Convertible top 411?

[Chick]

Anybody have pearls of wisdom regarding 4th gen vert tops? Mine is in need of replacing sooner than later and was wondering where is a good place to order one (stayfast cloth) at a reasonable price? Also, how do I really tell if I need the new glass, bow, pads and cables? TIA

[Zachs Bank]

Sue $$$$$$$ Good luck girl If i could help i would???

[Chick]

Was hoping someone had done one themselves or at least ordered one to be installed. Seen various top kits (depending on if the glass section and hardware is needed) for up to $600 uninstalled.

Bruce? DC? Any experiences to share?

[Camaro6662]

Sue I would order the cables and pads. Change them out now it would cheaper now then have to pay to replace them later...

[RedZ]

Call around to your local interior shops and ask for installed price with factory cloth. There's a place in Jax. that fixed my top when the glass left go, but that's a little far for you now. I would replace the top material and back glass section only. Everything else should be just fine.
There's my $.02 for you Chick!:cool:

[Chick]

I did a little pokin around the back window and the bond to the glass is weak (when I tugged it a little bit, the canvas seperated from the glass). I'm thinking you're right about the cables and pads Greg. They aren't expensive and will help the new top perform better. I plan on doing it myself. From what I understand, the charges are well over a grand for them to do it vice $500 +/- for the parts. I haven't called a local shop yet, but that was one figure someone told me they paid. Hopefully with the money saved I can throw some headers on after a tune up. :)

[Chick]

Since I'm still sick, I called a couple shops and got some prices. They're coming in at a range of $1450-$1700 w/o the headliner. faintthud

That's a shock to the system. :(

Bruce, where and how much on the 95's top? Thx.

[RedZ]

There are two main upholstery shops in Jacksonville, Davis Interiors and Sargent Auto Upholstery. I believe that either of them will do a convertible top. I had mine repaired (back glass separation) on the 95 at Davis Interiors and they did a fine job. Their number is 904-743-2242 and Sargent is 904-355-2529. I don't care what anybody else tells you, I don't believe that you really need to replace anything except the outer cover, no headliner, no bows, no mechanism. They may or may not be able to re-use the rear glass.
There's my $.02 Chick!coffee

[John]

It would be best to do this yourself. Like Greg said, replace the pads and cables at the same time. Im actually in the same boat as you. Im getting a new top because some of my stitching is starting to break down. Those price quotes you got are pretty standard. We where quoted the same from a few places. Itll be a little work but i think itll be more time consuming than anything getting it to fit perfect and all... I hope its not too bad. Maybe we can do both our cars side by side and make a nice picture and video tutorial for the other Camaro owners to use since there is nothing like that for our cars right now. What do you think?

[Chick]

I tried researching 4th gen top DIY and most people who did it said they should have (or would next time) had it professionally done. Mostly had to do with stretching the top correctly and not massacring it...? That scares me with a $600 + top. :eek:

Bruce...I'll drive to Jax if I can save a couple hundred bucks. Travis's dad had a new top put on the TA and it was $1100. Prestly's here said he didn't think I would need anything more than a top and glass fabric (since mine is seperating too) at $1450. Bruce, did your glass fabric look older than the new top? I don't remember it being that different?

[Zachs Bank]

Luck Sue wish i could help!

[RedZ]

Bruce, did your glass fabric look older than the new top? I don't remember it being that different?

No, I believe that it was replaced at the same time as the top material. It just separated from the glass - that's why Davis did the fix.
Good luck Chick!:cool:

[Chick]

Ohhhhh...I thought you had replaced that top. Thanks for leading me to the correct conclusion, again, lol! clonk

[John]

I still think you should steer clear of having a shop do this.. If you ever decide you want to tackle this on your own, let me know. Because 2 minds are better than 1, and we can make a tutorial for other vert owners.

[DC2250]

Call around to your local interior shops and ask for installed price with factory cloth. There's a place in Jax. that fixed my top when the glass left go, but that's a little far for you now. I would replace the top material and back glass section only. Everything else should be just fine.
There's my $.02 for you Chick!:cool:

I think what redz says is right, I am getting ready to have mine done in Tallahassee at a place known for the quality work they do, its gonna cost me a pretty nickle or 2 but I trust them and have seen their work. The guy doing it has done converts for over 30 years.