Been looking for any posts re; top replacement, just advice on the front part etc. I'm pretty good w auto trim, build custom vans for 20 yrs and have most tools. But I have never done a convertable top. If it were a mustang or similar I wouldn't hesitate, but I have learned these cars are pickey sometimes. Also I'm not sure the best top shop in town is any better then I am? Has anyone done this?

 

Iamfink2 did a DIY top replacement a year or two ago, and it looks great.

 

Why not, your average auto mechanic is no brain surgeon. Although some of them seem to have practiced on themselves.

 

boxdin,

If anyone can do it, you sound like a guy who could.

 

The only thing I have seen in the service manual that might be considered 'special' is drilling out and replacing some rivets.
I'm sure with your experience, you can handle that.

 

don't know why you couldn't with those skills...let us know how it turns out

 

Replacing the top is very simple if you can use a drill, pop rivet gun and download the service manual. I did do a how to write up but could never get it to upload, I believe the file was to big. I will try again a little later today.

 

It seems no matter who I buy the top from they want the old top mailed to them to glue on some seals. So the car will sit for two weeks while that process happens, I'd rather have it sit in my garage rather than anywhere else. I do have an experienced guy I can call in for consultation if needed, so it looks like I'm going for it ! I will be sure to take pics for an upcoming post. I'm leaning towards the vendor on ebay so I could use paypal for that purchase, around 1200 bucks... Opps just looked they are down to 995 and its a Chrysler part from a authorized dealer !!!
And they don't mention returning the top for those pieces to be transferred? Wonder why that's not mandatory now?

 

I bought mine from eBay from Lake Norman Chrysler. Comes with all the rivets and bow clips needed for replacement. Already has the new hardware on the new top no need to send in the old top. There price is now cheaper than when I bought my top plus free shipping. I paid $1045.00 to my door.

 

Ha, I bought my XF from them. Best dealership I've experienced to date.

 

As you have 20 years experience of auto trim and building vans so there is no need to hesitate about replacing the top. It is quite easy but recommended to replace it from the authentic mechanic to avoid frustration.
So far as buying a new top is concern the best shop for this regard is "convertibletopguys" which is online and you can get all the accessories of convertible tops from this shop. Cheers!

 

I, as you, do my own work. Tops are fun. I have done MG, Sunbeam, 450SL. You can do it.

 

I did my 92 Mercury Capri Turbo. It took me 11 hours, but it was my first time. Best of luck. Take lots of pics.

 

When I had mine replaced the service advisor told me Chrysler allotted three hours to do the job, but since his techs had never done it before it took three techs three hours to do the job so nine man hours in all. But still that doesn't seem like a lot so I'm sure if you have the inclination to do it you could. But...as others have said, make sure you have the pages from the service manual handy because I'm sure it's not something you can do just by trying to figure it out.

 

When you take something apart and take notes and photos at the same time, it can make putting that something together again that much easier. Sometimes you do not need the notes and photos you took, sometimes they are invaluable and save time.

 

OK, I now have the top. I also have the FSM and I am going thru all 3307 pages looking for anything on the top, esp replacement, and can't find any info. What am I doing wrong?

 

Go here in the 2005 Service Manual, CONVERTIBLE TOP Section 23 - page 453

 

Don't see any page #s anywhere, I've been thru section 23 end to end, last is 23-218 ??

 

2005_Crossfire_SRT6_Service_Manual.pdf file
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...38144326979611

under
23-BODY
.. BODY SERVICE INFORMATION
....CONVERTIBLE TOP
........FOLDING TOP COVER
............REMOVAL
............INSTALLATION

 

See the 2005 Service Manual not the 2004 Service Manual.
Roadsters were not made in 2004 so there is no mention of them in the 2004 Service Manual.
There are 4,347 pages in the 2005 Service Manual, the extra is probably all the added content for SRT6's and roadsters.