For those people that own a convertible there is nothing as cool as driving around as the sun sets with the top down and the wind blowing through your hair. Sadly though they are subject to rain and other natural elements that slowly break them down and wear them out. Luckily convertible top replacement is something almost anybody with some time and a few tools can do over a weekend.
Replacing the top may seem like a difficult task for somebody who has not done anything like this before. However, by following some fundamental steps the entire process will be much easier. Before beginning you should try talking to your family or friends to see if they could possibly help you out. Also remember that this is only a simple overview of the process.
Most people start by deciding what type of top they need. This is as simple as knowing what kind of car you have. Order a replacement and in a few days to a week it should arrive in your mailbox. While waiting, clean up your car out and see if the windows can be removed. If they can remove them so they are out to put in the new top.
The tools you will generally require are some open ended wrenches a set of sockets and a ratchet. It is also important to have a utility knife, painters five way scraper, needle nose pliers and some upholstery glue. To attach the vinyl top to the metal frame requires an air compressor and staple gun. These two items can generally be rented from several hardware stores.
Using the needle nose pliers and 5 way scraper remove the staples holding the old top together. Make sure all the windows are out. Clean up the metal parts with some steel wool or emery cloth. While it is off, take a few moments to put some graphite lubricant on any metal parts that pivot on each other.
The air compressor and the staple gun are used for attaching the back curtain to the top's tacking strips. It is often best if two people work together for this. One can stretch the fabric out, pulling it tight while the other person staples it down. If you see a sag, it is easy to remove the staples to adjust it again before setting and re-stapling it.
If you have new vinyl windows install them now. If you are using the old ones that are plastic, install them. Take a close look at your work and make sure there are no sags. Many times it is best to open and close the top several times to loosen it up to get a good idea of how it is setting on the metal frame.
Realistically, with some help from a friend or two doing a convertible top replacement really should not take very long. Enjoy the pride you will feel knowing that you installed it yourself while saving money in the process. With luck your helpers will be around to assist with clean up too.
Replacing the top may seem like a difficult task for somebody who has not done anything like this before. However, by following some fundamental steps the entire process will be much easier. Before beginning you should try talking to your family or friends to see if they could possibly help you out. Also remember that this is only a simple overview of the process.
Most people start by deciding what type of top they need. This is as simple as knowing what kind of car you have. Order a replacement and in a few days to a week it should arrive in your mailbox. While waiting, clean up your car out and see if the windows can be removed. If they can remove them so they are out to put in the new top.
The tools you will generally require are some open ended wrenches a set of sockets and a ratchet. It is also important to have a utility knife, painters five way scraper, needle nose pliers and some upholstery glue. To attach the vinyl top to the metal frame requires an air compressor and staple gun. These two items can generally be rented from several hardware stores.
Using the needle nose pliers and 5 way scraper remove the staples holding the old top together. Make sure all the windows are out. Clean up the metal parts with some steel wool or emery cloth. While it is off, take a few moments to put some graphite lubricant on any metal parts that pivot on each other.
The air compressor and the staple gun are used for attaching the back curtain to the top's tacking strips. It is often best if two people work together for this. One can stretch the fabric out, pulling it tight while the other person staples it down. If you see a sag, it is easy to remove the staples to adjust it again before setting and re-stapling it.
If you have new vinyl windows install them now. If you are using the old ones that are plastic, install them. Take a close look at your work and make sure there are no sags. Many times it is best to open and close the top several times to loosen it up to get a good idea of how it is setting on the metal frame.
Realistically, with some help from a friend or two doing a convertible top replacement really should not take very long. Enjoy the pride you will feel knowing that you installed it yourself while saving money in the process. With luck your helpers will be around to assist with clean up too.
About the Author:
If your car is in need of a convertible top replacement in Seaford, check out this link to millersautoupholsteryseaford.com. To see all of the services provided by Miller's Auto Upholstery visit us today at http://millersautoupholsteryseaford.com.
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