For people that have a convertible there are few things as cool as driving it around with the top put down and wind blowing all through their hair. Sadly though the elements can take their toll on them by slowly breaking them down and wearing them out. Luckily most convertible top replacement can be done by almost anybody with a little time and a some tools over a weekend.
Replacing a top can seem like a daunting task for someone who has never done work like this before. Though by following some basic steps the entire process becomes much easier. Before you begin you might want to talk to your family and friends and see if anyone wants to give you a hand. Also remember this is just a basic overview of the process.
Most people begin by figuring out what kind of top they will need. This is as easy as knowing the type of car you own. Order the replacement and wait for it to come in the mail. While you are waiting clean your car out and if the windows are removable, remove them so they are ready to go in the new one.
The basic tools you will need are a nice set of sockets, a ratchet and open end wrenches. It is also nice to have an upholstery glue ready and a sharp utility knife with needle-nose pliers and a painters 5 way scraper. To attach your top you should also have a small staple gun with a working air compressor for powering it. The final two items are often rented from a small hardware store.
Using your needle nose pliers with the scraper, remove any staples holding the old top to the metal frame. Make sure the windows have been removed. Clean all the metal parts with fresh steel wool and emery cloth. While the top is off, take a moment to apply some graphite lubricant to any metal parts that are pivoting on each other.
The air compressor and the staple gun are used for attaching the back curtain to the top's tacking strips. It is often best if two people work together for this. One can stretch the fabric out, pulling it tight while the other person staples it down. If you see a sag, it is easy to remove the staples to adjust it again before setting and re-stapling it.
If the vinyl windows are new put them in now. If you use the old plastic ones, clean and install them as well. Closely look over all your work to make sure there you see no sags or creases. Often it is good to open and then close the top many times to help loosen it up and get an idea of how the top sits on the metal frame.
Realistically, with the help of a friend or two a convertible top replacement should not take more than a weekend. Enjoy the pride that comes with knowing that you did it yourself and saved some money in the process. Hopefully your friends will stick around long enough to help with clean up.
Replacing a top can seem like a daunting task for someone who has never done work like this before. Though by following some basic steps the entire process becomes much easier. Before you begin you might want to talk to your family and friends and see if anyone wants to give you a hand. Also remember this is just a basic overview of the process.
Most people begin by figuring out what kind of top they will need. This is as easy as knowing the type of car you own. Order the replacement and wait for it to come in the mail. While you are waiting clean your car out and if the windows are removable, remove them so they are ready to go in the new one.
The basic tools you will need are a nice set of sockets, a ratchet and open end wrenches. It is also nice to have an upholstery glue ready and a sharp utility knife with needle-nose pliers and a painters 5 way scraper. To attach your top you should also have a small staple gun with a working air compressor for powering it. The final two items are often rented from a small hardware store.
Using your needle nose pliers with the scraper, remove any staples holding the old top to the metal frame. Make sure the windows have been removed. Clean all the metal parts with fresh steel wool and emery cloth. While the top is off, take a moment to apply some graphite lubricant to any metal parts that are pivoting on each other.
The air compressor and the staple gun are used for attaching the back curtain to the top's tacking strips. It is often best if two people work together for this. One can stretch the fabric out, pulling it tight while the other person staples it down. If you see a sag, it is easy to remove the staples to adjust it again before setting and re-stapling it.
If the vinyl windows are new put them in now. If you use the old plastic ones, clean and install them as well. Closely look over all your work to make sure there you see no sags or creases. Often it is good to open and then close the top many times to help loosen it up and get an idea of how the top sits on the metal frame.
Realistically, with the help of a friend or two a convertible top replacement should not take more than a weekend. Enjoy the pride that comes with knowing that you did it yourself and saved some money in the process. Hopefully your friends will stick around long enough to help with clean up.
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