<VV> RE: Top Installation

[Keith Hammett]

Good Job Geoff!  Now parking next to those sprinklers won't be a problem if
you just remember to put up the top.  ggg

Keith Hammett

-----Original Message-----
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