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Convertible top removal

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Old Jul 11, 2011 | 05:54 AM
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Default Convertible top removal

Does anyone have information on the procedure for removing/refitting the convertible top.????? Tried the Service Manual. Not much Help. Don't know how easy/hard this is going to be.??
Someone MUST have done this. I am on the verge of getting my top recovered in Burgundy(OR maybe Blue)??, which I think will be a great color contrast to my Alabaster Roadster. Waiting for canvas samples.
Hoping to start the removal process next weekend, so information required URGENTLY, OR I will have to "Suck-it" and see this weekend. When I undertake this task, I will take plenty of pictures to post on the Forum, WITH instructions, including the finished Job.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2011 | 06:53 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

What do you mean by removing the top ... actually detaching it from the rails and head? Then what? Have someone rebuild new canvas? Refit to rails and head by whom? You?

If so, there are no instructions. A matter of taking it apart and putting it back together.

PS: If so, have your vendor secure the window in a pocket.
 

Last edited by Kane; Jul 11, 2011 at 06:58 AM.
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Old Jul 11, 2011 | 12:23 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by Kane
What do you mean by removing the top ... actually detaching it from the rails and head? Then what? Have someone rebuild new canvas? Refit to rails and head by whom? You?

If so, there are no instructions. A matter of taking it apart and putting it back together.

PS: If so, have your vendor secure the window in a pocket.
Kane,
I am removing the "Complete Convertable top including the Frame" from the car to ship it to a Contractor in order for them to make me a New one, with a "New Glass window" as per the original. All of the Contractors I have Contacted, require me to do that, as the Crossfire fittings and extrusions are difficult, if not impossible, to come by. The Companies I have contacted are National Companies who specialize in Convertable tops, and all of them tell me the same, that they do not fit the windows in a pocket now, and use "New Glass to Canvas Bonding Technology" with an "Exclusive Lifetime Warranty" on all work done.
I was looking for some guidance on removing the Complete Top including Frame. Don't know how involved disconnecting/Reconnectiong the Hydraulics will be. As Some Forum members have had their Tops Redone, I assume they also had to Ship their tops to be refurbished.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2011 | 12:47 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by TerryR
Kane,
I am removing the "Complete Convertable top including the Frame" from the car to ship it to a Contractor in order for them to make me a New one, with a "New Glass window" as per the original. All of the Contractors I have Contacted, require me to do that, as the Crossfire fittings and extrusions are difficult, if not impossible, to come by. The Companies I have contacted are National Companies who specialize in Convertable tops, and all of them tell me the same, that they do not fit the windows in a pocket now, and use "New Glass to Canvas Bonding Technology" with an "Exclusive Lifetime Warranty" on all work done.
I was looking for some guidance on removing the Complete Top including Frame. Don't know how involved disconnecting/Reconnectiong the Hydraulics will be. As Some Forum members have had their Tops Redone, I assume they also had to Ship their tops to be refurbished.
To my knowledge, no one here has removed the top as an assembly. But, with basic mechanical skills, it would seem a reasonably straightforward 'take-it-apart-and-put-it-back-together' exercise .-. likely a two-man job. The key would be ensuring that the sequencing of hydraulics is proper upon re-installation.

BTW: I got a quote from the same company to replace mine. They would remove top as an assembly, ship it, receive it back and reinstall for around $1,500. A three week turnaround. Just quessing that $300 would be the labor part; probably $100 for shipping total. What are you finding as to cost of top alone?
 
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Old Jul 11, 2011 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by Kane
To my knowledge, no one here has removed the top as an assembly. But, with basic mechanical skills, it would seem a reasonably straightforward 'take-it-apart-and-put-it-back-together' exercise .-. likely a two-man job. The key would be ensuring that the sequencing of hydraulics is proper upon re-installation.

BTW: I got a quote from the same company to replace mine. They would remove top as an assembly, ship it, receive it back and reinstall for around $1,500. A three week turnaround. Just quessing that $300 would be the labor part; probably $100 for shipping total. What are you finding as to cost of top alone?
The latest quote I have from "Cabrio World" is $1025 Complete. So your Estimate Prices including labor, were very close to that. I live in Houston, as you can no doubt see, and I have contacted numerous Car Upholstry Companies in our area, but either no-one is interested, as they do not have a Crossfire Pattern, OR just can't be bothered to respond. I would have preferred to drive the car into some Workshop, leave it a Couple of weeks, then go and pick it up with the cover completed. It is S>>>>>O F'ing HOT in Houston for working on cars, even for a short time.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2015 | 10:31 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Hi,

Does anyone have fitting instructions for a new convertible top? Thanks.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 05:09 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by BMaguire
Hi,

Does anyone have fitting instructions for a new convertible top? Thanks.
Myself and a fellow Crossfire owner, attempted to remove mine in order for us to recover it ourselves, with a new OEM purchased top. We got in a right bind, and ended up with the top half on/0ff and stuck, having to take it to an Auto Upholstery Specialist who sorted it out for me, and completed the whole replacement for me. To me NOT an easy task. Sorry, but in my search I could not find any instructions.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 07:01 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

maxchicon and I have now completed two top replacements using only the printed out steps from the 2005 SRT6 service manual.
We found no issues with the instructions.
Make sure you have the proper pop rivets on hand, large head.

