Convertible Top Instructional Videos?

[Guest 70 Electra]

A good friend is interested in installing his own top, and I've volunteered to help him. I thought it would be wise to buy an instructional video first.

Does anyone have any experience or feedback on these videos? His car is a mid-sixties Chevy, and we'd like something appropriate for this application (i.e., not something that focuses on classics and pre-war cars).

I see HydroLectric in Florida has a tape that features a 66 Ford. I'm not familiar with the Ford tops, so I don't know how similar this would be.

Are there any videos that feature post-war (and pre-scissor top) GM cars?

How's the Eastwood video? I haven't been able to get an answer from them on what car(s) are featured in it.

[jaxops]

Greg,

I think that the video is a good idea, although I have never tried it. As long as you have the right tools you should do alright. I would consider trying it only if my wife was supervising. I think that you will find the Hydro-electric folks very helpful.

[Guest ewing]

I can't comment on the instructional tapes, but I'd think any tapes put out by these reputable suppliers would be decent.

I'd never installed a conv top before, but I did the 47. What I did was read the buick body manual for that year, 'studied' the top and pad pieces and remnants for installation clues. I then invited a local car rebuilder over to my garage for a 'look' and asked for any tips he could offer ( as he has done many superb jobs). He told me a few 'tricks' he has learned over the years about how to get it straight and tight.

I was able to do the job, by taking my time, & thinking through the processes before doing it.

The only place where I needed an extra pair of hands was in positioning the rear window panel piece to make sure it hung straight and centered before tacking ( stapling).

So... find any supplier video, I'd also read the body manual ( may help), but if at all possible, find a guy in town who will drop in ( or just go and talk to him) and tell you the mistakes he made over the years, and the tricks he has learned, then start your top.

You can do it yourself.