Primary Parts - Car Craft Magazine

So those are the primary parts and some of the tools you will need. When you are done, the top should be tight so there is no sagging, but not too tight or it will pull out or tear at the staples. One trick to getting the top tight is to work with the windshield latches disconnected and the frame elevated about a foot from the windshield. When the job is finished and the frame is dropped to the windshield and latched, the vinyl will be pulled tight. We've found that even professional upholsterers have to remove and restaple a top several times before they get it just right-it is simply part of the process, so don't expect to accomplish it the first time. Don't give up.

The rear curtain comes with a small notch at the bottom indicating the center point. This is just a guide, not to be used as an absolute. The tolerances on these older cars were considerable, and the rear curtains are not all centered.
The rear curtain comes with a small notch at the bottom indicating the center point. This
This step required two sets of hands, one to stretch, the other to staple. Use only a few staples every few inches to keep the curtain tight; they may need to be removed during the adjustment process.
This step required two sets of hands, one to stretch, the other to staple. Use only a few
Using the measurements from the guidebook, we marked the rear curtain with tape. The top was laid over the car, and the rear section was pulled to the marks on both sides. Then the top was fastened with a few staples. Once adjusted, the top gets stapled about every 11/42 inch.
Using the measurements from the guidebook, we marked the rear curtain with tape. The top w

PARTS LIST
DESCRIPTION	PART NO.	SOURCE	PRICE
'68-'72 GM A-body top w/ glass	CMA68WHT	Year One	$287.00
'68-'72 rain gutter	AZ150	Year One	199.00
'68-'72 well liner	WLA68	Year One	62.00
Tacking strip	MN216	Year One	16.60
'68-'72 top boot	CTB68230	Year One	199.00
Top-pad kit	CM754	Year One	33.99
Top cable and spring pair	CM120	Year One	40.95
'68-'72 lift cylinder pair	AM682P	Year One	311.00
Adhesive		upholstery supply	10.00
Spray gun		Lowe's	15.99
Staple gun		Lowe's	59.00
Staples		Lowe's	15.00
Total:		$1,249.53

Every top has cables that run down the sides to keep the sides tight to the frame. The cables stretch over time, so it is a good idea to replace them. Notice the duct tape under the front side of the top; this covers the edge of the top pads and keeps the lines from showing through for a smoother look.
Every top has cables that run down the sides to keep the sides tight to the frame. The cab
The rear bow was installed and pulled out several times while Lette was working out the wrinkles. The quarter-window sections of the top are held in place with the weatherstripping.
The rear bow was installed and pulled out several times while Lette was working out the wr
The top trim piece covers the staples in the rear top bow. This piece was stapled on the inside of the trim. Then, using a hammer and some vinyl scraps to protect the top, we folded the trim over and knocked it down. Make sure the trim piece folds away from the front of the car-freeway speeds will unfold it quickly if it is backward.
The top trim piece covers the staples in the rear top bow. This piece was stapled on the i