Going Topless: How to Replace a Convertible Top

Reattach the tack strips to the body.

The window panel has a centering mark at the top and aligns with a markon the rear top bow. Fold the main portion of the top back over thetrunk, exposing the top of the window panel. Attach the rear-windowpanel to the rear bow first.

After fastening the top of the window panel, lay the top out over theframe.

On the sides (sail panels), there is a flap that should be pulled aroundthe framework.

You should be able to pull the side-panel flap around the framework andhave no large wrinkles, but if you do have them, remove the tackstrip--with the top--from the body. Move the material slightly lower onthe tack strip to remove the wrinkles. Small wrinkles can be removedwith the careful use of a hair dryer or heat gun. Don't get the materialtoo tight, or the top will not go up when finished.

When you have the rear of the top properly attached, join the frameworkto the windshield, pull the top material taut, and mark the edge of theheader with a pencil. This mark will be crucial in the next step.

After you apply the contact cement to the header, raise the top a littlebit to apply the cement to the bottom side of the header, and fold thematerial over it. Without the mark, you won't know where to fold.

After you have reattached the tensioner wire, there is a flap thatattaches to the side of the top framework. This is only on the frontcouple inches of the top, near the header.

Reinstall the seal retainers.