I finally got around to it.
The big question now is if I'll be able to install it all by myself..LOL
We'll see.
What I DO know is that I will be doing a write-up on what is involved for the job.

Any hot tips??


Ken

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1986 IROC-Z Conv't
17x9.5 TT II's w/ 275/40x17's, BMR stb, Lakewood APR, Jamex 1.5" Lowering Springs
ChevyKen's Cars

Administrator @ ChevyWorld.net

 

Dont try to put the top on inside an icebox or something like that

Ive heard its best to lay it on the roof and let it get nice and warm in the sun first.

 

Congratulations. I get mine on the 17th. I can't wait. I'm gonna let the pros do it.

I don't know if the ChooChoo customs chopping is the same as the ASC version so as far as the setup, I'm not gonna be much help.

Don't you need a lot of special tools to make the install much faster?

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It's been WAY hot here lately, so that sounds like it wont be a problem

Yes, the parts used on this conversion is identical to the parts used on the 87 ASC conversions..
As for the tools, we shall see LOL..thats all I can say right now. Also, I had the rear window replaced by so-called pros that claims to have done nothing but convertible tops since 1953, and believe you me, I could have done a better job at 2am a saturday night in a February blizzard with an alcohol level of 2.5!!! The car was hardly this leaky before I replaced the window (which was split in half). So, this time I'll give it a shot myself. I'll take my time..


Ken

 

The 87-88 is the same, 89 is different than all other years and 90-92 are the same. So basically, install would be different. I have seen websites that have install directions, but I don't know if they are trustworthy or not. You have to compensate for hot and cold weather. You want as much overlap as possible for shrinking from time and cold.

My father and his friends have done business with him before on numerous street rod projects and I have seen his work on many show cars in the area and he uses top notch people and material.

Are you going to try the glass window or not?

 

Thats great! Sounds like you found a good one then
Oh, and I downloaded those instructions that were posted here a good while back. Hopefully they will be helpful as well.

I ordered the "original" top, with the plastic window.
I don't see how a glass window will work as it has to be bendt when folded down ?? Is there such a thing as a top with glass window for these cars? If so, it must have a different shaped window then, right?


Ken

 

I would assume that the window would be smaller. Smaller, but I bet it still easier to see out the back.

Hey Ken, where did you get the jamex springs? I was kinda considering them but the jamex site sucks big time.

 

Yeah, it probably would be easier to see backwards even though it would be smaller. The plastic windows sux... Have you seen anyone selling them with glass rear windows though?

I bought my Jamex springs from BMR when they had that blowout sale. The way I remember it, Jamex decided to not be in the US no more - it is all in Europe now. Don't quote me on it, but I believe thats what they said at BMR. Anyways, they bought all the thirdgen lowering springs that were left when Jamex shut down over here - and then sold them for $99 I believe (possibly $125).


Ken

 

Hey ChevyKen,

Here's my .02 cents worth. I hooked up with the guy that bought out ASC's excess leftover inventory several years ago. He is in Florida. Claims to have all three variation part numbered tops in black. This is 100% OEM original tops. His name is Hank at Paradise Automotive I believe. I have his business card. Very nice guy on the phone. I made copies of the convertible specific pages out of my GM Camaro Parts Book for the 1982-1992 third gens to help him recognize and catalog what he had. He sent me the #5 bow weatherstrip that I needed for FREE for helping him out!

If you would like, I would be happy to fax or email you some exploded diagrams of the appropiate year convertible top for you to use. It will show you where everything is.

I will be recovering mine myself later this year. Looks like the rear and sides will be pretty hard to screw up. Basically looks like it is the front #1 bow where it could be tricky. You fold the front of the top over and glue it down. Here is where you decide how taut your top is going to be. You know, as in from front to back.

I have always found that doing a repair/replace for the first time to "Take It Slow". Whenever you get in a hurry, something will unnecessarily get broken or bent. You can email me at SGuckenberg@aol.com if you want those exploded top diagrams.

Steve Guckenberg
1989 IROC Convertible
22 Option "Daily Driver"
44,000 miles in the last 12 months.

 

Hank is a great guy to deal with and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him for the ASC-produced tops mentioned above. His number is 813 920-7544.

 

Thanks a lot for the inputs guys - I highly appreciate it!

Steve, I sent you mail!


Ken

 

Who makes the tops with glass back windows? Does anyone know how much they are and have pics? Glass sounds good, my window was slashed the night I got my 'vert .

 

RSRagtop, if you go with the glass you would have to change the entire top b/c it wouldn't fold away correctly if it was the same size as the current window. I originally wanted a glass window but decided to go stay with the plastic. I can't find the website that I was going to order the top from also.

 

My window back window was real bad on the original 92 top, but the top itself was in perfect shape. I found a shop here in jersey that was able to cut out the old window and replace with a new piece of vinyl.

They did an excellent job...you can hardly even tell...and it was only $200 to have it done. just my experience.

btw...my dad's 2000 t/a is a convert with the OEM glass window...the glass is tiny and the blind spot in the back is huge..making backing out of a parking space next to impossible. the big plastic windows are much easier...despite being so vulnerable to scratching/corroding.

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1992 25th Anniversary z28 Convertible

 

I had my rear window replaced too a while back. The guy claimed to have repaired and installed convertible tops "since 1953" - and believe you me when I say that it was a NASTY job. It is THE reason that I have to replace the top now.
I paid $250 at the time.

Anyways, my new top arrived yesterday, and BOY does it look good!! I can't wait to get it installed!!!


Ken

 

I believe I saw someone offering replacement tops with a glass rear window for our thirdgen's. But you HAVE to unzip the window to lower the top. Do you really want that hassle?

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90 RS Convertible
Owner: Top-Down Solutions
(626)369-0040

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