Do I need to let my new top stretch?

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

Just got my car back with its new convertible top and had the door panels redone. I will post pictures next weekend. Do I need to let the top stretch a few weeks before I operate the top? Is there anything I should be putting on the top to help the process or protect the new top? I was running around and wasn't able to make the time to talk to the installers. thanks for any feedback.

 

[Ripinator]

Just got my car back with its new convertible top and had the door panels redone. I will post pictures next weekend. Do I need to let the top stretch a few weeks before I operate the top? Is there anything I should be putting on the top to help the process or protect the new top? I was running around and wasn't able to make the time to talk to the installers. thanks for any feedback.

The shop that installed my new top recommended I leave the top up for a few weeks, before putting it down.

 

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't being bullshitted and that something was wrong. The same people did my interior and it came out good so I went back to them for the roof and door panels.

 

[BigblueC]

I'm guessing Rip's info is good.

What material?

My convertible experience is pretty limited to a Jeep, so take from that what you will. My top is a vinyl material that is reactive to temperature (if it's below about 50 degrees it's too tight to put back up, and has to be warmed up to stretch back into place)

For care of the vinyl I use a 303 product I think they call "protector" now. I've had great results with it. It helps keep the dust/dirt/mud from setting into the material and makes it a lot easier to clean.

 

[1970cat]

it won't stretch but it will "settle" in place. good advise to leave it up for a while.

 

[JC68vert300]

The top material on mine is always easier to latch when it is warm out. I leave the top down most of the summer as it is garaged and I use it 3 or 4 times a week. I just put it up last week and I always leave it in the garage unlatched for a few hours for the top to stretch out so I don’t have to force the 52 year old latches closed.

 

[1970FuryConv]

Good info! I need to replace my convertible top too. One more thing on the list.

 

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

Thanks all. Its a black vinyl top. Went with the glass rear window. Since our east coast winter is coming I won't be out much with her, usually just drove with the top down anyway on weekends, but I will show pictures of what she was before and after by this weekend hopefully. Body work next.

 

[bluefury361]

Park it in the sun when you can. I do that before I snap my boot in place.

 

[1970cat]

best to unlatch the top and lay the window down in the well before lowering the top. it will take the stress off of the glass.

 

[polara71]

Just got my car back with its new convertible top and had the door panels redone. I will post pictures next weekend. Do I need to let the top stretch a few weeks before I operate the top? Is there anything I should be putting on the top to help the process or protect the new top? I was running around and wasn't able to make the time to talk to the installers. thanks for any feedback.

Looking forward to the photos

 

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

here is what went in

 

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

how can I paint the white armrests?

 

[bluefury361]

Good info! I need to replace my convertible top too. One more thing on the list.

You can buy a cheaper top, but this is the best. I just bought a top for my 67 Polara, my third top from them. Will be installing it soon.
The flat rate to install a C body top is 7 hours. Cost will depend on the shop labor rate. Usually upwards of $14/1500.00 total including the cost of the top.

Convertible tops for Chrysler,Dodge,Plymouth

The car shown in the ad was my 69 300.

 

[bluefury361]

I have to respectfully disagree.... Top should be lowered with the GLASS window zipped in place, it was designed to work that way. It won't lay right and could be damaged if unzipped.

 

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

That's what they charged me. $1500 for the top

 

[ayilar]

how can I paint the white armrests?

I would wait till the right ones pop up used. Or, get good repops from ABC Moparts.

 

[Cags70PolaraConvert]

I got those from ABC when I thought I was going to do a white interior. Last time I checked they didn't have the blue in the proper size.

 

[BigblueC]

There are interior paints/dyes in a rattle can that will do a decent job. It just doesn't tend to hold up with a lot of wear.

 

[1970cat]

I have to respectfully disagree.... Top should be lowered with the GLASS window zipped in place, it was designed to work that way. It won't lay right and could be damaged if unzipped.

makes sense. i've always unzipped the window to take stress off in case of any twisting or misalignment. plastic windows i don't worry about.