| Slant Six Forum https://www.slantsix.org/forum/ |
|
| Convertible Top Replacement https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36758 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | poisondart66 [ Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Convertible Top Replacement |
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. |
|
| Author: | 64conv65hard [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:06 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
http://www.hydroe.com/ |
|
| Author: | wjajr [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:33 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
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. |
|
| Author: | poisondart66 [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:37 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
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. |
|
| Author: | 65 dartman [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
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. |
|
| Author: | oklahoma joe [ Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
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 |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC-08:00 |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited https://www.phpbb.com/ |
|