Car Craft Magazine Homepage Car Craft
Get Adobe Flash player

Install A New Convertible Top At Home

Torn top got you down? Cheer up when we show you how to . . .
By Jefferson Bryant
Photography by Jefferson Bryant
Install Convertible Top Rear View
Now the top is nice. Just... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Rear View
Now the top is nice. Just in case we get the car running.
Install Convertible Top Side View
This top has certainly seen... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Side View
This top has certainly seen better days; it's hard to believe it is only seven years old.
Install Convertible Top Weatherstipping
The teardown started with... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Weatherstipping
The teardown started with removing the weatherstripping. This stuff was leaking pretty badly, so new pieces from SoffSeal were ordered.
Install Convertible Top Staples Off
The staples in the top were... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Staples Off
The staples in the top were gently pried out. Here, the top staples in the upper curtain bow are carefully removed. The rear curtain was still in good shape, so we were trying to save it. In the end it tore and was replaced.
Install Convertible Top Poisition Marked
GM A-body cars use a floating... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Poisition Marked
GM A-body cars use a floating rear bow, so the position was marked using some green tape and a Sharpie. This ensured the bow would be put in the same position. Don't worry if you lose it; most upholstery shops have all the measurements in their guidebooks.
Install Convertible Top Rear Bow
There are two bolts holding... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Rear Bow
There are two bolts holding the rear bow in place. With those removed, the bow was pulled out. We needed to replace the well liner, which is stapled to the bow underneath the rear curtain-the canvas was torn during the removal process. Luckily, we had a new curtain on hand just in case.
Install Convertible Top Cardboard Tack
The original cardboard tack... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Cardboard Tack
The original cardboard tack strips were in really bad shape. They do not come out easily, so a flat-blade screwdriver and a mallet are helpful here. We replaced the old stuff with new, vinyl rubber tack strip. The tack strip was pressed into the bow and screws placed every 8 inches from the back side.
Install Convertible Top Original Cardboard
The original cardboard tack... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Original Cardboard
The original cardboard tack strips hold water, which leads to rust. The rear bow had some serious rust issues. It was sandblasted and painted with Eastwood's Rust Encapsulator. If the rust had been any worse, this bow would not have been usable.
Install Convertible Top Rear Bow
With the rear bow out, the... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Rear Bow
With the rear bow out, the water trough was removed. The original plastic trough was in bad shape, so we replaced it with this slick fiberglass piece from Year One. This one has metal mounts, which won't tear out like the original plastic. Don't just leave this piece out-your trunk will end up full of water.
Install Convertible Top Top Pads
The top pads were opened up... 
   
  read full caption
Install Convertible Top Top Pads
The top pads were opened up and stapled to the top strips. Here, Gary Lette from Redline Auto Sports sprays adhesive to the vinyl, the foam pad, and the cloth. After the adhesive set for about a minute, the foam was placed over the vinyl, then black cloth wrapped over it, and the factory screws put in to finish the pad installation.

1  | 2  | 3  | Next

Discuss in Our Forums
Dodge Charger Research
Dodge Charger When looking for your next vehicle, think about the Dodge Charger, a stylish car with nice features. With available rebates and prices, you can find a new Charger for $25,080.00. It comes with a standard Automatic transmission, and RWD drivetrain. You also might want to research the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Chrysler Crossfire.

Related Photos

Related Articles
 
Are Nitrous Cams Worth It?
Follow along as cams are tested in a 466ci big-block Ford.... more
 
GM LS Engine Build - Lester Scruggs
You'll have to email Smith to get the story behind Lester Scruggs... more
 
Real Street Eliminator IV
RSE was back at this years CC Summer Nationals. Here's how it went down... more
 
Barracuda Drag Car Fire - Action!!
This is why Freiburger won't run an automatic transmission.... more