What do you need to replace a convertible top?
Most tops do NOT require any sewing for the installation. However, installation for about 85% of our replacement convertible tops requires a heavy-duty stapler, and solvent base high-heat-resistant contact cement. As well as the usual tools you would use for any car repair job, such as a set of screwdrivers and wrenches.
Is the convertible top on my Cutlass original?
It also touches on repairing the frame, tacking strip, and trunk areas. The top on our Cutlass was believed to be original to the car, and certainly had a number of issues.
How long does it take to install a convertible top?
Total install time is over 30 hours for a first timer. Be prepared and BE PATIENT. This is a frustrating and fragile process, and the directions are usually not very clear. Also, every time you remove a part, you’ll find another issue underneath it.
How does Jeff Lilly install a convertible top?
The sun combined with a bit of steaming will remove most of this but we want to have it stretched very tight. An important point to remember is to match the side binding edge even with the tack strip retainer. Eric pulls the materials over the top of the tack strip until the factory line is right on the edge then he staples it in place.
What should I do if I need a new top for my convertible?
If your convertible needs a new top, you can do one of three things: (1) pay a shop up to $1,500 to install a top; (2) use the sagging old top as a pattern to try to make a new one and pray; (3) go the smart way and get a ready-cut kit to install yourself.
How do you install a convertible deck top?
Cover the deck lid, and then remove the fasteners. Store them in baggies with notes written on a piece of paper (so you remember what is what and where everything goes) and mark where screws and moldings hit the old top. Lift the top and remove the roll strip at the front.
It also touches on repairing the frame, tacking strip, and trunk areas. The top on our Cutlass was believed to be original to the car, and certainly had a number of issues.
Total install time is over 30 hours for a first timer. Be prepared and BE PATIENT. This is a frustrating and fragile process, and the directions are usually not very clear. Also, every time you remove a part, you’ll find another issue underneath it.
Modern tops are doing away with staples and often with glue work. These often require the use of a common pop rivet gun and the removal and replacement of straps, screws, bolts and convertible top frame seals.
How does a convertible top raise or lower?
While most convertible tops are manually operated, many have hydraulic motors and pistons that allow the top to be raised and lowered with a switch. We can service most motors which involves rewinding the armatures and fields of the top hydraulic motor pump.
When to replace hold down Cable on convertible top?
Replacement hold down cables are recommended when the top frame has been frequently raised and lowered. Some tops have rear base attachment cables (Jaguar, Volkswagen) but most do not. And a few tops have short rear side cables for the corner flaps of the convertible top.
Can a convertible top be opened when the trunk is open?
Prevents convertible top operation when trunk is open. •S5 is also used on fully manual top. It provides a ground for the convertible top stor- age lid lock motor. This is a unique component only found on the manual top system which electrically prevents the storage lid from being opened manually when the trunk lid is opened.
What is a convertible top?
Convertible tops come in a variety of colors and materials, and often are available in multiple sections. Many vehicles have convertible tops which include a top cover section, and a separate window section. Furthermore, convertible top windows are often available in either glass or in high-strength vinyl, also known as plastic.
Where is the convertible top on an E36?
When lowered, the top is stowed in a storage well behind the rear seat. The well is cov- ered by a hinged convertible top cover. Convertible Tops – 3 The E36 base convertible top is manually operated.
Prevents convertible top operation when trunk is open. •S5 is also used on fully manual top. It provides a ground for the convertible top stor- age lid lock motor. This is a unique component only found on the manual top system which electrically prevents the storage lid from being opened manually when the trunk lid is opened.
Replacement hold down cables are recommended when the top frame has been frequently raised and lowered. Some tops have rear base attachment cables (Jaguar, Volkswagen) but most do not. And a few tops have short rear side cables for the corner flaps of the convertible top.