Broken convertible rack

jesseover91 · Jan 24, 2013

Anyone have any luck replacing parts on the rack, or do I need to start over with a rack swap. I found a rack near me, but I also have a friend who is an aluminum welder. Problem I am having is that I would need to dismantle the rack and take the broken piece off to be welded. See photo.
I really do not want to take on the challenge of replacing the rack--seems like a beast of a job.

Onefine88 · Jan 24, 2013

Yeah that's broke. I'm not a welder so I have no idea if that can be repaired or not. I don't think it can be, and noone makes parts either.

About 5 yrs ago I bought a real nice used frame to replace a broken one on my '87 vert that I was working on. Then, I found a deal on a complete top/frame assembly from a wrecked car. I ended up buying it and installed it instead.

Anyway, I never used the frame. If you need it let me know. I'll make you a great deal to get it out of my barn. LOL

cdurbin · Jan 24, 2013

You might get lucky and pick one up at a salvage yard. I've seen a few locally.
You would still have some assembly involved either way.
Good luck

jesseover91 · Jan 24, 2013

Well shoot. Guess I will have to bite the bullet on this one. I have a guy with a rack only 90 minutes away from me. I just don't want to replace the thing, seems tough. For me working on cars is only fun when it goes faster or handles better afterwards. Oh well, it'll be quieter at least. Thanks guys.

jesseover91 · Jan 24, 2013

Any thoughts on a company that sells a good top? American Muscle has one that seem priced pretty low at $160. Are not all tops created equal?

jcgafford · Jan 24, 2013

jesseover91 said:
Any thoughts on a company that sells a good top? American Muscle has one that seem priced pretty low at $160. Are not all tops created equal?

no, not all tops are created equally. saw a guy remove a top from a 91 in the salvage yard in less than an hour... it can be done. i would replace it rather than repair. welding moving parts such as this would worry me, and when it breaks again you might not find access to a used one.

here: http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/ET-CTK2-BLK/1991-92-Mustang-Black-Convertible-Top-Kit

jesseover91 · Jan 24, 2013

OK. That price seems around more what I would expect. The top that is on the car now does not seem to fit well, at least not perfect. Thanks for the tip jc.

jcgafford · Jan 24, 2013

jesseover91 said:
OK. That price seems around more what I would expect. The top that is on the car now does not seem to fit well, at least not perfect. Thanks for the tip jc.

yeah, a new top is one of the last items i have to replace before putting mine on the road. i have looked at alot of them online and some done locally. alot of them come with that ugly non oem "line" across the back with the silver "buckles" on it. look terrible in my opinion. the link i added is the best one i can find and is the closest i could come to oem. talked to alot of body guys too, their advice was to buy it and have it professionally installed. say it is a real pita.

jesseover91 · Jan 24, 2013

Yeah, honestly installing this whole rack and top scares me. Seems like a real back breaker. I am good with motor, brake and suspension. But cosmetics and the like...NO thanks

jesseover91 · Jan 24, 2013

jesseover91 said:
Yeah, honestly installing this whole rack and top scares me. Seems like a real back breaker. I am good with motor, brake and suspension. But cosmetics and the like...NO thanks

Actually, installing the rack itself does seem THAT bad, but the top scares me .lol

jcgafford · Jan 25, 2013

jesseover91 said:
Actually, installing the rack itself does seem THAT bad, but the top scares me .lol

right, the rack itself is easy. but that top... i would rather pay or at least have someone with me that does them all the time. it is kind of an important piece.

Onefine88 · Jan 25, 2013

There's alot of skill and experience needed in replacing the vinyl top itself. Thats why you can purchase replacement vinyl for around $400 but it costs $1000 or more to have it done by a professional.
As I mentioned above, a complete rack/top swap is somewhat simple, but when it needs new vinyl I pay a professional.

Good Luck

jesseover91 · Jan 26, 2013

89SSC18 said:
There's alot of skill and experience needed in replacing the vinyl top itself. Thats why you can purchase replacement vinyl for around $400 but it costs $1000 or more to have it done by a professional.
As I mentioned above, a complete rack/top swap is somewhat simple, but when it needs new vinyl I pay a professional.

Good Luck

$1000 to have the work done!!? Seriously? Holy ake. That is insane. Looking like a better option to give it a go myself.

Onefine88 · Jan 26, 2013

Typical vert top replacement is $1200 around here. I paid $800 ten years ago to have my top replaced on my '88.

88vert5oh · Jan 27, 2013

Replacing a top isn't all that hard,just don't rush it and take your time.My buddy bought a 4cyl vert for his daughter,the top was toast,...got a top from LMR,neither of us had any experience with upholstery except spilling stuff on it.

We did it in a tight spaced garage in the winter,used a jet heater to heat the garage above 70,it was a little intimidating once we got the old top off I was like wtf did we get into.

The only key factor to doing this yourself is time...take your time,and do not put the top down when you are finished....resists that urge at all costs.We did it on a weekend and he ran the space heater on and off for a week then all weekend long the following weekend before he put it down.

No issues,I'm doing mine this spring and look forward to it.

jesseover91 · Jan 28, 2013

88vert5oh said:
Replacing a top isn't all that hard,just don't rush it and take your time.My buddy bought a 4cyl vert for his daughter,the top was toast,...got a top from LMR,neither of us had any experience with upholstery except spilling stuff on it.

We did it in a tight spaced garage in the winter,used a jet heater to heat the garage above 70,it was a little intimidating once we got the old top off I was like wtf did we get into.

The only key factor to doing this yourself is time...take your time,and do not put the top down when you are finished....resists that urge at all costs.We did it on a weekend and he ran the space heater on and off for a week then all weekend long the following weekend before he put it down.

No issues,I'm doing mine this spring and look forward to it.

Do not put the top down? Does it need to set or something? And about the temperature. Does the temp need to be above a particular degree to allow the material to relax and stretch or something?

88vert5oh · Jan 29, 2013

jesseover91 said:
Do not put the top down? Does it need to set or something? And about the temperature. Does the temp need to be above a particular degree to allow the material to relax and stretch or something?

Yes,exactly .....we kept the garage at 75ish for a couple of days....then let it settle for a day under colder temps(40*)..before heating it back up to 70ish.

That's how we did it and it worked perfect ,neither of us ever did a top before we called around and asked a few questions.

Vinyl expands and retracts to temperature,there has a few threads over the years of guys putting down thier top in cold garage to work on something and went to put it up and couldn't latch it shut because it shrunk so to speak.

jcgafford · Jan 29, 2013

why not wait till warm weather?

88vert5oh · Jan 29, 2013

You can do that too...but you still will want to wait a few days+ or so.

If you live in the snow belt and a vert owner....working on your car in the winter is the best time.

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