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Convertible Top Installment - Automotive Plastic Surgery

Convertible Top Replacement Drill
The new top is stapled to... 
   
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Convertible Top Replacement Drill
The new top is stapled to a tack-strip at the rear bow, and our original tack-strip was in pretty bad shape. Fortunately Emo stocks this item for most popular cars and had it replaced in minutes.
Convertible Top Replacement Pads
While the top itself is only... 
   
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Convertible Top Replacement Pads
While the top itself is only attached to the front and rear bows, allowing it to fold, the pad is attached to all the bows and protects the new top on the bottom side.
Convertible Top Replacement Top Models
Convertible Top Replacement Measure Top
Convertible Top Replacement Tack Strip
With the tack-strip in place,... 
   
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Convertible Top Replacement Tack Strip
With the tack-strip in place, Emo begins the top installation with the rear window panel. Since the rear bow determines the position of the window and the top, its position must be determined.
Convertible Top Replacement Tape Hold
Rear bow position can be determined... 
   
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Convertible Top Replacement Tape Hold
Rear bow position can be determined simply by where the old top was, if the old top is still on the car. Since ours wasn't, Emo looked up the dimension in a manual, then measured and used tape to hold our rear bow in the proper position.
Convertible Top Replacement Staples
At the rear, the window panel... 
   
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Convertible Top Replacement Staples
At the rear, the window panel and top are held in place by more tack-strips, which bolt into the car. To begin the installation, Emo finds the center of the window panel and lines it up with the center of the tack-strip, then temporarily staples it in place.
Convertible Top Replacement Measuring Tape
Convertible Top Replacement Sew Fabric
Some convertible top kits... 
   
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Convertible Top Replacement Sew Fabric
Some convertible top kits come with pads, and some don't. Since ours weren't included, Emo fabricated some from material he had at his shop.

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