Convertibletopguys dot com... A complete, new top with new cables, installation manual, and other stuff is $298, which I think is pretty reasonable. Not on a B body, but my dad has had tops professionally replaced before and it's been over $1k. Is it that hard of a job to do? It doesn't quite seem simple but not too bad
It is not simple. Not as bad as trying to sew your own arm back on, but do you want to try to teach yourself with a $300 new top. It is something that can be learned, and takes practice and experience to be good at it, so does welding. Just buying a welder doesn't make you able to weld.
Its not rocket science. Its more patience..your gona have to put it on and adjust it a few times before its all nice and tight.It even takes the pros at least 2 times to get it right.Most folks dont relize its only staples and glue holding that top on.It took me 2 days the first time now I can bang them out in under 6 hours.Make sure its a glass window the plastic ones are a bitch to align.Also when the tops off you can clean and lube the frame up real nice.
I did it 5 years ago on my 70 Skylark, and I had never attempted one before. After completing the job I think it turned out quite well. A few things you need to know: Replace ALL of the parts, including cables, top pads and packing material to which you will staple the new top to. Have a high quality spring-loaded staple gun, or better yet, an electric stapler. ( Lowes) Stainless steel staples ( Lowes) A ratcheting 9/16" combination wrench to remove/reinstall the nuts holding the frame. ( 1 each side) This is a must have tool! Be careful dropping the drip channel as they are a bit brittle after 40 years. Try to let the top material warm in the sun for a little while before you install it as it has to be tight after stapling. The heat you apply will allow the material to be a little more flexible, giving you that professional look. Keep up with the hardware you remove anf make sure it goes back where it belongs. I'll try to post some pictures if I can figure out how to do it! I could use some help here... Russell 1970 Skylark Convertible 455 :3gears:
I plan on doing mine in the spring and have been looking around the net for info. I get a kick out of the "my painter or my mechanic" guy's. What's the point if you just pay for it? It's never brain surgery, do your homework, take your time and pay attention. Unless your a klutz, then pay for it.
thanks for the replies. It sounds like it's quite possible to do a good job with a good manual and patience. I'm still thinking about it but I think I'll take it on myself. When the time comes I'll make a writeup on it
I started on a 94 cavalier convertible, a little smaller project, like all these guys have said, do it where its warm, or better yet where it is hot. I installed a top in the middle of a northern indiana winter, and let me tell you, that sucker is tough to get right. Glass windows are definately better, but again, take your time. It isnt overly difficult, you just need to know that you might have her laid up for a weekend.
I placed my order last night from convertibletopguys.com... Complete Hartz "pinpoint vinyl" top in "GM white", new cables with GM ends, scissor top installation guide, tack strips, padding, plastic rear window. I'll update when the stuff comes
Be aware that the infamous GM 71-76 "Scissor tops" are an absolute nightmare to get right. I would pay someone to do it before I ever attempted it myself. That way, you have a warranty!
The make of the top has every thing to do with fit, finish and the amount of work needed for the install. The two best makes are Robbins and Electron. I think most pro installers will agree with those brand choices. Save yourself some work and buy and Electron top.
A number of years ago I installed one on a 62 Pontiac Tempest. At that time no one made a replacement "well". That's the storage place that the top sits in when its down. I had an old sewing machine and the old "well" to use as a pattern. The top turned out OK but the "well" never looked quite right. I decided not to quit my "Day Job". ou: It was very rewarding to say "I did it myself." Did I mention that as a kid, I worked over one summer in an auto trim shop and helped out on several top jobs? It sure helped. :beers2: As a side note, the boss was an alcoholic and we had a beer cooler in the work-room. He would drink a gallon before lunch every day and in the afternoon, would switch to the "hard stuff". Everyone had a bottle of something in their tool box. No one seemed to care that I was only 17. It still amazes me that we got stuff done as well as we did. o No:
