Convertible top replacement

[schoir]

Originally Posted by mikes_box

Maurice,
If you do the 03 upgrade and go to the 4 bow do you also need to change the motor or transmissions stuff?

Mike:

It's not absolutely necessary, but if you have the "A Version" transmissions and set-up (i.e., B-Pillar Microswitch, Clamshell microswitch and early double relay), you will have to find a way to trip the B-Pillar microswitch at the appropriate moment in the cycle because the four-bow top's B-Pillar is located slightly differently).

Note that this only applies to MY '97 to '99 ... On the MY '00 to '02, it's a straight swap.

If you do decide to replace the transmissions and other parts for installation on a '97 to '99, you will also have to do some rewiring behind the relay tray, at the front of the new driver's side transmission, and at the electric motor.

Also, the electric motors can be used interchangeably.

Regards, Maurice.

[Fluellen]

I agree with what schoir said, but I want to point out a slightly different perspective:

It really isn't that hard to replace the top canvas. I too read all the DIYs online that stress how difficult of a task this is... it's not.

It does take a while (two evenings for me), but it really isn't hard. I think I paid $350 for a plastic-window top from ebay. Two years later it still looks great.

[nieuwhzn]

Anyone knows where I can get my vinyl window replaced on Long Island?

[schoir]

Originally Posted by nieuwhzn

Anyone knows where I can get my vinyl window replaced on Long Island?

I will contact my friend who had his vinyl window replaced and was happy with the job and with the cost and let you know. He's out east in Suffolk county, probably not that far from where you are in Shirley.

Regards, Maurice.

[nieuwhzn]

Originally Posted by schoir

I will contact my friend who had his vinyl window replaced and was happy with the job and with the cost and let you know. He's out east in Suffolk county, probably not that far from where you are in Shirley.

Regards, Maurice.

Thanks, appreciate it!

[schoir]

Originally Posted by nieuwhzn

Thanks, appreciate it!

PM sent.

Regards, Maurice.

[fatmike]

The GAHH top is a significant improvement vs. the OEM factory top.


The top is made out of an acoustic canvas that is significantly quieter than the OEM top -- nearly as quiet at my hardtop.


AND, I can ACTUALLY SEE out of the rear glass window. Yes, the footprint of the window is a little smaller, but you can see out of it. Did I mention that you can actually see out of the window??? You won't miss the slightly smaller footprint, ever, for even a minute.


You also get a working rear de-froster. That may or may not be important to you, but I drive my car year-round in the Northeast.


I would go with the GAHH over a older frame/plastic window combo, unless the cost difference was very significant.