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For Those About to Retop, We Salute You

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Old Feb 14, 2004 | 02:07 PM
  #1  
Widowmaker's Avatar
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From: Clinton,MS
Car: 1991 Bird
Engine: sLO3
Transmission: 700R4
For Those About to Retop, We Salute You

Alright folks, I am going to attempt a top replacement myself. Right now I have a new black top sitting in my closet since it's too cold to put it on properly right now. The current top is tan and I have painted a mock up of what the color change will look like when complete. I wanted to change to black b/c I think it looks better with tinted windows and the top is rotting as well. Opinions, thoughts?
Attached Thumbnails For Those About to Retop, We Salute You-blkbrd.jpg  
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Old Feb 14, 2004 | 02:22 PM
  #2  
Widowmaker's Avatar
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From: Clinton,MS
Car: 1991 Bird
Engine: sLO3
Transmission: 700R4
As it sits right now. Also, since the picture was taken I have added 20% tint on the windows.
Attached Thumbnails For Those About to Retop, We Salute You-bird3.jpg  
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Old Feb 14, 2004 | 05:22 PM
  #3  
Matthew91-Z28's Avatar
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From: Texas
Car: 1991 Z28 Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 with Eaton posi
I think both would look good. I just bought a top too and am getting ready to install when a good weekend comes up. I have a 91 Z28 and I ordered a top for a 90-93. But the window in the new top is wider than my current. The width across the rear bow is the same, though. I have to compare dimensions to make sure all is kosher. Where did you get your top from?
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Old Feb 14, 2004 | 08:23 PM
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From: Clinton,MS
Car: 1991 Bird
Engine: sLO3
Transmission: 700R4
www.topsonline.com

My new window is wider too. I got the 90-93 top. I don't know why it says -93 since that is 4th gen, but oh well. The new top seems to line up correctly and a larger rear window can only help the blind spots in these cars. So far I have only unfolded the new top and kinda laid it over the frame(with the old top still on) but it looks like a good fit.
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Old Feb 21, 2004 | 10:49 AM
  #5  
Matthew91-Z28's Avatar
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From: Texas
Car: 1991 Z28 Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 with Eaton posi
hey...have you gotten your new top on yet? How does it fit?
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Old Feb 23, 2004 | 03:41 PM
  #6  
Speedgraphic's Avatar
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From: Albany GA
Car: '90 RS Vert
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700-R4
Hey Widowmaker,

you mentioned that you had added tint to your windows. were you able to tint the convertible rear window? If so can you share details?

Thanks
Speedy
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Old Feb 26, 2004 | 07:29 PM
  #7  
Widowmaker's Avatar
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From: Clinton,MS
Car: 1991 Bird
Engine: sLO3
Transmission: 700R4
No tint on the rear window. 1. It's plastic and has to fold. 2. I tinted it with the old top still on and since it will be replaced this weekend I didn't even bother trying.

Also got some Falken Ziex 502's freshly mounted since the last post and replaced the drivers window motor. Man, this car is gonna have some much new stuff on it after this weekend it's sick. New paint coming this summer as well. Anyway, wish me luck on the installation. I will be sure and take pics for future reference.
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Old Feb 26, 2004 | 07:37 PM
  #8  
CorVM's Avatar
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From: Clinton, MS
Car: '92 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: LO3 305ci.
Transmission: 700R4
Good luck on putting on the new top! I had a new one put on last year, and it fits pretty good, besides the "dog ears" which I wish I could get rid of. Any tips would be great. Let us know how it goes, and I'd love to see it in person when you get it done.
Corey
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Old Feb 29, 2004 | 01:36 PM
  #9  
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From: Clinton,MS
Car: 1991 Bird
Engine: sLO3
Transmission: 700R4
Well it's FINALLY done!!!! Took me about 15 hours total. I cleaned and lubricated the entire top frame while I was in there as well. Not a hard job, just a long one. Let me know your thoughts. Also, note the new tires. It makes me feel so good to have done this all alone and with ZERO problems. Whew!

-Corey, if you come over next weekend maybe I can help you with those dog ears and that gap between the top and the body. LMK-Theo
Attached Thumbnails For Those About to Retop, We Salute You-newtop3.jpg  
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Old Feb 29, 2004 | 01:46 PM
  #10  
Matthew91-Z28's Avatar
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From: Texas
Car: 1991 Z28 Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 with Eaton posi
Man I need your help!!! How did you glue the back flap down? The one that wraps under bow # 5? I could not get mine to stick.
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Old Feb 29, 2004 | 01:52 PM
  #11  
Widowmaker's Avatar
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From: Clinton,MS
Car: 1991 Bird
Engine: sLO3
Transmission: 700R4
Matthew check the thread about the installed glass top you posted on earlier. You will find what you seek
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Old Mar 1, 2004 | 09:28 PM
  #12  
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From: Moving to non emission state
Car: 86 Camaro
Engine: L98 350 bore .060 out, Carb power
Transmission: slusher 700 beatbox
awesome job, i always disliked the tan on any vert car. after looking at all you vert guys pics, it makes me want one
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Old Nov 5, 2005 | 10:27 AM
  #13  
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From: Marietta, GA
Car: '91 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: 700r4, Vette Servo
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt, PBR disks
Originally posted by Kontrax
awesome job, i always disliked the tan on any vert car. after looking at all you vert guys pics, it makes me want one
Digging up an old thread... so sue me.

Does anybody know is Widowmaker still comes around here? I wanted to say two things dealing with this thread:

1.) The new top install... looks like the back window is wrinkled. Did that end up straighten itself old with time?

2.) Kontrax - I'm sure he was banned for the comment above. He clearly doesn't realize that the tan top with the beechwood interior is by far a thing a beauty.
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Old Nov 5, 2005 | 11:47 AM
  #14  
89rsragtop's Avatar
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Posts: 412
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From: Long Island, N.Y.
Car: blue
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi
15 hrs and a wrinkled window to show for it. That's why I sent mine out to a pro. I think it's the type of job that if you don't do that kind of work every day It doesn't come out just right.. Kind of like painting your own car.
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Old Nov 5, 2005 | 02:06 PM
  #15  
AaronIROCZ's Avatar
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From: Tomball Texas
Does the top have to be on the car when a new one is installed?? Right now mine is off the car for now while it is sandblasted and panted.
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Old Nov 5, 2005 | 06:49 PM
  #16  
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From: Moncks Corner
Car: 89 Iroc Z Cnvertible
Engine: 409 SR
Transmission: 6 speed
Originally posted by 89rsragtop
15 hrs and a wrinkled window to show for it. That's why I sent mine out to a pro. I think it's the type of job that if you don't do that kind of work every day It doesn't come out just right.. Kind of like painting your own car.
You may be right, but then again not eveyone who picks up a wrench knows how to use it.
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