For anyone that has ever owned a convertible they know the freedom driving around with the top down as the sun is setting and the wind blowing in their hair. Sadly though they are subjected to snow and other harsh elements that act to break them down over time till they need replacement. Luckily though convertible top replacement can easily be done by almost anyone with some free time and some basic tools on a weekend.
Replacing a top can seem like a daunting task for someone who has never done work like this before. Though by following some basic steps the entire process becomes much easier. Before you begin you might want to talk to your family and friends and see if anyone wants to give you a hand. Also remember this is just a basic overview of the process.
Most people start by deciding what type of top they need. This is as simple as knowing what kind of car you have. Order a replacement and in a few days to a week it should arrive in your mailbox. While waiting, clean up your car out and see if the windows can be removed. If they can remove them so they are out to put in the new top.
The basic tools you will need are a nice set of sockets, a ratchet and open end wrenches. It is also nice to have an upholstery glue ready and a sharp utility knife with needle-nose pliers and a painters 5 way scraper. To attach your top you should also have a small staple gun with a working air compressor for powering it. The final two items are often rented from a small hardware store.
Using the needle nose pliers and 5 way scraper remove the staples holding the old top together. Make sure all the windows are out. Clean up the metal parts with some steel wool or emery cloth. While it is off, take a few moments to put some graphite lubricant on any metal parts that pivot on each other.
The staple gun and the air compressor are what is used to attach the tacking strips to the rear curtain securely. It is often easier for two individuals working together to get this right. One individual works the fabric pulling it tight while stretching it, while the second individual staples it down. If one notices a sag or crease, it is best to take out the staples and stretch it again before re-stapling it.
If the vinyl windows are new put them in now. If you use the old plastic ones, clean and install them as well. Closely look over all your work to make sure there you see no sags or creases. Often it is good to open and then close the top many times to help loosen it up and get an idea of how the top sits on the metal frame.
Generally with the assistance of a few friends your convertible top replacement should only take a weekend. Enjoy your pride that comes by realizing that you replaced it yourself and saved money doing it. Hopefully your buddies will hang out long enough to help you clean up too.
Replacing a top can seem like a daunting task for someone who has never done work like this before. Though by following some basic steps the entire process becomes much easier. Before you begin you might want to talk to your family and friends and see if anyone wants to give you a hand. Also remember this is just a basic overview of the process.
Most people start by deciding what type of top they need. This is as simple as knowing what kind of car you have. Order a replacement and in a few days to a week it should arrive in your mailbox. While waiting, clean up your car out and see if the windows can be removed. If they can remove them so they are out to put in the new top.
The basic tools you will need are a nice set of sockets, a ratchet and open end wrenches. It is also nice to have an upholstery glue ready and a sharp utility knife with needle-nose pliers and a painters 5 way scraper. To attach your top you should also have a small staple gun with a working air compressor for powering it. The final two items are often rented from a small hardware store.
Using the needle nose pliers and 5 way scraper remove the staples holding the old top together. Make sure all the windows are out. Clean up the metal parts with some steel wool or emery cloth. While it is off, take a few moments to put some graphite lubricant on any metal parts that pivot on each other.
The staple gun and the air compressor are what is used to attach the tacking strips to the rear curtain securely. It is often easier for two individuals working together to get this right. One individual works the fabric pulling it tight while stretching it, while the second individual staples it down. If one notices a sag or crease, it is best to take out the staples and stretch it again before re-stapling it.
If the vinyl windows are new put them in now. If you use the old plastic ones, clean and install them as well. Closely look over all your work to make sure there you see no sags or creases. Often it is good to open and then close the top many times to help loosen it up and get an idea of how the top sits on the metal frame.
Generally with the assistance of a few friends your convertible top replacement should only take a weekend. Enjoy your pride that comes by realizing that you replaced it yourself and saved money doing it. Hopefully your buddies will hang out long enough to help you clean up too.
About the Author:
If your car is in need of a convertible top replacement in Seaford, check out this link to millersautoupholsteryseaford.com. To see all of the services provided by Miller's Auto Upholstery visit us today at http://millersautoupholsteryseaford.com.
