Used convertible top?

[mikestang63]

The top on my 90 needs replacement. I found almost a brand new top that has new pads, springs and hardware on an 83 in a local U Pull it for $60. My only concern is I've heard tops stretch to the individual car and if I try and swap it to my car it may fit and look like crap.

Was wondering if anyone has done this and if it is worth saving the $150 or just get a new one.

 

[91TwighlightGT]

This is just one of those things I would always go new on, especially if you care about the car. $150 in the big scheme of things isn't that much to make sure it is right.

 

[Onefine88]

I bought and unbolted the entire top assembly from a wrecked '91 and installed it on my '87. After some fine tuning and adjustments it turned out great.
I paid $200 and it was in perfect shape.
If its in good shape, go for it!

 

[mikestang63]

I bought and unbolted the entire top assembly from a wrecked '91 and installed it on my '87. After some fine tuning and adjustments it turned out great.
I paid $200 and it was in perfect shape.
If its in good shape, go for it!

I thought 83-90 tops were different than 91-93? That is what all of the top manufacturers show. In 35 years of working on cars, I've never removed or installed a top. My biggest feat is getting the front of the top off of the one in the junkyard without ruining it. I assume it is stapled on in the front and bolted on at the rear.

 

[gearheadboy]

The only way I would do it would be like stated by 89ssc18, exchange the whole top stack. And don't go tearing out your top stack to replace it if you don't feel comfortable about adjusting it out to seal and function properly.

 

[Ozz]

Considering the cost of the install, I'd just go with a new one. You do not want to have to deal with a snafu.

 

[mikestang63]

I've rebuilt everything on a car except messed with the tops. If I were going to do this, I would pull the top with the bows and the frame and then just unbolt the old one and swap them out with the pads and cables in place. The determining factor will be the price of the install. I've had a guy quote me $600 for new top installed including the top and pads he has laying around the shop. Was thinking if I get this top and frame for $100 and he charges even $200 for the install I save $300.

It seems pretty straight forward. Unbolt the top from the back well, unbolt the frame, disconnect a few cotter pins for the frame arms, and unbolt the guide cables. I'll leave the top secured to all the frame and the front bow.

 

[gearheadboy]

There is a ton of adjustment is all I'm saying.

 

[Onefine88]

I thought 83-90 tops were different than 91-93? That is what all of the top manufacturers show. In 35 years of working on cars, I've never removed or installed a top. My biggest feat is getting the front of the top off of the one in the junkyard without ruining it. I assume it is stapled on in the front and bolted on at the rear.

The only difference is the height of the entire stack when with top is down. The '90-93 tops go down slightly lower , more compact than the early tops. Other than that it'll bolt right on.
If you use a boot when the top is down, it will be a little loose due to the fact that the top closed more compact. I use my boots all the time on my verts and it really wasn't a problem.

When I did it, I used my original hydraulics and equipment. All I swapped was the top and frame assembly.

Seems hard but it isn't that hard folks. It just takes time and you can do it.


Good Luck.

 

[Onefine88]

There is a ton of adjustment is all I'm saying.

Thats a good thing!

 

[gearheadboy]

Thats a good thing!

It is a great thing but can be overwhelming. I have adjusted some. I once had a very good upholstery shop owner tell me NEVER move the adjustments and if I did, mark them first for point of reference.