CarTech Book Convertible Top Restoration And Installation

When it comes to restoration, the most difficult and challenging aspect by far is restoring the convertible top of your vehicle. The elements and natural aging can lead to worn hardware and fabric. With the help of this CarTech (SA438) Convertible Top Restoration and Installation Book, you can find information on how to restore and repair a variety of convertible tops.

Features & Benefits:
- Pages: 176
- Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)
- Format: Paperback
- Illustrations: 595 color photos
- Publisher: CarTech

In the CarTech (SA438) Convertible Top Restoration and Installation Book, Fred Mattson will walk you through the process along with step-by-step photo sequencing for convertible top applications for Corvettes, Ford retractable tops, scissors tops, manual tops, and power tops. He also touches on details such as weather seals, well liners, hydraulic/electrical systems, adjustments, materials, and pads, which makes this the most in-depth book on convertible tops out there. This book follows an easy How-To format.

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 the 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