<VV> Top Installation

[Geoffrey A Johnson]

I finished the top install on my 63 convertible this afternoon.  It was 
quite a task in the end, but I was expecting it to be so, so no surprises. 
I started on Friday afternoon and finished today.  Just as I had more or 
less expected.

Time table was-
Over the past month, install new well and insulation, clean, adjust and 
paint top mechanism.
Friday- Make and install tack strips.  Finish cleaning, prepping 
mechanism.
Saturday- Finish tack strips, install pads, start window install.
Sunday- Finish window, get top in place.
Monday- Finish Installation.

The biggest hassle and frustration was getting the window installed. 
Getting it to hang tight in the corners felt nearly impossible.  Finally 
following the shop manual, and several books and instruction sets, it 
looked correct.  So I threw the top on and started stretching it into 
place.  The corners on the top were easier as I already had all the 
practice from the window.  The manual said to reference the old top for 
initial marks, but this car has not had a top on it since before I was 
born!

The front corners and bow were not especially challenging, but were very 
time consuming.

In the end I am glad I did the top myself.  It is not quite as perfect as 
a professional shops result, but darn close,  and I have the satisfaction 
of doing it myself.   It came out nicer then I thought it would.

I have pictures posted at:
http://www.unm.edu/~geoffj/Vair/Vert/Top

Plus pictures of what the car looked like when I got it:
http://www.unm.edu/~geoffj/Vair/Vert/Vert.html

Thank you to all those that offered advice, help, and supportive words.

-Geoff Johnson
'63 Vert