With 1 week in direct sunlight, tops should be stretched enough (at least in the Carolina's one week is enough). If anyone in the Carolina's or Virginia is interested in having a top installed, please feel free to PM or email me (TPhongprija@yahoo.com).

 

I've read some conflicting things. Obviously in this DIY, he has taken apart a lot of the interior but I've read other posts say that all you need to take out is your tray and your seats for better leverage. What is exactly required to take out and what is optional?

 

I just finished this job on My '04 using this post as a tutorial. Lot'sa time but well worth it. The pics and description are spot on. Thank you soooo much for taking the time to document and post this. Fantastic!!!!
Marcos

Ps: the top was very tight as mentioned by many folks. I used a heat gun to warm the top, concentrating on the seams, for aprox 5-10 minutes after which I was able to pull the top as well as use the motor and get it latched. Hope that helps someone out there.

 

Having just done this very job, I can tell you that it would be EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to do without removing roll bars. Removing them and reinstalling them is the least of the job time wise. However, if you're looking for an opportunity for cursing and groaning, bitching and moaning. why then, leave em in. All the other trim removal is needed to get the roll bars out of the way.

 

First, thank you op for making this diy, helped me a lot during the install.

I have one problem, my front corner flaps are not secured. I was wondering what you guys used to secure/seal them?

 

I assume you are talking about the header bow, if so, use contact cement. Worked for me on 40+ tops with no issues to date.

 

Just attempted this over the last weekend. It was a PITA but turned out great. Thanks for the awesome DIY!

 

I didn't need to remove the roll bars, I only removed the rear tray and the 3 rear pieces that kinda line the tray. If you remove the factory roll hoops DO NO REMOVE THE PLASTIC COVERINGS FROM THE ROLL HOOPS. THEY WILL NEVER GO BACK AND STAY FLUSH WITH EACH OTHER, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A GAP BETWEEN EACH HALF AND IT LOOKS TERRIBLE. Sorry happened to a friends car, and every time the top was it was the first thing you noticed.

 

Hard to say, since mine had a tear when I replaced it so I was used to the noise. I will reaffirm that the cloth looks sooooooo much nicer than the pvc/vinyl.

 

Can you share exactly what brand of contact cement you used?