I bought a new replacement top from a dealer in the east coast , (Steve White motors) it was brand new and they have 10 left. it was under a thousand delivered and it took two days to Denver. I believe I will install it my self.
john

 

If you need help John ....

 

And even though we already have a DIY on this.. please document and give us another spin on it. Wife's roadster is going to be around long past the "extended" warranty.

 

I installed my top 2 years ago and its a piece of cake. Just use the service manual and if you can use a drill and a pop rivet gun you'll be fine. One thing check your stay pads (the seat belt looking material that runs on each side inside the top) at each end where the elastic part is mine were dry rotted and had to be replaced.

 

Thanks for the energy boost you guys. It will be a fun project i am sure. I was looking for the DYI info and do not see it. I saw some photos from one of you. that does help. question. the rubbers are they all just a pinch and pull out, they are in channels?

 

Leptronjohn, it will feel great having done the top replacement yourself!

Check out your hydraulic cylinders for leaks before you get started. The first ones to leak are usually the right main lift cylinder p/n 5170015AA (located on the right outside bottom of the soft top storage compartment) and the left main lift cylinder p/n 5142639AA (located on the left outside bottom of the soft top storage compartment). Below is a picture of a main lift cylinder starting to leak, as posted recently by forum member g3air. Out of the seven hydraulic cylinders in the Crossfire, the two main lift cylinders, the tonneau cover cylinder 5142641AA, the rear bow lock cylinder 05142957AA, and the tonneau cover latch cylinder 05166559AA are easy to remove and re-install.

The two bow tension cylinders 5142640AA (located inside the soft top frame, roughly above the left main lift cylinder) and 5170015AA (located inside the soft top frame, roughly above the right main lift cylinder) normally require more work to remove than the others, but these are easy to remove and re-install while the soft top is off. That's why I would recommend at least checking your cylinders for leaks before you replace the soft top, and having Top Hydraulics upgrade at least all leaking cylinders plus the two bow tension cylinders while you are replacing the canvas.

Here is g3air's photo of his right main lift cylinder just starting to leak on the bottom, where the mounting pin goes through the cylinder housing:



Klaus

Top Hydraulics | Rebuilt and Upgraded Convertible Top Cylinders, Pumps, Hydraulic Lines - Top Hydraulics, Inc

 

Klaus,
that is great info. I had not put any thought into the hydraulics until G3air brought it up yesterday. I was focused on the fabric. thanks for the info, I will pull it in and look this over. now would be the time as you said. Looks like G3air will sleep a bit better now too.. :-)
john