Would like where you purchased your replacement tops and your opinions on them. Am looking for one for a 70 Skylark. John
John, a couple of things to consider: Are you going to install the top yourself? Then probably wait for some more input from the folks on the forum. If you are going to have someone else install it, then you probably need to talk to your local body shop or upolstery friends, because they will have a favorite company they deal with that they want to use. What I have found is that the shops typically have a supplier they like to use, and if you bring them anything other than what they like they will have all kinds of issues with the product. Just a friendly comment, same goes for interior stuff, etc.
I replaced mine a year ago and it wasn't that bad.. ( For a first timer!) Local shops definitely had a particular brand they preferred and there were several choices. I purchased a KEE top from Year One, and it was a good choice as it actually looks like the original as well as functions correctly. If you install it yourself, make sure you order new pads, tack strips and purchase stainless steel staples ( Lowes has them). A must-have tool is a racheting combo wrench to remove/install the nuts holding the rear rail in place. It turns a 45 minute ordeal into a 30 second job.... Remember, S-T-R-E-TC-H that vinyl tight. There is no need for any wrinkles. BTW, small wrinkles usually disappear when the car is in the sun.... Russ Waters 1970 Skylark Convertible 455
Russ, Where is Villa Rica? I am from central GA - small town called Sparta. Did you put your top on yourself? I got a top from Year One to put on my 64 but my Dad insists that I take it to the shop. But, I still would like to do it myself so I can say that did the entire car myself. Any advice? tips? Willis
I just re-read your post "not bad for a first timer". I got the instructions off of Buicks.net and they seem straight forward. Did you have someone helping you? I was told that stretching the material is a pain. Again, any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,Willis
I did it by myself too. No, it wasn't PERFECT, but I'm not a perfectionist. Took two full weekends--one to remove all the parts, clean and paint the frame, second weekend to reinstall. Patience and test fitting everything are the keys.
I installed mine myself without any help at all. I also took two weekends.....took my time. Having the Fisher Body Manual helped a lot, as it details pretty thoroughly the process from start to finish. My top turned out great! 15 years later now.....time to put on another one this winter!ou:
Cool, I think I will try to put mine on myself as well. I have plenty of time. BTW, Are Fisher Manuals still available? Are they the ones on Ebay?
Yep.....pretty readily available from what I've seen. I've found them on e-bay, at swap meets, from "literature" vendors......heck, the last one I found was a couple of months ago at a garage sale....it was a 1971 Fisher Body Manual.....I paid $1.00 !:TU:
