I'm wondering how many guys have installed a replacement top successfully? I've followed one persons thread and read the Fisher Body manual but wondering if I will regret trying it. I figure I'll have all Winter and Spring to do it so no hurry. I have always thought a glass rear window would be best but you do have the option of opening the rear window if you go with plastic. I have AC so ventilation is not an issue, any thoughts? My plastic rear window is gone and it's half the cost to just replace that section and black looks much better with Burgundy Mist anyway.
thanks,
Steve

 

I can't comment on the installation but I would only go with the glass window. Plastic will become scratched over the years.

 

Yes, glass window for certain.

I replaced the top on my car back in 1990 by following the Fisher manual. It wasn’t really difficult, just extremely tedious. Took me 5 days over Christmas break, working outside so I had to stop when the sun set around 5 pm, plus lots of parts runs along the way.

 

Would also only use glass because of the issues with the plastic just going bad over time.

 

Definitely use glass. I had a local, reputable shop put on a Robbins top last year. It was $1500 all in.

 

Anyone go with the glass that unzipps to open?

 

Why would you even want that?

 

Just a thought, with my current top I leave the window open most of the time if it is up and you get a nice blow through affect. Surely it's not needed and doing the zipper is a pain anyway.

 

Some of the good and bad I have found in the difference of each but generally glass is smaller in size so you have bigger blind spots, plastic won't break or chip but will cloud up with time and always has some distortion. I also have one of my rigs that the rear plastic can be unzipped and replaced as a unit, I never have unzipped it since I have had it so I don't know how a replacement would fit after this many years.

If you take care of plastic (keep it out of direct light) it will last for years but occasionally it will need buffing to get it back or near to it's original transparency especially around where it folds. Glass is glass and will hold up well longer than the top.....Tedd

 

In terms of finish, fit and durability, all tops are not equal. The two best brands by far are Electron and Robbins. Regardless of whether you do the install yourself or contract the job out, I would not go for a cheap top. If you contract the job out, use a dealer for Robbins or Electron. They can buy the top wholesale. If you do it yourself find out when those companies offer a discount to the general public.To do the job right you need to replace the accessories like the pads, seals and perhaps the header bow. Repainting the frame may also be needed.

 

I believe the originals were glass. Corvette tops are plastic and hard to see out of.

 

Depends on the year of the ride my 55 folds in the middle if you go with glass it has to be small to miss the top bow. I know I know it's not a A body....Tedd

 

I think glass tops started in 1965 with GM.