Performing A Convertible Top Replacement Is Easier Than Most People Think
For those people that own a convertible there is nothing as cool as driving around as the sun sets with the top down and the wind blowing through your hair. Sadly though they are subject to rain and other natural elements that slowly break them down and wear them out. Luckily convertible top replacement is something almost anybody with some time and a few tools can do over a weekend.
Replacing a top can often seem hard to do for anyone who does not normally do work like this. By following these basic steps the complete process will become far easier. Before you start though you may want to speak with your friends and family to see if anyone could offer some assistance. Also keep in mind this is a general overview of the process.
Most people will begin by determining the type of top they require to replace. This is as basic as looking at the make and model of your car. Order your replacement top and wait for the mailman to deliver it. While you wait, clean the inside of your car and if you can take the windows out do so. This way they are set to go in your new top.
The basic tools you will need are a nice set of sockets, a ratchet and open end wrenches. It is also nice to have an upholstery glue ready and a sharp utility knife with needle-nose pliers and a painters 5 way scraper. To attach your top you should also have a small staple gun with a working air compressor for powering it. The final two items are often rented from a small hardware store.
Using your needle nose pliers with the scraper, remove any staples holding the old top to the metal frame. Make sure the windows have been removed. Clean all the metal parts with fresh steel wool and emery cloth. While the top is off, take a moment to apply some graphite lubricant to any metal parts that are pivoting on each other.
The air compressor and the staple gun are used for attaching the back curtain to the top's tacking strips. It is often best if two people work together for this. One can stretch the fabric out, pulling it tight while the other person staples it down. If you see a sag, it is easy to remove the staples to adjust it again before setting and re-stapling it.
If you have new vinyl windows install them now. If you are using the old ones that are plastic, install them. Take a close look at your work and make sure there are no sags. Many times it is best to open and close the top several times to loosen it up to get a good idea of how it is setting on the metal frame.
Generally with the assistance of a few friends your convertible top replacement should only take a weekend. Enjoy your pride that comes by realizing that you replaced it yourself and saved money doing it. Hopefully your buddies will hang out long enough to help you clean up too.
Replacing a top can often seem hard to do for anyone who does not normally do work like this. By following these basic steps the complete process will become far easier. Before you start though you may want to speak with your friends and family to see if anyone could offer some assistance. Also keep in mind this is a general overview of the process.
Most people will begin by determining the type of top they require to replace. This is as basic as looking at the make and model of your car. Order your replacement top and wait for the mailman to deliver it. While you wait, clean the inside of your car and if you can take the windows out do so. This way they are set to go in your new top.
The basic tools you will need are a nice set of sockets, a ratchet and open end wrenches. It is also nice to have an upholstery glue ready and a sharp utility knife with needle-nose pliers and a painters 5 way scraper. To attach your top you should also have a small staple gun with a working air compressor for powering it. The final two items are often rented from a small hardware store.
Using your needle nose pliers with the scraper, remove any staples holding the old top to the metal frame. Make sure the windows have been removed. Clean all the metal parts with fresh steel wool and emery cloth. While the top is off, take a moment to apply some graphite lubricant to any metal parts that are pivoting on each other.
The air compressor and the staple gun are used for attaching the back curtain to the top's tacking strips. It is often best if two people work together for this. One can stretch the fabric out, pulling it tight while the other person staples it down. If you see a sag, it is easy to remove the staples to adjust it again before setting and re-stapling it.
If you have new vinyl windows install them now. If you are using the old ones that are plastic, install them. Take a close look at your work and make sure there are no sags. Many times it is best to open and close the top several times to loosen it up to get a good idea of how it is setting on the metal frame.
Generally with the assistance of a few friends your convertible top replacement should only take a weekend. Enjoy your pride that comes by realizing that you replaced it yourself and saved money doing it. Hopefully your buddies will hang out long enough to help you clean up too.
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publié par Unknown @ 16:07
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