Stag Recently acquired Stag

Hi all,

Just completed my registration having recently bought a 1977 Stag. Well actually bought it 3 months ago and it's been under repair for the last 3 months... just got it on the road last week!.

I have a question for anybody who can help. The soft top on the car is shot and needs to be replaced. Can anyone tell me if this is an easy or difficult project to do at home? Or should it be left to a professional? Are any special tools needed? Any special instructions?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Matthew

[ 09-22-2003: Message edited by: Matthew ]

[ 09-22-2003: Message edited by: Matthew ]</p>

I did a top replacement on my spitfire about a year ago. It is a fairly straight forward job that requires no special tools except a crimping tool for the button snaps. The best advice I can offer is to buy a top quality top. I didn't and have suffered for it.

Alighnment of the materials is critical. If I had to do it over again I would let a professional shop do it. A professional shop will offer a high quality job and warranty the workmanship and it would be worth the extra cost.

Top replacement and paint are the only 2 things I will always pay a professional to do. Its not so much that its a hard thing to do.

The problem is that if you mess up, even a little, you just wasted the time and money you spent on it. Or your stuck living with something that doesn't look right, or leaks on your expensive interior...

Guys,

Thanks for the advice. I will probably go the professional route.. when I get the $$s

I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers
Matthew

[ 09-23-2003: Message edited by: Matthew ]</p>

Hi Mathew

Stags are really nice cars, I'm very tempted myself. Does yours have the original engine or a replacement V8?.

As far as tops are concerned, I did mine myself on my Healey and it's OK., but with hindsight I think I would have had a professional do the work.

If you do decide to "go it alone", make sure the material is good and hot before you offer it up for fitting, and make sure you get your centre lines correct.

Good luck

Hi..

The Stag is a 77 with the original V8 engine. Only modification has been to change to electronic ignition.

I bought the car about 3 months ago and it had been neglected rather a lot in the past. Since buying it I have basically had all of the suspension bushes replaced, engine & gearbox mounts, brakes overhauled, front wheel bearings, heads de-compressed, both cams replaced, exhaust valves replaced (so she'll run on unleaded now), new cam followers, new timing chains, etc etc.

Need to re-torque the heads in the next day or 2. (500km since re-build) Probably need to do it again in another 500k or so.

Still need to do a lot of cosmetic work on upholstery, hood, paint work etc. Will take a while but she is running beautifully now.

I'll let you know how we go with the work as it & money becomes available... but in the meantime I am using it everyday to get in & out of work.

Cheers
Matthew

So Matthew,
How about some pictures of thea restoration tweaking? It has been a few months now and you guys are in Summer ...