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Installation advise needed for a Conv Top #717539
06/06/10 12:02 PM
06/06/10 12:02 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
PA - Phila
7
71GRANCOUPE Offline OP
enthusiast
71GRANCOUPE  Offline OP
enthusiast
7

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
PA - Phila
I am looking at installing a new convertible top on my 68 barracuda. I have never done this before.

Should I have a professional do it or is this something I could tackle myself with a little help?

Any suggestions from those who have done their own would be appreciated.

Thanks


68 Barracuda Conv
Re: Installation advise needed for a Conv Top [Re: 71GRANCOUPE] #717540
06/06/10 01:51 PM
06/06/10 01:51 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,285
West Coast, USA
jbc426 Offline
master
jbc426  Offline
master

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,285
West Coast, USA
This may shed a little light on the task. Myself, I would get the top from ledgendary and spring for the glass back window. I believe Dante's can save you some money.
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techa...tion/index.html


1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
Re: Installation advise needed for a Conv Top [Re: 71GRANCOUPE] #717541
06/06/10 01:58 PM
06/06/10 01:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,190
SW MO
closer9 Offline
top fuel
closer9  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,190
SW MO


Daily:
'19 Frontier 4WD
Belle:
'67 Belvedere Convertible, 318/727 in Go ManGo!
Other:
'64 C10, 283/3 on the tree
Re: Installation advise needed for a Conv Top [Re: 71GRANCOUPE] #717542
06/06/10 04:22 PM
06/06/10 04:22 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX Offline
I Live Here
IMGTX  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
I installed my own and it took me a couple days but I only worked on it after school.

After removing the old top I laid the new one on the frame to unwrinkle it.

I inserted the tension wires.

I aligned and stapled the top to the main rear frame hoop. I didn't use many staples in case I had to reposition it.

Note: When you install the fold over seam cover on the rear top loop make sure it folds over backwards so air won't unfold it when you drive.

I stretched the roof over the side window area and loosely attached the weatherstrip retainers along the side.

I loosely bolted the rear top retainer to the body with the top under it.

Focusing mainly on the rear half I proceeded to stretch and adjust the top to get the wrinkles out.

Once I got the top where I wanted I marked the top and retainer rails in relation to the top.

I removed the retainer rails and tacked the top to the retainer rails making sure the marks lined up.

I adjusted the top tension at the front windshield retainer so the top would stretch when lowered but not prevent the top from closing.

Lastly I continued to stretch the top and install the weather strip retainers along the sides.

Once I was comfortable I added the rest of the tacks where lacking, rechecked the fit and then trimmed the edges.


Hope it helps.

Re: Installation advise needed for a Conv Top [Re: IMGTX] #717543
06/06/10 04:53 PM
06/06/10 04:53 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,611
Pataskala, Ohio
GTX70sixpack Offline
top fuel
GTX70sixpack  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,611
Pataskala, Ohio
do it yourself. I do all of my own after having a so called pro get the backlight 3 inches off center and would not correst it. Cost me 350 doolars for that lesson (early 80's) at what it cost to have one done now you can ruin a few and be cash ahead.


65 Belvedere II Station Wagon
69 Coronet R/T convertible
70 GTX
70'cuda
99 Dodge Diesel dually 4X4






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