So got the new top on today. See







Question 1. is it to tight or just right? Tap it and its like a drum and I just finished installing.

Question 2. Should I let it sit in the locked position or unlocked?

Question 3. How long should I let it dry before locking if you answer unlocked for question 2. How long Before driving?


I can still change at this point no weather stripping has been installed and the header bow only has the slightest amount of glue ( just enough to hold all in place)

Opinions, thoughts, and things learned through others mistakes are all welcome.

 

Hi there,
Looks nice and tight. Looks great! Is that the bigger plastic window?

I would recommend leaving the top up until the adhesive cures. And I wouldn't drive it at highway speeds for a few days. Just to make sure the glue doesn't come loose.

Did you say you did it yourself? Was this your first one? How difficult was it? I need a new top, and I was considering doing it myself, if it isn't too much of a nightmare. So inquiring minds want to know.

 

Yes did it myself and was my first one. I've been messing around with cars the better part of my life but never anything like this. All in all it wasn't to difficult just set aside the whole weekend and make sure it's warm and sunny.

 

Top looks great! Any tips on getting the glue and crud out of the bow, or did you not need to replace the weather strip back there? What part of VA are you in?

 

Heat gun is a must for all of the glue and crud plus various scraping tools. I did replace the weatherstripping but for the life of me can't see why they glued it in place. Putting the 5th bow weatherstripping was probably one of the more frustrating parts of the job. That was until I found a method to get it in. As for location I am in south central VA

 

Looks great man. Sounds like you took all the right steps to ensure the glue was gonna set-up. My plastic window got some "creases" in them and they have slowly worked out. Not completely gone, but I haven't tried heat other than the sun on it yet.

Its an intimidating and frustrating job getting the top on there, but after doing it, I don't think I could ever see it being a pain enough to pay someone else to do it for me... unless I get super rich or something lol

 

My biggest disappointment in the whole process is the side wrinkles that every replacement top seems to get. Would pay money to not have them.

 

Ok, looking at mine, there is a TON of crud and glue to get out. I'll most likely remove the bow to get it all out, then repaint it. I'm in Midlothian, so that's why I asked about your location. Thanks!

 

I come to midlothian every once and a again. Anything ever go on up there as far as car shows or cruise in's. it's pretty dead here in the middle of not alot of nothing VA. Better question would be any car shows that aren't flooded with imports. Nothing against an import there are about 5 I would own. But I just got so tired of being the only person my age driving domestic in the late 90's and showing up to car shows to be surrounded by a sea of trash taking import drivers that would run there mouth, but never race. ( not that I ever illegally street raced )

 

Hey, there are a few shows here. One is in the Hancock Village Walmart shopping center parking lot on Saturdays. There is another one every other Saturday morning out at Innsbrook. It's called Cars and Coffee. You can do a search on Facebook for that one. The Walmart get together is mostly American muscle cars, while C&C is a mix of a little bit of everything including some high end exotics. I also have a 87 GN that's pretty stout. I only drive it a few times a year. My convertible is in the process of restoration, but I hope to finish it before years end.