Although a matter of debate, for us there is no better ride than one in a convertible. Whether cruising around town or flying up the interstate with the top down, it's easy to forget about the past workweek and enjoy the weekend-nothing but open road, blue skies, and sunshine. The down side is over the years, weather and improper care have left your convertible top with a less than stellar appearance. Many tops are in such bad shape the owners refuse to put them up, reducing drive time during the year. Let's face it-if there is even just a chance of rain and your top is in bad shape, are you going to go for a ride?
Such was the case of Dave and Amy Young's '68 B-Body. Recently purchased, the B-Body has been left to weather the elements, and a new top was the first of the repairs to be made.
We contacted Hydro-E-lectric, in Punta Gorda, Florida, to get our new top and back glass. Originally, the '68 came with a plastic rear window. It doesn't take much neglect for the plastic to form a yellowish tint, making it impossible to see through, so we opted for a glass rear window. Hydro-E-lectric supplies everything from top-lifting cylinders to hoses and latches. Convertible-top replacement is not a job for the faint of heart. It can be a trying task, but if you take your time and measure twice before you cut, it can be done. You'll need a friend's help (that way if something goes wrong, you have somebody to blame).
 Begin by unhooking the hydraulic...  Begin by unhooking the hydraulic cylinder from the top mechanism (arrow). This will allow you to lift the top halfway in order to get to the seals and perimeter tack strips. |  With the top half open, remove...  With the top half open, remove the side-window top seals and the metal strip that screws to the top frame and retains the top material. Begin by pulling the seals free, and then unscrew the metal seal retainers. |  After you remove the header...  After you remove the header seal, remove the screws that hold the retainer in place and remove it. This will enable you to see where the front of the top is glued to the frame. |
 Here is the side-window seal...  Here is the side-window seal retainer being removed. |  Remove the chrome end caps...  Remove the chrome end caps on the roof welting that runs from side to side, and then remove the welting. |  Next, remove the header seal...  Next, remove the header seal by sliding it out of the retainer. No, this isn't a special effect; Emo is just so quick he's a blur. |
 After you remove the retainer,...  After you remove the retainer, peel the top material from the framework. |  Next, start by removing the...  Next, start by removing the top material from the header, as Emo did, and work your way back. |  Following Emo's example, after...  Following Emo's example, after you work the top loose from the metal framework, remove the rear window panel. This piece of the top is made from a separate panel and attaches individually at the top of the last bow with staples. |