Soft top replacement
03-19-2010, 03:29 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by SC_Highlander,Mar 18 2010, 09:13 PM
The two halves of the roll hoop cover are melted together at the factory. It's nearly impossible to glue them back together and have it both look good and last a long time. Unfortunately, I think he's going to have to replace the hoop/cover assemblies.
03-19-2010, 10:51 AM
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So with the cloth off the frame, next came taking the rain channel off of the old cloth and transferring it to the new cloth. This wasn't bad, just required drilling out the old rivits and popping new ones in.
At this point you're basically ready to put the cloth back on the frame. Since the elastic bands on my frame were dry rotted and stretched out, I went to a fabric store and got thicker 2" elastic bands and rivetted those on.
Then came time to put the cloth back on the frame, simple enough. Just the reverse of how it came off, just being more careful not to tear it. And then putting the top assembly back in the car (This time with help!) and bolting everything in.
The top goes up and down like it should. I drove it and there are no air leaks around the seals, now I just have to make sure no water is leaking in and get the rear window tinted.
At this point you're basically ready to put the cloth back on the frame. Since the elastic bands on my frame were dry rotted and stretched out, I went to a fabric store and got thicker 2" elastic bands and rivetted those on.
Then came time to put the cloth back on the frame, simple enough. Just the reverse of how it came off, just being more careful not to tear it. And then putting the top assembly back in the car (This time with help!) and bolting everything in.
The top goes up and down like it should. I drove it and there are no air leaks around the seals, now I just have to make sure no water is leaking in and get the rear window tinted.
03-20-2010, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by krshultz,Mar 20 2010, 02:30 PM
Nice one! Any idea how much money you saved by doing it yourself?
When I called around to a number of shops around Raleigh (like Auto Interiors & Tops Inc.) the best price I got was $800 if I provided the top, and like $1500 total If I bought one of theirs.
03-20-2010, 11:51 AM
#19
Originally Posted by henge,Mar 20 2010, 02:48 PM
$400,.. that was the best quote I got for installation and that was from the guy who does all the interior and top work here at the dealership I work at.
When I called around to a number of shops around Raleigh (like Auto Interiors & Tops Inc.) the best price I got was $800 if I provided the top, and like $1500 total If I bought one of theirs.
When I called around to a number of shops around Raleigh (like Auto Interiors & Tops Inc.) the best price I got was $800 if I provided the top, and like $1500 total If I bought one of theirs.
