Cart
Checkout Secure

Call us to order a book!

1-800-551-4754

Monday-Friday 8-4:30 CST

  • Image of Convertible Top Restoration and Installation
  • Image of Convertible Top Restoration and Installation

Convertible Top Restoration and Installation

Your Price:
$32.95
Availability: In Stock
Product Code: SA438
Quantity
 
Checkout Secure

Convertible Top Restoration and Installation

Your Price:
$32.95
Currently out of stock
There’s an old saying we've all heard before that goes "When the top goes down the price goes up." Of all the projects involved with the restoration of your collector car, few seem as challenging or confusing as addressing the convertible top. Due to aging and neglect, the hardware and fabric covering have led to some "not-so-nice conditions," making it difficult to find information addressing your specific model.

Fred Mattson, author of Automotive Upholstery and Interior Restoration, delivers this compilation on restoring and repairing convertible tops. Step-by-step photo sequencing walks you through convertible top applications for Corvettes, Ford retractable tops, scissors tops, manual tops, and power tops. Fred also addresses the weather seals, well liners, hydraulic/electrical systems, adjustments, materials, and pads. No other book ever produced on convertible tops goes into this much depth of coverage.

With this book you will be guided through the convertible top repair/restoration process in an easy-to-read how-to format, so there should be no reason to fear taking your drop top out with the threat of rain. Convertible Top Restoration and Installation will be the one tool that will show you how important a well-sorted top restoration is, not only for practical reasons, such as staying dry, but for cosmetic reasons as well.rn

Your links and content here....
There’s an old saying we've all heard before that goes "When the top goes down the price goes up." Of all the projects involved with the restoration of your collector car, few seem as challenging or confusing as addressing the convertible top. Due to aging and neglect, the hardware and fabric covering have led to some "not-so-nice conditions," making it difficult to find information addressing your specific model.

Fred Mattson, author of Automotive Upholstery and Interior Restoration, delivers this compilation on restoring and repairing convertible tops. Step-by-step photo sequencing walks you through convertible top applications for Corvettes, Ford retractable tops, scissors tops, manual tops, and power tops. Fred also addresses the weather seals, well liners, hydraulic/electrical systems, adjustments, materials, and pads. No other book ever produced on convertible tops goes into this much depth of coverage.

With this book you will be guided through the convertible top repair/restoration process in an easy-to-read how-to format, so there should be no reason to fear taking your drop top out with the threat of rain. Convertible Top Restoration and Installation will be the one tool that will show you how important a well-sorted top restoration is, not only for practical reasons, such as staying dry, but for cosmetic reasons as well.rn

Pages : 176
Size : 8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format : Paperback / softback
Illustrations : 604 color photos
Publisher : CarTech
ISBN : 9781613254462
Product Code : SA438

Acknowldgments 

Preface 

Introduction 

 

Chapter 1: Evolution of the Convertible Top 

Early Top Frames 

Enclosed Cabs 

Folding Tops 

Modern Innovations 

Convertible Top Components 

 

Chapter 2: Tools

Specialty Tools 

Rivet Tools 

 

Chapter 3: Suppliers of Convertible Top Parts 

The Haartz Corporation 

Hydro-E-Lectric 

Electron Top 

Metro Moulded Parts 

Al Knoch Interiors 

Kee Auto Top 

TopsOnline.com 

Convertible Service 

Online Searches 

 

Chapter 4: Open Cars 

Bolt-On Accessories 

The Windshield 

The BopTop 

Carson Tops 

 

Chapter 5: The Corvette 

What Makes a One-Piece Top? 

Variations 

Top Removal 

Bow Measurement 

Top Pad Removal 

Inspecting the Frame 

Top Frame Adjustment 

Clean and Paint 

Top Latches 

Fitting a New Top 

Prep the Top 

Attach the Top 

The Finished Top 

 

Chapter 6: Retractable Tops 

Lowering the Top 

Retractable Soft Top 

Troubleshooting 

Old Top Removal 

Repair Damage 

Adjusting the Frame 

Installing the Top 

Clean Up 

 

Chapter 7: The Scissor Top 

Replacing a Scissor Top 

Getting Started 

Disassembly 

Rear Assembly Removal 

Removing the Old Top 

Servicing the Frame 

Installing the New Top and Components

Fitting the New Top 

The Finished Top 

 

Chapter 8: Two-Piece Tops 

Verify Correct Elements 

Protect the Car 

Disassembly 

Make Repairs 

Installation 

Attach the Rear Curtain 

Fitting the Top 

Weather Seal 

Installing the Top 

 

Chapter 9: Scratch-Built Convertible Top

Prep the Frame 

Adjust the Top Frame 

Measure for Materials 

Pads 

Rear Curtain 

Top Lay Out 

Sizing the Deck 

Sewing 

Window Opening 

Binding 

Pre-Fit 

Hidden Fasteners 

Wire-On 

Tension Cable 

Front Weather Seal 

 

Chapter 10: Restoration Repairs 

Tacking Strip 

Rear Tack Rail 

Rear Bow 

Header Bow 

Aluminum Bow Repair 

Adding Tack Strip 

Third Bow Repair 

Painting the Frame 

Frame Adjustment 

Weather Seal Adjustment 

Stapling 

 

Chapter 11: Power-Top Systems 

Hydroelectric Pumps 

Hydraulic Cylinders 

Hoses 

Servicing the System 

Replacing Components 

Fitting the New Components 

Connecting the Cylinders 

 

Chapter 12: Taking Care of Your Convertible Top 

General Care of the Top 

Biannual Inspection 

Cleaning 

Protecting a Vinyl Top 

Protecting a Fabric Top 

 

Glossary 

Source Guide 

Convertible Top Restoration and Installation

$32.95

Added to cart!
Note our Christmas Delivery Deadlines! You must choose UPS Ground to help ensure your order arrives before Christmas. Our warehouse is closed Good Friday, March 29. Any orders placed after 10 am (CST) March 28 will not ship until Monday, April 1. You Have Achieved Free Shipping