conv top change

mp71conv · 09-07-2007, 09:49 PM

I am looking to replace my top on my 71 cutlass conv.
Has anyone done this? I am pretty good with the mechanical
stuff but the top is a new world for me.
Is it worth me trying or just take it somewhere that knows
how to do this.

Olds64 · 09-08-2007, 07:27 AM

I have heard that convertible tops are a nightmare to figure out. Don't try to repair it or alter it unless you have a COMPLETE manual for the repairs! If you don't have a manual then I would take it to someone that can repair it for you.

joe_padavano · 09-08-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olds64

I have heard that convertible tops are a nightmare to figure out. Don't try to repair it or alter it unless you have a COMPLETE manual for the repairs! If you don't have a manual then I would take it to someone that can repair it for you.

Agreed. Get a Fisher Body Manual for your year and read the top installation process. It's not trivial.

mp71conv · 09-08-2007, 10:32 AM

Thanks. I figured its not that easy. I just stopped at a local
shop that does alot of restoration and they have a guy that
does inteiors and tops. Ill talk to him before I get into it.

texasred · 09-08-2007, 12:31 PM

*C.J. steps on his soapbox*

After 5 other convertibles and convertible tops, I have a few pointers.

Find a shop that does a lot of convertible tops and look at them in progress. Take your car there and let them see it firsthand. See if they can talk intelligently about adjustments, seals, and any "warped" bows you have. See if they'll do adjustments after that first rain!

See iwhat kind of tops they offer and if they offer an "on the car" warranty. Also see what the difference is if you purchace your own.

Go for top of the line only! Glass window only. Plastic ones are shite and eve the plexiglass ones will scratch and fog after a time.

I spent waaaay too much time and money over the years trying to "get by" or do it "on the cheap". A convertible top is not just visual...it is the only protection your interior (and floorpans!) have.

A quality top with a middlin installer looks like a drunken sailor did it and the best installer can only do so much with poor materials.

*C.J. steps off soapbox*

Ain't convertibles cool!

C.J.

Olds64 · 09-08-2007, 02:36 PM

Texasred, have you ever done one of the convertible tops yourself? Or do you always have a shop do the entire process? Maybe there is something that mp71conv can do at the beginning of the process before letting the shop dig into it...

texasred · 09-08-2007, 04:15 PM

Naw...a man's gotta know his limits.

And I've seen some really "great" amateur jobs.

C.J.

09-07-2007, 09:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
mp71conv Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 30	conv top change I am looking to replace my top on my 71 cutlass conv. Has anyone done this? I am pretty good with the mechanical stuff but the top is a new world for me. Is it worth me trying or just take it somewhere that knows how to do this.

09-08-2007, 12:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
texasred Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 805	C.J. steps on his soapbox After 5 other convertibles and convertible tops, I have a few pointers. Find a shop that does a lot of convertible tops and look at them in progress. Take your car there and let them see it firsthand. See if they can talk intelligently about adjustments, seals, and any "warped" bows you have. See if they'll do adjustments after that first rain! See iwhat kind of tops they offer and if they offer an "on the car" warranty. Also see what the difference is if you purchace your own. Go for top of the line only! Glass window only. Plastic ones are shite and eve the plexiglass ones will scratch and fog after a time. I spent waaaay too much time and money over the years trying to "get by" or do it "on the cheap". A convertible top is not just visual...it is the only protection your interior (and floorpans!) have. A quality top with a middlin installer looks like a drunken sailor did it and the best installer can only do so much with poor materials. C.J. steps off soapbox Ain't convertibles cool! C.J. __________________ Home of the 1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible Super Karate Monkey Death Car.

09-08-2007, 04:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
texasred Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 805	Naw...a man's gotta know his limits. And I've seen some really "great" amateur jobs. C.J. __________________ Home of the 1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible Super Karate Monkey Death Car.

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09-08-2007, 07:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 1,088	I have heard that convertible tops are a nightmare to figure out. Don't try to repair it or alter it unless you have a COMPLETE manual for the repairs! If you don't have a manual then I would take it to someone that can repair it for you.

09-08-2007, 10:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
mp71conv Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 30	Thanks. I figured its not that easy. I just stopped at a local shop that does alot of restoration and they have a guy that does inteiors and tops. Ill talk to him before I get into it.

09-08-2007, 02:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 1,088	Texasred, have you ever done one of the convertible tops yourself? Or do you always have a shop do the entire process? Maybe there is something that mp71conv can do at the beginning of the process before letting the shop dig into it...