[carnutjoef]

I plan on tackling a convertable top installation my self, all in the interest of saving money. Is this a good idea or should this be left for the pros? Any info out there on pointers and things to watch for would be appreciated. Also if there are any good videos someone could recomend would help. Thanks, The Car Nut Joe

[Podzak]

Hi,
The roof of many cars is an integral part of the body can be a stress bearing member.
Removing this without stiffening up the chassis, can in extreme circumstances cause the the car to sag and even break in the middle.
Good luck.

[carnutjoef]

Thanks Podzak, but I was thinking or replacing the existing canvas top. Sorry, I should have made note of that. Thanks again for the return.

[Tom]

I have been in the body buiseness for quite a few years and my opinion is let a professional trim place do it, cause if it does not look right you'll be able to hold back payment untill you like it,find a good place(with a good reputation)these are not easy for a novice although you could do it but what will it look like, this is the whole top of your car

[liquid_larry]

I agree with Tom let a pro do the job.I don't personally do upholstery work but it's done in our shop and I've watched it done,I can't say I would try it myself. I would also check out different top manufacturers, as like everything else you get what you pay for.

[carnutjoef]

Thanks Tom, Liquid, The more I read the more it makes sense to give to a pro. Like you say its going to be the most noticeable part of the car after the paint job. I've already bought the top From Kee Tops. Appears to be a nice product, time will tell. Thanks again guys, Joe

[CrazyCraig]

Hope you catch this... some nimrod slit the top of my '66 Ford Mustang GT convertible when I was stationed up in Dayton Ohio... everyone I asked said you had to buy a case of beer first, then drink the case before you started... I wouldn't take no for an answer (80 bucks for the top back then, vs 500 for the trim shop). My wife and I took two complete weekends, with the occasional help of a buddy and his wife, and several cases of beer... figured we had about 2000 bucks labor in the thing.. it had one tiny flaw that only we knew about,... hind sight...TRIM SHOP...

CrazyCraig

[A gasser]

Last weeks Hot Rod TV on Speedvision showed a complete installation of a convertable top which could be purchased on video . Check your TV listing as it aired on Sunday and will run this week.
Good Luck
Bob

[carnutjoef]

Thanks for the tip Bob. It worked out great, the timing couldn't be better. Caught the show and managed to tape it for the library. I still didn't get up to that job since I ended up with a little more tin work. Who ever thought that could happen when your restoring a Mustang !!! I hope I'm only a couple of months away from doing the top !! The program made it look like a good possibility for the hobbist, Thanks again, hope I can return the favor, The Car Nut Joe F.