The awesomeness of cruising around with the top down is priceless, and we picked up a great deal on a 98 Cabrio.Like most used cars, it had a couple signs of use - the worst sign of wear was the top.As vinyl tops age, they shrink and become brittle; rips and holes are accelerated by putting the top down.
Most owners just stop using them to avoid taking on the cost of replacing a top. Corvette Soft Top Ation How To Replace YourIll show you how to replace your top for... Prices may vary for your model.) The actual cost was 259, but youll also want to get canvas cleaner and have to pay for shipping and tax. With a single weekends work and patience, our Cabrio (AKA Mirthmobile) now sports a new top. Warning: This project requires employs sharp instruments and power tools, requires a familiarity with working with automotive tools, and a really positive can-do attitude that will get you out of trouble when you encounter problems. If you dont possess all of these, pay the 1500 or more to replace your top. The top you will order comes with full instructions, but this instructable is presented to inspire you. YOU CAN DO THIS:-) Materials needed for this instructable: - 1 replacement top for your model of vehicle. Torx screws are special star shaped counter sunk head screws, similar to Phillips but straight-sided and deeper. Corvette Soft Top Ation Download Step 1See if your model uses them and have a set on hand (the Cabrio uses these.) - Staple gun - preferably a pneumatic staple gun (you might be able to rent one) but we managed our project with a standard staple gun and gentle tapping - Center punch - Utility knife - At least a 6-8 foot length of 18 - 316 nylon rope - flat plastic tool - Helper (second person) for the window and trim stick in and out - Mechanical ability Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 1: Remove Interior Panels to Expose Top Fastening Points. Corvette Soft Top Ation Driver Of CourseRequired for this step: Screwdriversscrew gun Large flat screwdriver Of course, you shouldnt start removing the old top until you have the new top in hand and have reviewed the instructions in the kit.:-) The general procedure will be to remove the old top, working from its outer edges inward, then the window, then the main fastening areas of the old top. Check out your top and see where it disappears under the interior panels, these will all have to be removed to gain access to the edges of the top. This will vary for your model, but in our Cabrio, I found it helpful (a step later than I should have) to completely remove the back seats and side and back side panels. Usually you can hear them tick as they start to slip out, but often they will break, so be prepared to buy new ones. There is a single screw into the body that goes into a bar that holds the whole thing in. Once the trim is removed from the rear frame member, you can see where the edges of the top are glued to the frame. Generally you can (gently) lodge a screwdriver under the leading edge of the trim and work it upward and out of the frame, then peel the trim out. They dont go back in quite as easy.:-) The goal in this step is to just expose where the top is fastened - dont be concerned with the rear trim stick yet, but when you remove the rear inner panels, you should see where the rear trim stick is fastened to the rear of the body by bolts. The good news: if your model has a headliner (it should,) you generally wont have to remove it unless its rotted or moldy. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download Step 2: Remove Rear Window. Required for this step: Length of 18 - 316 nylon rope Wide screwdrivers or plastic tools Helper (second person) Getting the window in and out is probably the most difficult step requiring the most patience, but it can be made pretty easy.
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