Convertible top installation...

[HooToTheCore]

I'm planning to install a replacement convertible top on my '70 Challenger.

I have an air driven combo stapler/nailer. The staples for this tool are 18 gauge L type (which I believe is a 1/4 inch crown). The minimum leg length staple for this tool is 1/2 inch.

Will 1/4 inch crown with 1/2 inch leg stainless staples work installing my new top? I've seen requirements for staples to be 18 to 20 gauge stainless from 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch leg, but nothing that specifies the staple width.

Any advice? Thanks.

 

[mmissile]

Please post pics. I'm having mine completely reassembled professionally, after I have all the steel stuff stripped and e-coated. I'm not brave enough to screw it up.

 

[HooToTheCore]

I'll document the removal and install. Already have the new top, pads, cables and tack strips. Also bought a new well liner. I've read a lot about these 2 part top installations. There is a really good article showing an e body installation:

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/1970-plymouth-cuda-gets-a-new-convertible-top/​

 

[DetMatt1]

Please post pics. I'm having mine completely reassembled professionally, after I have all the steel stuff stripped and e-coated. I'm not brave enough to screw it up.

I’ve got a guy if you need one. He came to my place and did mine, affordable and fast. I don’t think he was there more than 4 hours.

 

[mmissile]

Thanks Matt. Mike's coming out to do mine. We hung-out in my shop on Wed, he's looking forward to doing mine.

 

[DetMatt1]

Mike Wess?

 

[mmissile]

Yeah. His FIL did work on my silver car.

 

[DetMatt1]

Small world I guess, great guy!

 

[RJHJR]

I'm in the midst of redoing a top as well. I found several sizes of staples in the current one. I'll post pictures later. Some were driven in so hard they penetrated the bottom of the rear bow.

Just found new rear tack strips.
1970-1971 Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda convertible rear tacking rail :: Rear tacking rails :: Convertible Top Specialists

 

[mmissile]

Mike just dropped-off my disassembled top. He said it was one of the nicest originals he's seen. We'll be using all the rubber pieces again, as well as the tack-strips, cables and pump. I'm taking all the steel parts to International Paint Strippers for cleaning and e-coat. I have a bunch of other stuff to hand-clean myself, and a few to go to QC-Coatings for powdercoat. I've decided to not do a white OEM material top. Gonna do something more elegant, and darker.

 

[rbbruno3]

Nice looking vert

 

[DetMatt1]

Elagant and darker, like what?

 

[mmissile]

Waiting for a color swatch. German cloth.

 

[DetMatt1]

Is that a color?

 

[340challconvert]

I once rented a late model Mustang convertible on a vacation trip in Florida.
The car had a factory black canvas top; very elegant and gave the car a "European look".
The BMW converts I owned years back also had the canvas top material.
Changes the look of the car; giving it a touch of class-
There is a company that sells this type of top for the e body convertibles in a number of colors and are AMERICAN MADE;

www.ezsofttops.com/p-4132-1970-thru-1971-dodge-challenger-convertible-top-with-a-glass-window.aspx

More money (899.00 w glass window), not stock but it would look really nice! Just my opinion.

 

[mmissile]

I've looked at lots of sites and color charts. I think I might go with Robbins tops. Anything under a grand for exactly what I want...will be okay.

 

[mmissile]

Is that a color?

Nope, material. I don't post many details, anymore.

 

[DaveH]

Does anyone know anyone in the south Florida area that would come to my shop and put mine on. I have all of the parts also. I know I may pay a premium but to me it would be worth it. Thanks