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Soft top installation and acclimation question

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lesingepsycho

Jedi Warrior
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I need a soft top for my car and the best way for me to go about that is to get the one currently on my mom's car. In order for me to do that, I have to install the NEW top that she bought onto a frame and then swap them out. Basically, if I put together a new one, then I can have the old (but still good) one.

I would think that while it is cold would be a good time to install the new top BECAUSE it is already shrunk tight thereby eliminating the problem of not being able to stretch it on a cold day. One problem that I have had in the past is that it seems like the top was fit on a warm summers day and then when trying to close it in the cool of night or a brisk day, it is almost impossible to stretch it far enough.

My question is this: Who has had experiences with this and what advice can you give me. This will be my first attempt at installing a new top and being that it's my mom's and she paid for it, I would rather not make a mistake. At the same time, wearing rain gear to drive my car is getting old FAST!

JACK
 
Here's how I do it.
Attach the back first, raise the frame and mark the center and front edge of the top as you and a helper pull it tight, use a chalk or something to make the mark.
Fold back the top off the header rail, put some contact cement on the top where it hits the rail and on the rail, let it dry.
Now raise the frame but do not latch it, keep it a little loose, with the helper and yourself, stretch the top to each corner and the front mark at the same time, press it tight to the glue. Finish up with the rivets (or screws) and the misc snaps. If you pull it tight both sideways and frontwards at the same time, you should get a nice fit.
 
I'd do my best to install the top in a warm shop...not out in the hot summer sun, but not cold either. If you have an available heat source that can bring your work area to 70 degrees, great. Take the top inside and let it warm up...maybe near a heater or vent. If it starts to get too cool in the shop, reheat the top indoors.

Ray
 
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