Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: Convertible top

in Forum: C3 Interior


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Convertible top (1/10)
 7/23/13 11:38am
knotacare
Former Member

Send Private Message

Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60


Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

I'm gonna replace the convertible top on my 68 with a dark blue fabric top. Anyone ever done this? I ordered the video from corvette central & it doesn't look that hard.  Looks like it'll take me a day or two.
Alan


______________

                                               

Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Re: Convertible top (2/10)
 7/23/13 1:20pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

knotacare said:  it doesn't look that hard.  Looks like it'll take me a day or two.


 
Let us know how that works out for ya, Alan.....LOL

But seriously....it's not a fun job, nor is it a quickie. Getting the top centered, and stretched properly can be a major pita. Watching someone that has done many of them do it certainly makes it LOOK easy enough, but if you've never done one, it can get frustrating. It can be done by one person, but 2(or more) helps.
My only advice is to take it slow, and don't try to rush it....you'll regret it if it is not perfect, and the chances of getting it perfect the first time are slim, but possible. Be sure to let it sit out in the sun for a long time, to help limber it up, and be sure you have everything you need(tools, fasteners, etc.) before you start.
Good luck, and take lottsa pics! Thumbs Up



______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: Convertible top (3/10)
 7/23/13 2:22pm
knotacare
Former Member

Send Private Message

Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60


Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

Well this is about the only thing I haven't tackled on muscle cars. I had my shop next to an upholster shop for many yrs & watched it being done to many times to count.  The DVD from corvette central puts it all together as far a step by step. I'm not afraid to ask for help either.
Alan


______________

                                               

Re: Convertible top (4/10)
 7/23/13 10:54pm
NorskyLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

West Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7190

Nealy 10 years ago I purchased a top kit from Al Knoch and was going to do the install myself.  After doing a bunch of research I was running out of time (and I chickened out also) so took it to a pro to install.  Dropped the car off on my way to work one morning and picked it up the next day on my way home.  Best money I've spent to-date on "The Toy".
 
But you sound much handier (and braver) than I so I'll wish you the best of luck and hope to see pictures of the car once you're done.


______________

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Re: Convertible top (5/10)
 7/31/13 9:46pm
knotacare
Former Member

Send Private Message

Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60


Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

Took the old top off & all the rubber (click here to see pic #1)
  
The #2 & #3 rail tack strips were toast (click here to see pic #2)
 
So I replaced them, pretty east to do , but you need a good heat gun (click here to see pic #3)
 
The frt & rear tack strips were OK so I installed the pads (click here to see pic #4)
 
Removed weather stripping off the frt I sprayed with rust preventer after the pic. (click here to see pic #5)
 
I'm installing the top on the rear bar here. (click here to see pic #6)
 
All the weather stripping is installed & I'm ready to start installing the top. There is a set procedure to doing this  :o  (click here to see pic #7)
  
More tomorrow
Alan
 
(large images modified to clickable links - Norsky)


|UPDATED|7/31/2013 6:46:38 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

                                               

Re: Convertible top (6/10)
 7/31/13 5:41pm
apasbigal
Former Member

Send Private Message

goldens bridge, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac


Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498

Nice garage Big Al

______________

Re: Convertible top (7/10)
 8/1/13 7:28am
rod7515Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

I'm in the same club as Norsky. I also bought a top, bought the video, watched it probably 3 times then chickened out and took it to a professional. I think we chicken out because we are afraid it wont be perfect not because we cant get it on and looking ok. I agree it looks easy on the video but very time consuming. Cant wait to see how yours finishes up. Best of luck. I think you will end up with a great installation. Rodney

______________

Re: Convertible top (8/10)
 8/14/13 5:38pm
knotacare
Former Member

Send Private Message

Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60


Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

Well I got the top done last Friday.   This was taken Sat.

Since then I have used a steamer & applied a fabric protectant. It came out fine & I'm pleased. I figure I could do one now in about 4-5 hrs taking my time. It really wasn't that hard.
 
Alan

(fixed a broken link - Norsky)



|UPDATED|8/14/2013 2:38:42 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

                                               

Re: Convertible top (9/10)
 8/14/13 1:48pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Clap  Thumbs Up  Clap  Thumbs Up  Clap  Thumbs Up 

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: Convertible top (10/10)
 8/14/13 1:58pm
fp_vetter72Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 corvette stingray convertible 2007 coupe


Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417

I did my top, it will take two. My best advice is Run Forest Run!!! I had a video also but it sure didnt show all the points. Mine is not perfect by far and will have to have a redo to fix my mistakes. I think the next time I'll have a shop do it, of course now I know where the problems are and won't make the mistakes again.
Can be done but like Adam said dont get in a hurry!!!Wink


______________

Click for larger view
Our Sponsors help support C3VR