95toplesscutty Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Hello all. I searched and only found the one sticky about top replacement. It is nice and comprehensive, however it really doesn't give a "how to". Anybody replaced one themselves before? What should I look out for? Secondly, I am planning on replacing my turn signal switch in the next day or so. Has anyone done this job? What should I look out for? Basically I am looking to make these tasks as easy as possible... any and all help is appreciated! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Haven't replaced my top---yet, but the time is drawing near. I have replaced the turn signal switch...keep in mind, there's more than one switch, depending on whether or not you have steering wheel controls...and you'll need a lock plate compressor, and a steering wheel puller, both can be rented for free from Autozone. Here's a link to my replacement job I did last year. http://www.w-body.com/showthread.php/76204-Bad-Turn-Sigal-Switch?highlight=turn+signal+switch http://www.w-body.com/showthread.php/76204-Bad-Turn-Sigal-Switch?highlight=turn+signal+switch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Thanks a lot galaxie! I really appreciate that link! Now all I need is a write up on the top replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bg35765 Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 I replaced my top this summer. A few years ago I bought an Oldsmobile dealership training video/manual on convertible tops on ebay. That helped a lot as I kept going back into the house and watching clips of the video and looking at the pictures in the book. The video will tell you to throw away the header gasket, but don't do that! You can't find them anywhere. So you need to take that off very, very slowly so that the rubber doesn't rip. I pried it out of the channel it was in about 1/8 of an inch at a time with a flat screwdriver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Any chance you still have that video? and can upload it here. I don't have a `Vert (yet) but I`d be interested in seeing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Same here...I really should replace mine this summer, and funds due to my medical issues mean I'll have to do it myself, so I'd love to see the video! Any chance you still have that video? and can upload it here. I don't have a `Vert (yet) but I`d be interested in seeing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILoveSun Posted February 6, 2014 Report Share Posted February 6, 2014 I just had my top replaced two weeks ago, and after seeing what it involved, there is NO way I would attempt it, and I've done some interior work in the past. Labor was $600. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted February 6, 2014 Report Share Posted February 6, 2014 Matthews is a reasonable drive from Knoxville...I may talk to you about your experience, average cost around here is $1000.00 minimum just for the labor. I just had my top replaced two weeks ago, and after seeing what it involved, there is NO way I would attempt it, and I've done some interior work in the past. Labor was $600. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 I have ordered a new top and rear window from the convertible top guys website. I bought a package deal that comes with black top, glass rear window, tension cables, padding, staples, glue, and an installation guide. I do not know how detailed it is but I will let everyone know when it gets here. Also I have replaced my turn signal switch using that link provided by galaxie! It was perfect! Only nerve racking part was pulling the multifunction lever out... I thought I was gonna break it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 Glad that info helped....that's why we're here... If you don't mind me asking, how much did the top stuff cost? I'd be interested in hearing your impressions of the quality of the stuff, once you get it. I have ordered a new top and rear window from the convertible top guys website. I bought a package deal that comes with black top, glass rear window, tension cables, padding, staples, glue, and an installation guide. I do not know how detailed it is but I will let everyone know when it gets here. Also I have replaced my turn signal switch using that link provided by galaxie! It was perfect! Only nerve racking part was pulling the multifunction lever out... I thought I was gonna break it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2014 Its no problem. I paid just under 500 bucks for everything. They called me yesterday and asked me what color I want the headliner around the rear window. I am hoping it arrives quickly, I intend on doing a write for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILoveSun Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Matthews is a reasonable drive from Knoxville...I may talk to you about your experience, average cost around here is $1000.00 minimum just for the labor. Knoxville is where I met the guy that I bought mine from. Unfortunately, he was less than honest about the work he had supposedly done to mine. Regardless, I finally seem to have it sorted mechanically now. It's a small shop and they have two people, sometimes just the one. I dropped mine off Wed night so they could start early Thursday, with the idea I'd get it back by close of business Friday. In his defense, he had a family emergency so I didn't get it back until Sat after lunch. It is listed as a 14 hour job though. Peterson's Upholstery in Indian Trail, NC, 704-821-6135...Ask for Hairy and tell him I sent you. He did a great job! It's about 10 - 15 min from Matthews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bg35765 Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I do still have the video and I have intended to convert it to digital format. But it is a VHS tape, so that doesn't make it easy. But mostly I haven't gotten around to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armybarlow Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 I would be interested in buying a copy of that video if u can get it converted. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOHCx3 Posted February 15, 2014 Report Share Posted February 15, 2014 Do you have anyway to make a copy the.tape. I still have an old vhs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2014 Ok everyone, I am pretty far in to replacing my top, so far all has gone pretty well! Old top is off and one side of the padding is off... had to stop for the night. One small problem I ran in to was I broke the passenger side trim panel beneath the glass that covers all the staples. I did not realize it was bolted on... anyone have one? Preferably in dark green? The trim piece around third brake light would be nice too, but not necessary. Rear window was busted out and prev. Owner taped to this and about ruined it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Ok everyone, my top is done. It came out good! I have a book that I got when I ordered my top that walked me through the replacement process step by tedious step... in the end I have a sweet new top for less than half the cost of most shops! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94 olds vert Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Looks like you did a good job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DOHCx3 Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Nice job! Is there anyway you can make a copy of that book? It would be nice to look at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95cutlass Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Looks great, nice work! I have to replace mine withing a year or two, I use it often in summer so it is wearing on the drivers side and almost has a hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I have two books. One oldsmobile put out in 19490 that I got off e bay and it was really helpful. The one that I got with my top I would be willing to ship to someone who has the capability to mass copy/produce it for anyone that wants on. The other book I can make copies of and send the copies with the other book to whoever can make the copies and everyone can be able to replace their tops! Save at least a thousand dollars! Any takers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95toplesscutty Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 *1990* Sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I could scan the book you got with the top, but I wouldn't know where to host it as a link. It would just be a how to here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I have a machine here that plays VHS, and has a DVD recorder, that should do it.. Do you have anyway to make a copy the.tape. I still have an old vhs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John M Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 I have the capability to copy VHS tapes. They are easy if not copy protected. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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