It's my birthday.....

[terriphill]

Another year...Last year I got a midget that didn't run. This year I got a midget that not only runs but a now a new top too!
Only one question....anybody got any suggestions on the install (Other than lots of tugging, sweat and a few choice words.) Is there some secret I missed?
I'll include pics as soon as I get it on.

Terri

 

[Morris]

Do it on a hot sunny day. Makes the sweating part worse, but the stretching part much easier.

 

[Bugeye58]

Terri, first, Happy Birthday!!
As to the top installation, wait for a nice sunny day, so the top is soft and pliable.
Then, tug, sweat, and swear, just like the rest of us! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff

 

[Morris]

Oh yeah... and happy birthday!

 

[arfamoe]

Hi, Does anyone have a special chemical/recipe that does a good job of keeping the soft top nice and supple.
thanks.

 

[jlaird]

Happy B'day.

I always used Armor all, after all it is vinyl.

 

[Baz]

Happy Birthday!!!

 

[aeronca65t]

Happy B-day!

Careful use of a hair dryer may help get the top stretched on.....but mostly, it's blood, sweat and tears. The last top I put on a Spridget was canvas...that was even tougher, I think.

As for using Armor-All for convertible tops, I would advise against it.

I've used it too in the past, but I was advised to stop and use a non-silicone product.
The silicones in Armor-All (and similar protectants) can degrade the vinyl...at least according to my work-partner (she's a chemist and has a SAAB convertible).
I would advise using some of the "303" products for convertible top care:

https://www.303products.com/main.php

There is a separate area in British Car Forum for Car Care....lots of good info there.

 

[jlaird]

Used armor all on the same top for 15 years, seemed fine when I sold the car.

 

[GB1]

Happy Birthday.

I usually make them about 1/2" short on the top bow, so they stretch out nice and tight.

Patrick

 

[bugimike]

And...A very happy Birthday to you!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif

 

[Trevor Jessie]

https://www.gerardsgarage.com/GarageContent/Tech/top.htm

 

[Billm]

If you are in a cold climate and the sun is not there to warm up the top I put a little house-type space heater inside the car, close the windows and at least get it warm on the inside. It isn't as good as "sun heat" but does help to stretch it.

Happy birthday!
Bill

 

[14dna]

Terri
Happy Birthday to you. Mine is Fri 03/23 so I guess were both happy this week. As for your top, spruce up your four letter vocabulary and then go for it. By the way, Annie got me tickets to see Billy Joel in London Ont. May 6/07 for my present. Hope you got as good a return on your years of investment.
Dave

 

[terriphill]

Thank you all for your kind wishes and a Happy Birthday to 14dna! I will say I refreshed some of those words I haven't used in years...but Ta-Da! It's on! Isn't it cute?

 

[14dna]

As they say, You Go Girl!
Dave

 

[jlaird]

I like it, looks like it belongs there.

 

[drooartz]

Ya done good!