fixing up an ugly, beat up car

The convertible top you have in place now is starting to look pretty ratty, so you know replacement is in your near future. If you are like a lot of convertible owners, you will research a little and decide this is a project you can do on your own. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about convertible top replacement that you need to know before you get started. Otherwise, you could end up halfway through a major project you are overwhelmed by.

Misconception: Installing a convertible top is a simple, straightforward process. 

Fact: There is a good reason why most people just hire a professional body mechanic to replace a convertible top: it is a highly complex job that requires many different steps to accomplish. This is a fact that you would never guess by looking. However, from keeping the top supported during installation because of its heft to making sure the sections overlap precisely, there is a lot of room for error and a lot of small details to be considered.

Misconception: Installing a convertible top doesn't usually take a lot of tools or materials. 

Fact: You might have your basic toolbox and assume that you have all you need for this project, but you will probably gain a lot of new tools and materials during a convertible top installation that you would never dream you would need. A few examples include: 

• carburetor cleaner to remove old adhesives
• wooden planks for support
• flat steel anvil to weigh down folds during installation
• silicone sealer for finishing
• threadlockers for hardware installation

Misconception: You can usually finish the project within a few hours.

Fact: Removing an old convertible top and replacing it is a project that you should fully expect to take a few days to complete. Just removing the old top and all of its already existing components is a process that can take several hours because you will spend a lot of time removing old adhesives and sealers to ensure the new top goes in place properly. Besides, once you have replaced the top with a new version and added new adhesives and sealers, you will need to wait several hours for everything to dry. 

In the end, installing a convertible top can be a trying feat even if you have prior experience. If you would like to know more about convertible top installation, talk to an auto body professional at a location such as Fred's Auto Interiors for advice.