ZT's '75 LeSabre Ragtop

[ZTatZAU]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum having found this site searching for information on replacing the top on my 1975 LeSabre convertible. I'm sure I'll find much information here and answers to most any of my questions but thought it best to first check in here to say hello.

I stumbled upon and bought my LeSabre about 15 years ago from the original owner who, except for an annual parade in which Bozo the Clown supposedly rode in it, had the car in storage since 1979. The car had about 15,000 original miles when I acquired it.

Since then, other than a couple of very enjoyable road trips in the car, we've driven it quite sparingly with a little over 34,000 miles showing on the odometer now. The original spare tire and jack have never been out of the trunk which is pristine and still sports all the factory stickers. I've replaced all four tires but kept the originals (though I'm not sure why) and likewise when I recently replaced a leaking master cylinder put the original away in box just in case I, or some future of owner decides to rebuild and reinstall it someday. Perhaps I'm taking all this "originality thing" a bit too far for a Buick of only this vintage?

In this same vane, I've only recently decided it's really time to replace the top. And so I've found my way here seeking information and advice on how best to proceed. I. E. Leave this job to the pros? Or have a go at it myself? And if the latter, your recommendations on where best to procure the necessary materials. I did find encouraging, a three page thread by a 1st time DIYer named William from Ohio who seemed to have fairly good results following the expert advice given by Pocci...?, and others, who gladly chimed in on the subject.

While the car is in very good condition for its age, there are a few other squawks I'd like to take care of and will be posting my questions, as I get to them, in the Buick - General forum.

But for now, thank you all for being here and for your willingness to share your experience, your expertise, and your enthusiasm with other Buick owners!

ZT

[Smartin]

Welcome to the forum!  The dreaded scissor top.  If this is your first dive into replacing a convertible top, I would absolutely leave this one to the pros.  You need to find someone who knows these tops well.  They are very finicky.

 

Great car, BTW.  Also, no, you are not crazy for squirreling away the original parts.  Someone will thank you in the future.

[lancemb]

What a beauty! It certainly doesn't hurt to keep the original stuff if you have the space!

[ZTatZAU]

Welcome to the forum! The dreaded scissor top. If this is your first dive into replacing a convertible top, I would absolutely leave this one to the pros. You need to find someone who knows these tops well. They are very finicky.

Great car, BTW. Also, no, you are not crazy for squirreling away the original parts. Someone will thank you in the future.

What a beauty! It certainly doesn't hurt to keep the original stuff if you have the space!

Smartin & Lancemb, Thanks for the welcome and your comments on the top! I never dive to anything before having a good look and weighing the options. The fact is, what "the pros" around here are quoting is way beyond my budget and will be for the foreseeable future. I'm actually hoping to connect with someone on here with some scissor top experience who wouldn't mind doing a little mentoring.

As for space, I thought I'd be set for a while after adding on a 44x48 shop/garage/hangar a few years ago but it's fill in' up fast!

ZT

Edited August 7, 2015 by ZTatZAU (see edit history)

[Guest my3buicks]

You have my thoughts on the subject.