Convertible top install

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Dennis Gerard

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Convertible top install, Has anyone bought one of the tops from convertible top guys and installed it them selfs?
 
I've assisted on three convertible top installs. None of the cars were A body, and only one was a mopar (lebaron). All three cars the top install was almost exactly the same.
Having said that it's a two or three man job. You've got to know when to finesse and when to manhandle. Air stapler is helpful.
My two cents is to have expert help, or let an expert do it.
 
First off I'm not knocking your abilities but you should really have professional install the top if you want it to look good . Secondly before you buy a top check with some local shops and make sure they'll install your top , a lot of shops will only install what they buy .
 
I forget where I got the top (it’s been 20 plus years) for a 65 Coronet ‘vert. I followed the info in the 65 FSM step by step and it turned out great- no wrinkles, puckers, etc. I did have to do some rust repair in the header bow that I found after removing the old too (again following the FSM).
 
Yes, I bought from them and installed it myself. Are you putting on the car in your avatar? Mine was a 68 Dart which is much more difficult because of the two rear corner points and a glass rear window. There are many Youtube videos and the instruction book they send you is very helpful. A car that age will probably need new tacking strips. Most important, mark the centers on your rear bow, the body where the top meets at in front of the trunk, the front and rear of the new top and the header.
 
Yes, I bought from them and installed it myself. Are you putting on the car in your avatar? Mine was a 68 Dart which is much more difficult because of the two rear corner points and a glass rear window. There are many Youtube videos and the instruction book they send you is very helpful. A car that age will probably need new tacking strips. Most important, mark the centers on your rear bow, the body where the top meets at in front of the trunk, the front and rear of the new top and the header.

How was the quality of the top? I look for a top for my 1967 Dart
 
Convertible top install, Has anyone bought one of the tops from convertible top guys and installed it them selfs?
I did it last year on my 65 Valiant. It worked out not bad but I did not have the old top. If you can use the old one to match up it would be easier. I have looked at some cars at car shows and they are no better than mine is some cases. If you take your time and follow the instructions you should be O.K.
 
Almost all tops are the same I did one on my 66 dart and one on brothers 63 valiant,it is a two man job and as long as you follow the directions should not be an issue

Joe
 
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