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Convertible Top Restoration and Installation
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
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
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
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
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