We estimated six to eight hours to repairthe existing bow not unlike the many we had repaired over the years priorto this replacement part's availability. A new bow cost approximately $300.00and requires three or four hours for installation since their fit is notas good as one might expect. Since therust was isolated we weighed the cost factors involved in replacing thefront bow as compared with its repair. The only explanation wecould surmize was that the top had been replaced once before many yearsago and the fabric wrapped around the front bow had been trimmed short,exposing a surface that we find typically covered by fabric. In fact the entireframe of the car was in much better condition. We were very surprised to find the extent of ruston the front bow as we did on this particular Corvette. Before changing pads and straps we must repair the existing front bow rot. The top padsand adjacent straps are replaced one at a time so as not to disturb existingtop bow alignment. The old top isthen removed exposing the top pads ( ill.7). The quick way to remove the side verticalweatherstrip is done using a single edge razor blade to slice the top materialfacilitating easy access to the weatherstrip stud nuts ( ill.6).There are three nuts and washers that need to be removed. The top is then fastened only by the sideverticle weatherstrip studs. Removethe front fabric molding staples, then the top fabric wrap aroundstaples( ill.5). Special tools needed: You'll need regular pliers, needle nose pliers, punch, single edged razor blade, screw drivers, small wrenches, and strong hands. We have to faceour customers after the installation and live with our mail order customershopefully for a very long time.Įarly Convertible Top Installation And Glass Retrofit. We have always carried only the best quality tops. Unfortunately not all tops are createdequal. Unfortunately these tops get tougher toinstall as the cars further age and the need for quality workmanship increaseswith the increasing value of the cars.

We hope the reader is not overwelmed and discouraged bythe excessive detail provided. Wealso included our tricks learned as a result of replacing many tops sincethe early 70's. In doing so we also encounteredsome real life rust and worn parts that had to be resolved as well. We haveprovided a very detailed step by step procedure in the following two pagesof text and graphics to guide the reader. This is a relatively easy top to install. Some of key features include heat sealed plastic window, a more advanced method of bonding the window to the top. It's richer look and feel and quieter ride will make your Corvette look better than new.

Convertible top for your 1961-1962 Chevrolet Corvette made from Haartz Stayfast Cloth. Download complete Corvette diagrams and catalogs. We specialize in restoration of C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 & C6 Corvettes.

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1958 corvette soft top installation