Replacing Convertible Top (Vinyl)
Short answer: Tips from a member who’s done two on a 1969:
- Work at 70°F or warmer so the top stretches.
- Install a new tack strip on the front bow (glued in).
- Use an HD staple gun that takes the small round-end staples.
- Measure the bow locations and angles before removing the old top; use them as references.
- Spray adhesive on top of the front bow to keep the top from pulling the staples out of the tack strip.
Material: the low-density stock vinyl is the easiest to install (one lasted ~5 years in the Texas sun). High-density (HD) vinyl is much harder to stretch and fit but lasts longer with little shrinkage. The Fisher Body manual isn’t very helpful on top installation.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
← Frequently Asked Questions
