Convertible Top Installment - Automotive Plastic Surgery

Excess material is trimmed off with scissors, and the installation is almost complete.

The rear bow is where everything comes together. The top is made with extra material here, so the top is pulled together and stapled in place.

With the top down, the boot cover really gives the car a finished look.

With the top affixed in place, the molding and weatherstripping can be reinstalled. Rather than put our used parts back in, we purchased new weatherstripping from Paddock Parts to ensure a good seal at the side windows and front bow.

With the top down, the boot cover can be marked and punched, and the snaps installed with the tool provided in the Paddock top kit. Now that this step is finished, we can finally call the job complete.

The new top should be kept in the up position for 5-10 days, and left in sunlight as much as possible to stretch properly. Emo says if kept clean and parked inside, convertible tops should last 5 to 7 years in moderate climates. We think the new top looks great and we're happy we can finally drive our Barracuda without worrying about getting caught in the rain!

The well liner is held in place by the back seat at its forward edge, and snaps into place onto the rear tack-strip around the sides to seal off the trunk compartment.