My '71's ragtop is nearing 8 years old and finally showing it's age. I'm looking into picking up the parts and having a local shop do the install this winter. My question is this. All of the parts sites describe and sell the replacement tops in sections. Almost as if they come in pieces. They list the "convertible top" and the "window section" as 2 different items with 2 different prices.
I am assuming that when they mention the window section, they mean just the glass window. Is that true? And if so, if the back glass in my 'vert is unscratched and in good shape, should I replace it anyway?

Please don't chuckle. I've never replaced a convertible top, and do not know everything that is needed.

 

The “top” is 1 part, the back glass along with surrounding vinyl/canvas material that matches the “top” is a separate piece. Take a look at your car, you can slide your fingers in the gap on each side of the back glass where that panel meets the “top.” You will also see the band of fabric below the glass.

Be careful about buying the top & glass, not uncommon that shops will only work with the brand they prefer, may want to check on that. The parts aren’t all that expensive.

 

Agree with prior post - not uncommon that shops will only work with the brand they prefer, may want to check on that. Many have preferred source vendors for their purposes and won't warranty the install (or top itself) of a customer piece. Same in regards to having a shop change out the hard parts - i.e. motor, cylinders, fluid lines, etc - they'll typically accept your parts on request but won't warranty install or performance.

at least as far as the top itself goes, I wouldn't argue too much with a shop that has its own source requirements - top installs are expensive and not worth trying to save a few $$ on the back end only to possibly have a bigger non-warrantied issue later.

 

Thanks for the info guys. That helps alot.

 

Most shops will have preferred suppliers:
Spend the dollars on the glass insert.
Top material and installation is not a spot where you want to go cheap.

Not in any special order here:
https://www.legendaryautointeriors.c...s-accessories/

http://www.electrontop.com./

https://alknochinteriors.com/ Al has been supplying tops and interiors for NCRS Top Flight cars for years. Might be able to supply GM A Body tops, or certainly recommend top-end suppliers.

 

Chip there is a guy near me that does tops. He is real good and did the top on my father's miata. Have seen other cars he has done. It is across the bridge from you but is another thought if you don't want to do your self.

 

Geez, is 8 years old? Maybe your top wasn't a high quality top? Mine is probably 20 years old now and still looks great( except where I tried to clean it with a stainless steel brush and messed up the texture in one spot) Anyway I would recommend getting the best one you can. I know I bought the best one available according to the top shop and I think that was probably a good choice. I replaced the rear window in mine w/glass as the top that was in it before had a plastic window. I think If I were doing it I would replace the window along with the top even if your window is OK , just to make sure it all matches/fits/etc. Hey, have you checked into those new type tops made out of a cloth type material? Like is on the late model high end 'verts? I would be checking into those now a days if I was replacing my top.

 

Started watching the vid in linked thread and 29 seconds in I remembered this discussion. A convertible back window/glass/light is shown.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-video-152327/

 

Thanks for the video. I'll take a look when I get home. It's fire-walled out here at work.
I spoke to my top guy and he does have a preferred supplier. He's going to get me the info on them, so that I can do my own checking. He says that he will install other types of tops, but he usually spends more time (labor costs) trying to make them fit correctly than they're worth.

Greg - Maybe the top was not high quality. The original owner put it on themselves, right before I took possession. That was back in February 2013. I left the top be mainly because I didn't need to worry about it and there were lots of other jobs to be done. I clean it each spring with Bleche Wite (actual spelling) and don't worry about it. I always have the top down anyway, never drive her in the rain and when she's parked, she's either under cover or in a garage.