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Topic: Soft Top and Weather Stripping

in Forum: C4 Body

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Soft Top and Weather Stripping (1/3)
5/11/10 11:16am

redvette89
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Huron, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -

Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179

Thought I'd share my recent experience installing a new convertible top on my 89' Vette and replacing all of the weather stripping. Installing the top turned out to be more difficult than I expected. Because it is glued with 3M contact cement, lining up large sections and putting it into place with zero wiggle room turned into a real an art form. I ended up doing the rear bow area 3 times over and the front bow twice, just to get it looking half way decent. In the end I ended up with a few wrinkle spots and the seam along the rear bow isn't perfectly straight. Removing all the glue takes a lot of time and patience (especially when you do it over and over). The weather stripping went straight forward and it was interesting to see a variety of techniques GM used to fasten the different pieces to the frame. I was delighted with the materials I bought. The weather stripping came from Lonestar Car Parts and the fit and quality is excellent. I found the convertible top on eBay from a company that sells them with the title listed as 1986-1993 ACS OEM Corvette convertible top/white+new. The top fit perfectly but they used some sort of heat process on two seams that left a slight discoloration. I bought the top for 150 bucks so I can't complain. While getting ready for the project, I found a site that gives good directions and some helpful hints.It is at http://www.corvettefever.com/techarticles/corp_0703_c4_corvette_convertible_top_replacement/index.html in case you're interested.

I always prefer to do my own work and this wasn't any exception, but clearly the folks who do this professionally are real craftsman!

Dave

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Soft Top and Weather Stripping (2/3)
5/11/10 6:32pm

eddie20890
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto

Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363

great work. looks great from here. as you said you are not a professional so it is expected that you cant do it as easily. at least you redid the bad parts instead of giving up or worse yet leaving iot that way. one thing though, the next time you do it at least you will know the trouble spots and may be able to get by them. great job.

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the dynamic duo

c3vr life member #97

Re: Soft Top and Weather Stripping (3/3)
9/26/11 6:06pm

helphos
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Olney, MD - USA

Vette(s):
93 Polo Green Convertible with Bilstein Shocks, Autopower RollBar, Simpson 5 point harness, Grand Sport wheels, bald tires and dirty air filter! 2003 Anniversary Red 50th Anniversary Convertible

Joined: 10/20/2010
Posts: 51

I did mine this spring. Got the top off craigslist!! I used 'vinyl cement' not contact cement. it is a little more forgiving. You have to hold it in place fro a few minutes for it to dry, but you can do a little movement to get wrinkles out.

I used the same source as you for directions- Corvette Fever. I read the instructiions about 10 times before getting started!!

Here's how it turned out:

Very few people get to see the top up!! I leave it down unless it's pouring!!!

There's no Corvette like a Convertible!

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