Glass window conversion performance
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From: Los Gatos, CA
Glass window conversion performance
I am about to make the conversion over to the glass window. My question is directed to those that have done the conversion, using the elastic straps.
How is the conversion working after a year or so? Do you think the elastic straps are going to be a problem, like the front ones have been? Do you think that it would be relatively easy to change the rear elastics (the ones for the conversion) without removing the entire top? Also, have any unique wear issues resulted for those that did the conversion.
I am interested in your experience on this, and if you still feel that converting the frame is a better alternative that purchasing an 2002+ frame (gasp!)
How is the conversion working after a year or so? Do you think the elastic straps are going to be a problem, like the front ones have been? Do you think that it would be relatively easy to change the rear elastics (the ones for the conversion) without removing the entire top? Also, have any unique wear issues resulted for those that did the conversion.
I am interested in your experience on this, and if you still feel that converting the frame is a better alternative that purchasing an 2002+ frame (gasp!)
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Anaheim, CA
Here is my experience with the swap...
The first time I did the install, I swapped on a '04 soft-top onto my '00 frame. In the DIY write-up they recommend you double up the elastic straps that way they won't wear out as fast, but if they do wear out it would not be very hard to cut them off and replace them again with the top still on the frame. Of course it will be a little more difficult but it's possible.
After I got my hardtop I took out my frame and sold the new soft-top. Then I sold my hardtop and needed to buy a whole new frame and soft-top. Luckily I found a local member selling his whole top [soft-top,frame, and motors] for $1100. So, the second time I did the install I swapped in a complete '02 frame and soft-top into my '00 and everything fit perfectly. There are a lot more interior parts that need to be uninstalled, but I found it easier to install the frame on the car with the soft-top already connected than installing the new top onto an old frame connected to the car. If that makes any sense...haha
I didn't have my first retro-fit for very long so i can't really comment on the longevity, but I'm sure if you use good straps and support them properly it will hold up just fine.
If you haven't already bought a new soft-top, I would try to find a board member selling his complete top with the frame and everything. Hardtopguy has the black soft-top for $800 shipped and most members sell their frames and soft-top for about $1000-$1200.
The first time I did the install, I swapped on a '04 soft-top onto my '00 frame. In the DIY write-up they recommend you double up the elastic straps that way they won't wear out as fast, but if they do wear out it would not be very hard to cut them off and replace them again with the top still on the frame. Of course it will be a little more difficult but it's possible.
After I got my hardtop I took out my frame and sold the new soft-top. Then I sold my hardtop and needed to buy a whole new frame and soft-top. Luckily I found a local member selling his whole top [soft-top,frame, and motors] for $1100. So, the second time I did the install I swapped in a complete '02 frame and soft-top into my '00 and everything fit perfectly. There are a lot more interior parts that need to be uninstalled, but I found it easier to install the frame on the car with the soft-top already connected than installing the new top onto an old frame connected to the car. If that makes any sense...haha
I didn't have my first retro-fit for very long so i can't really comment on the longevity, but I'm sure if you use good straps and support them properly it will hold up just fine.
If you haven't already bought a new soft-top, I would try to find a board member selling his complete top with the frame and everything. Hardtopguy has the black soft-top for $800 shipped and most members sell their frames and soft-top for about $1000-$1200.
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From: Sin City
I too am interested in this topic, as I plan on swapping my top within the next year. How easy is a DIY with a frame, is there drilling or cutting involved. i konw for just the top you have to drill some holes for the straps, is the frame install pretty "plug and play"
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From: Sin City
Originally Posted by HyperDimensions,Aug 6 2004, 12:26 PM
KLN, have you ever thought about connecting the rear defroster? I would like to connect the rear defroster to the hardtop's switch when I get my conversion done.
