Convertible top installation? Options

[perkyshadow]

Hey guys!

My rear window exploded a couple of weeks ago in my ragtop (finally got caught on a screw holding the rear seat in). I bought a new top that has the rear defroster glass included. I haven't even begun to take anything apart yet, and the poor little guy is just sitting under a barn/shed for shelter from the rain! I'm a little nervous about undertaking a new project that might kick my tail, but it's not like I have a ton of money to give to a body or interior shop. I searched around the forums, but I can't find any kind of "walkthrough" on it. As far as previous jobs, I've done brakes, rotors, c/v axles, leather interior, timing belts, drive belts, engine seals, wiring, etc. So I don't know if I'm skilled enough to figure it out if it's extremely complicated! Any advice you could give me, or any links you could point me to would be awesome! I'm hoping there's a couple of us who have actually done this bad boy before! Thanks so much guys!

[njccmd2002]

because there isnt one. So please go ahead and feel free to make one..

you dont need skills, only time patience and a dog (or cat)...



















why a dog? well so you dont curse to nobody.

[blu94gt]

When I bought my top it came with instructions. All in all it wasn't that hard, just time consuming and frustrating. My dad and I did it in a weekend, working all day Saturday and Sunday. But it's basically remove the trim on the exterior and interior, and the staples holding the top and such onto the frame. New top gets stapled to the front bar and rear mount, and attached to the rest of the supports with contact cement. Real pain is just lining it up so it's perfect, may have to re-do a couple times.

[pflau]

I got one of those aftermarket repair books and it shows how to remove the top. Let me know and I'll post copies of the relevent pages.

[perkyshadow]

Thanks guys! I've been working my tail off for the last three days. Wish I had a teammate to do it with! Heh, I did have to pull out some staples and re-staple a couple of times. It's not perfectly centered and lined up, but it's as close as it's gonna get. Wish I had seen your contact cement statement. I went with this stuff called Goop. It's goopy, alright. Pretty annoying to work with! Once again, thanks guys! Maybe I'll put up some pictures I took while I did the job! I got mad and tired toward the end, so I forgot to get pictures of every step... But I've got most of them! Thanks again!

[D-Man]

Last one i did took about 6 hours including beer and smoke (and cussing) breaks...

Gorilla glue is your friend!! I'm just sayin.

There is NO WAY for me to say that there is a less tedious way of doing it, Just inch by inch; And C-Clamps when working by yourself.
...Oh and dont break a motor sprocket. I've done that. It sucked....