I've got a '66 Dart convertible in need of a new top. How hard is it to put one on? Where would I get one? Thanks.

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'66 Dart 270 convertible, 225, stock

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64 barracuda
64 valiant convertable
65 valiant sedan
65 signet
74 vw beetle convertable
79 E-250 4WD van
94 dodge dakota

poisondart66,

When changing a top it is best to replace tack strips, cables, & padding. If you can get model specific padding use it. You will need a pneumatic staple gun, SS staples of varying length 1/4" & 1/2" will do. If you don't have a pneumatic gun, an electric gun will work, but you will need to set each staple with a tack hammer. Hand staplers don't have enough fire power to drive a staple into the tack strips.

Wellwood contact cement works well for the areas that require gluing. You will need a supply of cheep 1" or 1 1/2" natural bristle paint brushes for glue work, the wood handle type hardware stores have for about a buck each. Also get a can of good quality spray contact cement for pad work.

Remove your old top one layer at a time starting at the rear and take a lot of pictures so you can reference where & how the new top is to be installed. Before removing the old padding, carefully measure & record the distance from the rear attachment point at the trunk to the center of the curtain tack strip. This dimension has to be the same for the new top. Measure the distances between the other top ribs & record.

Go on line look for diy convertible top installation. Read'em all. If you can find one, rent a video covering top installation it will help a lot.

While you have the top & padding removed check to see if any of the mechanism binds when raised & lowered, and adjust per FM. Also check out the hydraulic system for leaks, fluid level, and repair as needed. Clean, sand, & paint all the top irons semi gloss black

Also check for rust holes in the water gutter below where the top fastens to the trunk area. You will need to repair any holes, preferably by welding in metal, to keep your trunk water proof, than prime & paint. POR 15 would be a good product to paint in this area to kill any rust... Clean out any drain holes & tubes you find.

Here are a few sites I looked at before starting my project:

here

here

here

here

brand I installed on my 82 LeBaron

Rent me

stuff to read

Hydro-E-lectric is good, fast, has fair pricing, and located in Florida.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

Thank you both! One more question, vinyl or canvas? I have no idea which is the better choice. Canvas is more expensive, does that mean it is better and will last longer? I plan on replacing everything down to the frame.

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'66 Dart 270 convertible, 225, stock

My 65 FSM has a step by step procedure for replacing a top. I followed it exactly when I replaced the top on a 65 Coronet and had no problems (ther than having to repair a rust hole in the header panel.

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65 Dart station wagon slant 6 - now under construction
47 Dodge Custom 4 Door sedan
87 D100 Short Bed slant 6

Retired USAF 1966-1986
Retired US Postal Service 2004-2014

This is the best site i've found for tips on quality work. spend a couple of day looking around it. I have. It is amazing the stuff you can learn on it.

http://www.jefflilly.com/Fabrication/Fa ... /text.html

Hope it helps


joe

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1964 barracuda 198 slant