( first top(mine) was OEM and came with the proper rivets, second one was not OEM (Max's) and came with no rivets )
 

Last edited by ala_xfire; Jan 12, 2015 at 08:13 AM.
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 07:32 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by ala_xfire
maxchicon and I have now completed two top replacements using only the printed out steps from the 2005 SRT6 service manual.
We found no issues with the instructions.
Make sure you have the proper pop rivets on hand, large head.

The OEM top

( first top(mine) was OEM and came with the proper rivets, second one was not OEM (Max's) and came with no rivets )
+1 to this. Not too bad a job. Re-shaping the window seals is the part that would throw most folks. When you "rip" them out, you deform the hidden/buried metal clips that hold its shape. Just squeeze them down, carefully, with a pliers/vice. Alaxfire and I can coach you.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 08:17 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by ala_xfire
maxchicon and I have now completed two top replacements using only the printed out steps from the 2005 SRT6 service manual.
We found no issues with the instructions.
Make sure you have the proper pop rivets on hand, large head.

The OEM top

( first top(mine) was OEM and came with the proper rivets, second one was not OEM (Max's) and came with no rivets )
I DID undertake my top replacement some 2 years ago, AND after paying for it myself, ($1500) was fortunate enough to get a letter from the Chrysler Corporation, who reimbursed ALL my expenses, Including the cost putting my #$%### up attempt right. LOL
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 03:13 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Hey Terry. This is Richard C. I just had my top replaced by Ron Carter in Alvin. Big Mistake. Now the top will not go down without pushing up on the front of the top. Do you know how to adjust the top so it will work properly?
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 04:46 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by rec3rd
Hey Terry. This is Richard C. I just had my top replaced by Ron Carter in Alvin. Big Mistake. Now the top will not go down without pushing up on the front of the top. Do you know how to adjust the top so it will work properly?
It's probably not an adjustment, they probably left one or both tension springs/cords unhooked.
( they are little coil springs with a nylon cord with a loop on each end, one end to the spring, the other to a screw trunion at the front of the top. )
 
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 07:00 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by rec3rd
Hey Terry. This is Richard C. I just had my top replaced by Ron Carter in Alvin. Big Mistake. Now the top will not go down without pushing up on the front of the top. Do you know how to adjust the top so it will work properly?
Sorry. Richard but I cannot help you. When I had mine done there was no problem, To be truthful I know little about the workings of the top. I had mine done by an Auto Upholsterer on Route 6 About 1 mile south of the I-10 and he made a terrific job of it. Did you get yours done under warrantee from Chrysler. ?????
 

Last edited by TerryR; Feb 12, 2015 at 05:22 AM.
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Old Feb 11, 2015 | 11:21 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by rec3rd
Hey Terry. This is Richard C. I just had my top replaced by Ron Carter in Alvin. Big Mistake. Now the top will not go down without pushing up on the front of the top. Do you know how to adjust the top so it will work properly?
I had the same problem on mine and discovered that one of the rubbers was not in properly. It was out by about 2mm. I also left it sit in the hot sun while closed for a day and this stretched it a little and now it fits.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2015 | 06:41 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Well i'm going to attempt this real soon. I have replaced more than a few tops so I should be able to do this one we shall see. This top is a bit different than most but I am confident that i can do it.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2015 | 07:38 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Everyone says they will post pictures but I have never seen pictures yet. My glass has been repaired and the top is in good shape but my seam on the drivers rear has separated.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2015 | 11:23 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by Travish
Everyone says they will post pictures but I have never seen pictures yet. My glass has been repaired and the top is in good shape but my seam on the drivers rear has separated.
So is your butt exposed?
 
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 11:17 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Originally Posted by Travish
Everyone says they will post pictures but I have never seen pictures yet. My glass has been repaired and the top is in good shape but my seam on the drivers rear has separated.
I think alaxfire has a .pdf for that. I'll ask him to post it if he does. We used it to guide us in the replacement of his and mine.

Pretty easy...
 
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Old Dec 19, 2015 | 11:26 AM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

Awesome...
 
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Old Jun 19, 2017 | 09:13 PM
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Default Re: Convertible top removal

So any comments of how much was involved with removing the top frame from the car? I am about to tackle this and was looking for any advice.
 
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