Cartech Books, Convertible Top Restoration And Installation

Description

Cartech Books, Convertible Top Restoration And Installation (PART #BOK-CT-SA438)

There's an old saying we've all heard before that goes "When the top goes down the price goes up." Of all the projects involved with the restoration of your collector car, few seem as challenging or confusing as addressing the convertible top. Due to aging and neglect, the hardware and fabric covering have led to some "not-so-nice conditions," making it difficult to find information addressing your specific model.
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

SPECIFICATIONS
Pages	176
Size	8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format	Paperback / softback
Illustrations	604 color photos
Publisher	CarTech
ISBN	9781613254462
Product Code	SA438
ISBN	9781613254462
Product Code	SA438