw a C3 with a real ragtop, not the ALKNOCK vinyltop.
Looked very elegant, like on the C4.
Who offers those real ragtops ? At What price ?

Thanks. Gunther