'68 Convertible Top

[Michael Hampson]

Hi, guys, it's me again. The only item I lack now for my car is a new top. I carefully removed the old top last night, taking EXTENSIVE photos of every stage. The frame has some bad rust, which presents a problem, since it won't fit in my bead blaster. Looks like I'll have blasting sand in my hair who knows where else for the next two weeks.

Anyway, there is a local guy that is very well known for re-covering tops in the Marietta, GA area. BUT... I've done everything to this car myself, from rebuilding the engine, to removing and replacing the body, to recovering the seats. (I didn't do body work or paint it, however... I left that to a professional, in Winston, GA by the way)

My question is, how difficult is it to replace the top? Is there a technical article somewhere I can read? Where can I get the new material and hardware? Any experience on the subject or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks so much, Michael #33xxx

[Joe L.]

Re: '68 Convertible Top

Michael-----

Personally, I don't recommend trying to install a convertible top on a "do-it-yourself" basis. Some hobbyists have great success, but I'm not one that would try this. In my opinion, this type of installation requires a lot of experience and is an "art". Especially, if you want a nice, clean, tight top installation.

In any event, I believe that a video of the installation procedure may be available from Al Knock, the interior supplier. This video may be of the installation of an earlier top, but the basics ought to be the same. Al Knock will also be a great source for the convertible top, itself. In my opinion, they and Crown tops are the best ones to use.

Most of the convertible top hardware and weatherstripping are GM-discontinued. All of the weatherstrip and a few of the hardware parts are available in reproduction, though. I just hope that you don't need any of the parts that aren't.

[Tom Freeman]

Re: '68 Convertible Top

Ecklers has a video on redoing the interior. One section on this video is instruction on how to replace the convertible top.

tom...

[Gary Schisler]

Re: '68 Convertible Top

Michael, I too face the same problem that you have. I have done all of the work, except the engine machine work on my 66. I even painted it myself (first time) and get many compliments on that aspect. However, I have talked with at least a dozen owners, either in person, or on BB's such as this, who have done the top replacement themselves and said, "Never again." As Joe L. states, there seems to be a certain art to this, that neither patience nor perserverance can replace. I would love to do my top, but when the time comes, it will go to an expert. Gary

[Mark J.]

Online article on conv top replacement

Since you asked, take a look at this article. I haven't tried it so I cant tell you how difficult it is. Good luck! Mark Jackson

http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair3.html

[Michael Hampson]

THANKS GUYS, APPRECIATE YOUR HELP

[Rich Mullikin]

Re: THANKS GUYS, APPRECIATE YOUR HELP

A friend and I were not bright enough to realize that we could not put a new top on his frame up '62. We get compliments on this top all the time. In fact this winter I had my '69 painted and we are now starting the top on it as we speak.

Here is how we did it. We purchased an instruction tape from Al Knoch and we watched it four or five times before we did anything. Then we set up a tv and vcr in the garage and we played step 1. We then stopped the tape and then went to the car and did step 1. We then went back and watched step 2, then went to the car and did step 2. When we were working on the car if something did not seem to fit just right we did not force it. We stopped and went back to the tape and looked at it again. We did find a few items that were a little different on the tape becasue it was a '58 verses the car that we were working on, a '62. We took this approach all the way to completion.

I think the key to this is that you have to be patient and if you find something not going quite right, STOP. Walk away from the car an take a break, then try again. Shops do not have the time to do this, remember time is money to them. But since this is your top, take your time, there really is not any reason to rush the job. Any person with reasonable mechanical abilities can tackle this project. When done right you will get raves on your top, but do not think that you will start doing this for a living. No one will be able to pay you based on the hours that you will take to complete it.

You can email me if you have any other questions.

Rich