How to Change a Convertible Top
Few things in life are more liberating than driving down the highway in a convertible with the top down and the wind blowing through your hair. A convertible top is not a cosmetic feature of your vehicle but a functional part that protects you from harsh weather and protects your car's body from rust and corrosion.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Stapler
- Automotive adhesive
- Paint
- Wire wheel, paint stripper or sandblaster
Instructions
-
Removal
-
1
Retract the top and remove the header bow weather seal, by removing the screws from the front bow.
-
2
Raise the top halfway, pry out the staples and peel the fabric away from the front header bow.
-
-
3
Remove the screws from the second and third bow retainer strips. Slide the strips out of the top fabric and set aside.
-
4
Remove the screws from the rear bow frame on both sides, then remove the rear weather seal.
-
5
Pull the fabric away from the rear bow to expose the fastener retaining the side cable. Remove this screw and allow the cables to hang from the front bow.
-
6
Remove the inner well liner, which is retained by clips that must be accessed by removing the back seat or reaching through the trunk. Once the well liner is removed, there will be three brackets holding the rear of the top. The center bracket holds the rear window; only remove it if you plan to replace the rear window. Remove the two side brackets.
-
7
Remove the staples that connect the top fabric to the rear bow, and pull the material away. Remember not to pull the staples that secure the rear window if you are reusing it.
Inspection
-
8
Inspect the convertible top frame for any signs of rust or corrosion. Clean and repaint parts that are rusted, and replace any that have been structurally compromised.
-
9
Inspect the power top motor and pump assemblies. Check for leaks in the hydraulic lines. If your vehicle has a history of slow or weak power top motor operation, now is the perfect time to get the motor replaced or rebuilt.
-
10
Inspect the weather seals. Rubber weather stripping can become brittle and deteriorate over time, allowing water to enter the car and cause rust. Replace seals as needed.
-
11
Inspect the side cables for bends, kinks or fraying. Repair or replace as needed.
Installation
-
12
Glue the rear window fabric to the retaining bracket and bolt it to the car's body. Then staple the rear window to the tack strip on the rear top bow.
-
13
Remove and replace the old convertible top pads, one side at a time. Lay the new pad over the same location as the old and staple to the tack strips on each bow. Repeat for the other side.
-
14
Lay the top fabric over the frame.
-
15
Glue and staple the rear corners to the retention brackets. Then bolt the brackets into position on the car's body.
-
16
Raise the top frame so you can easily position the front of the top fabric over the front header bow. Spray the front bow with adhesive and attach the fabric. Staple the fabric to the tack strip.
-
17
Reinstall the front header weather seal, reusing the screws you removed previously.
-
18
Slip the retaining strips for the second and third bows through loops in the fabric and reinstall the screws.
-
19
Use a straightened coat hanger to thread the side retention cables through the top fabric. Then reinstall the screws that retain the cable at the rear bow.
-
20
Raise the top and staple the top fabric retention flap to the tacking strip on the rear bow. Then reattach the rear weather seal.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Work slowly and remove any wrinkles while installing the top fabric. Shoddy workmanship here will show up in the final product. Take some pictures or video of the old top before you remove it. This will aid in reassembly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dave_7 - creativecommons.org
