time to finally finish the project and restore the convertable top frame , have driven the car for the season without the top and time to do it over now. The top is new , someone installed a new top over a rusty frame and was going to try and remove the top and restore the frame and install the old top . thought i would ask for some education from people who have been there.
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Re: 69 convertable top refurb
Its possible, but I would forget it and get another. -
Re: 69 convertable top refurb
Kelly,
It is possible to remove the top and reinstall it later. Use a piece of chalk to mark the top material to the frame, mark where the top wraps around the frame, where the side flaps go. You may or may not want to remove the pads (the six inch piece going from the window bow to the front header on each side of the car as you look up while sitting in ths seat, and the two inch pieces running from the window bow to the rear deck bow. If you don't have to remove these four pieces DON'T these are what holds the frame and bow to the factory specs so the top fits good. Be very careful when removing the rear wire-on (the piece over the rear window with the chrome ends) you can open that piece from the back side after you remove the chrome tips you will see where it opens there are staples holding it on. If you have to you should be able to go to an upholstery shop and get a replacement, or order one from a supplier. Also, be very careful removing the headerstrip (the round piece at the front of the top) the staples that hold the headerstrip and top to the frame in the front as well as the staples holding the top to the bow above the window. The weatherstriping has to come off the rearbow that rests on the decklid and rear section of the pass/driver windows and the rubber just behind (above the side glass) of the windshield post on the top frame, after all that, if the top is glued to the frame, use a heat-gun to warm the material that is glued and gently pull it loose. Sometimes the materail will rip if you are not careful and slow. To reinstall put the rear section/last bow material on first w/weatherstrip then restaple/reglue the front header-bow material on the chalk mark that you made, staple the material to the bow above the window, reglue all flaps to there original positions reinstall the headerstrip and all weatherstriping and that should do-it!? You might want to get a conv. top installation video tape from AL Knock Sorry for the long post. MikeDComment
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Re: 69 convertable top refurb
My experience is on a C1 but the comments I make are general in nature. I agree that getting the video would be most helpful. Depending on the existing top fit you may want to improve on it. The video would help. It would tell you the best sequence for reinstallation. Also I would buy/borrow an electric staple gun and research the correct size staples for your top. Arrow I think makes a great electric gun with an extended tip for about $45. They also sell all sorts of staple sizes and stainless steel staples are avaliable. A patient owner can do this.
AllenComment
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