Convertible Top

[terrywalker]

The convertible top on my Challenger was replaced over 35 years ago. To me, it appears to be showing it's age. For those of you convertible owners who have replaced your top,
which top manufacturer did you go with? Do you feel the quality was as good as the original top? I don't see many places offering to do top replacement anymore. Did you install it yourself or have a shop install it? Some companies also offer the top with the glass rear window like they came with. Do you feel the section with the glass window matches with the top? Any problems you are having with the top you purchased? Is it holding up well? Some companies offer the top with the cables, pads, and staple strips. I haven't had any problems with my cables(manual top). Thanks for any information.
Terry W.

 

[HooToTheCore]

I bought my new top from Convertible Top Guys. I got a white crush grain vinyl top with zippered glass rear window. I see that is selling for about $700 now.

I installed it myself (no help). I would recommend having a friend help. I bought a good air driven staple gun.

I watched as many you tube videos as I could and really took my time. Make sure your frame is as straight as possible.

Also clean the threads on the bolts holding the rear/side tack strips (holds the back and sides of the top to the car). I used an air ratchet to attach those strips because you'll need to take them on and off a couple of times to get the wrinkles out of the top.

 

[asskicked]

My two cents, don't go white unless you like a yellowing top that turns yellow even in constant indoor storage. The rear window vinyl yellows at a different rate from the rest of the top resulting in a two tone yellowing top. This is my experience with a factory type replacement I bought new from a well known supplier. I don't think it matters who you buy it from. I'll be going black even though I really want a white top.

 

[DetMatt1]

My two cents, don't go white unless you like a yellowing top that turns yellow even in constant indoor storage. The rear window vinyl yellows at a different rate from the rest of the top resulting in a two tone yellowing top. This is my experience with a factory type replacement I bought new from a well known supplier. I don't think it matters who you buy it from. I'll be going black even though I really want a white top.

What brand was it?? I’ve never heard feedback like that.

I went with an Electron when I replaced.

 

[asskicked]

What brand was it?? I’ve never heard feedback like that.

I went with an Electron when I replaced.

I bought it from Tony's Parts years ago, and watched it yellow, particularly the rear window vinyl, in only a few years while in clean dry storage. I don't recall who the actual manufacturer was, all I know is it has to go, actually it's gone since I ended up redoing everything on this car or I'm in the process of doing that now. I saved the top for possible pattern needs in the future.

As far as I know, this yellowing problem with this kind of vinyl is inevitable. Separate parts yellowing at different rates really make the problem stand out, which unfortunately these cars require with their top design.

 

[asskicked]

BTW, does anyone have the factory rear bow measurement, the rear bow to the rear deck panel?

A critical dimension to ensure the rest of the top fits correctly. I had someone do this top last time and I'm pretty sure he blew this on the install.