I need to get a new top. What do you look for as far as a qualitity installation, what are the watch outs, and canvas or vinyl?

 

Here's what I recall from the installation of my convertible top about 3 1/2 years ago. First, I ordered a top kit (with a glass rear window) from Year One. That probably wasn't the best thing to do first, but it turned out good for me anyway.

Second, I shopped around for the upholsterer with a top notch recommendation. When I found that shop, I discovered a few things: (1) He only liked certain convertible top kits; some brands he would not install at all; I was lucky that the brand I got from Year One was one of the brands he would install; (2) The upholsterer had a tremendous backlog of work and he couldn't tell me exactly when he could finish the job; you might find that the good ones have backlogs like that and you just might have to wait for your job to get done; and (3) My upholsterer asked a lot of questions about my top bows - Are they clean or do they need to be restored (time to do that is when the old top is off)? Do they work properly? How is the weatherstripping? In what condition is the header bow? He insisted on new top cable and spring sets when the new top was installed. And so the list goes.

I would recommend finding the upholsterer you want to do the job (there was no way I was going to try that myself). Once you know who that person will be, let that person ask you the questions he has about your car and also tell him what you are looking for in your convertible top installation. Some upholsterers build their own convertible top kits and won't want you to order one.

The end result for me was complete satisfaction. I had to wait a couple of months to get the job done and my car was in the shop for about 10 days, but they did great with it and I haven't had a lick of problems since the installation.

Randy C.

 

I totally understand why the top guy wont install all kits. Some companies sell junk and for him to try and do a quality job with bad materials or design could compromise his reputation. Kuddos to him. Top looks great.

 

I put my own top on my 68 GTO, but it is not a trivial task. I would recommend going directly to Key Tops to buy the top if your installer would use their product. Overall, I agree with what has been written here.