[merlemac]

Originally Posted by Hunter98TA

I redid all of the interior of my 71 LeMans but when it came time for the convert top I said NO WAY!
I did some quick reading in various books that outlined the procedure and for me it was out of my league.

Unless you find a person in a shop that wants to make some side money and assist you....I would leave that to a pro.

"A Man's got to know his limitations!"
Clint Eastwood

Hunter98TA - If you can redo an interior on your 71 LeMans, you should have no problem replacing your convertible top. It really wasn't that difficult. As with any restore job, it's all about patience and time....

[merlemac]

Originally Posted by 72Formula

Ross, wish I could help but that's not in my bag of tricks. Good luck! Let us know how it comes out.

Why do I have the feeling there will be a new entry in the resto blunder sticky? I could be wrong.

72Formula, It turned out great! The hardest part was adjusting the rear curtain and top on the rear trim stick. It took about 3 tries to get it adjusted.
Unfortunately, we won't have a new entry in the resto blunder sticky. You're wrong.

[merlemac]

Originally Posted by rexus31

Buy two tops. When you screw up on the first one you'll have a back up. Why not leave it to the pros that do them every day? IMO, you'll wind up spending more in the long run doing it yourself. I understand the appeal of saying you did it yourself but some things are better left to those that have countless hours experience.

Rexus31 - Well, I won't have to buy two tops. I got the first one on. I didn't screw it up and won't need a back up. IMO, I didn't spend too much time on it and learned along the way. It wasn't rocket science (maybe for some....)
Now I can help others.

[merlemac]

[QUOTE=valkyrie9901;4061843]" OH SH!T" After an experienced restorer screwed up a customer's car trying to do his first convertible top.....JB. [/QUOTE

He must have been a really experienced restorer but never did a top ????

[72pontiac]

where are the pictures ? i had a 70 bonneville two door hardtop in 1985-88

[merlemac]

Pictures coming tomorrow..... (waited to long, too dark tonight)

[saltman 1965]

Congrats Ross! Did have to paint or detail the frame?

[72Formula]

Originally Posted by merlemac

72Formula, It turned out great! The hardest part was adjusting the rear curtain and top on the rear trim stick. It took about 3 tries to get it adjusted.
Unfortunately, we won't have a new entry in the resto blunder sticky. You're wrong.

Excellent! So seldom do we feel good and admit we were wrong, all at the same time. The feather for your cap is in the mail.

[valkyrie9901]

It looks like this post would be the right one from me........."If you have the tools and mechanical knowhow to do it,have at it.I am friends with several restorers and bodyshops that do everything on the cars,even stretch the vinyl tops.But when it comes to a convertible top,they won't touch one.If you do,log your progress and see if they will make it a "sticky".....Most restoration shops farm tops out as they can't charge for trial and error on many different models,not because it is from lack of knowledge. Glad things went O.K. for you.......JB.

[nedorama]

[QUOTE=merlemac;4095943]

Originally Posted by valkyrie9901

" OH SH!T" After an experienced restorer screwed up a customer's car trying to do his first convertible top.....JB. [/QUOTE

He must have been a really experienced restorer but never did a top ????

My body guy did the same thing. He does body work, paint all day long, but gets different tops from different cars (Hudson hornet convertible, mine, etc) so he farms it out and doesn't touch them. Found a good local guy and it was installed in 2 days, after I got all the parts, including a new tack strip rail, which had rotted completely out on mine.

[rexus31]

Originally Posted by merlemac

Rexus31 - Well, I won't have to buy two tops. I got the first one on. I didn't screw it up and won't need a back up. IMO, I didn't spend too much time on it and learned along the way. It wasn't rocket science (maybe for some....)
Now I can help others.

Awesome! Glad to hear it turned out okay.

[69Customs]

Way to go. That's what this hobby is all about! DIY!

[merlemac]

Here are the pics of the 70' Bonneville with a NEW top that I did.
The hardest part was time and patience.
For all you skeptics, YES, you can do it yourself. Read, read, and read any and all info on replacing a top.
Enjoy !

Ross

[merlemac]

Originally Posted by saltman 1965

Congrats Ross! Did have to paint or detail the frame?

Yes, I had to touch up the front but the middle and back were in excellent shape, just a little dirty from forty years of build up.

[steve v]

Looks like it came out great Ross! Does this mean it's ready for the Christmas parade?

[merlemac]

Originally Posted by steve v

Looks like it came out great Ross! Does this mean it's ready for the Christmas parade?

Since most members don't like to drive their Pontiacs, we have outlawed any parades.

[69Customs]

Super Job!! Since its a white top did you wear gloves when putting it on to keep from getting Skin oil, finger prints, dirt, etc., on it?

[merlemac]

Yes, tried to wear gloves most of the time. I don't think I made any smears.
When I was transferring marks, it was hard to keep the old top from messing up the new top. The old top was nasty, especially the parts you don't see. Forty years of grime and build up.

[69Customs]

Turned out nice! I've done black tops but am a little skeptical of the white tops. But you proved it can be done!


Keep up the good work.