How to Make a Car Into a Soft Top
- 1). Study pictures, a manufacturer's repair manual or a finished car of the same type to acquire a complete understanding of how the frame, cloth top, latches and all moving parts of the top to be installed will be mounted. How it opens and closes, locks down in open and closed positions and folds into storage space when not in use must be clearly understood. A clear understanding of where to cut and how much of the car that should not be cut away is a must. Inspect the new top with frame and mounting hardware to make sure all the parts needed for the installation are on hand.
- 2). Remove the car's seat belt shoulder attachments, roof lights and wires, and the interior roof liner. Mark the car along the cut line. Roll down the windows and cover the interior with a protective drop cloth to catch any metal filings or debris falling into the car while the cutting is taking place. Tape or cover the openings in the doors to prevent debris from falling inside the window slots at the top of the doors.
- 3). Use the reciprocating saw with the metal cutting blade to saw along the cut line. Lift the top off and move it away from the car. It may require two people to lift it depending on the type of car being modified.
- 4). Grind the cut edges until smooth and in the desired location. Weld pieces of sheet metal into the gaps to cover any gaping holes left in the cut area. The old top can be cut into pieces and used for the sheet metal pieces as needed. After welding is completed, grind the welds as smooth as possible.
- 5). Grind off uneven areas and apply Bondo with hardener or fiberglass cloth and resin to areas that require smoothing. Sand the hardened material until smooth, starting with rough sand paper and finishing with fine grit paper. Spray auto primer over all uncoated metal, Bondo and or fiberglass repaired areas. Sand and apply repeated coats until smooth.
- 6). Drill holes at the attachment points of the soft-top frame, latches and necessary connection points. Attach the frame to the car body per manufacturer's instructions. Install the soft cover over the frame and mark the locations of any snaps or devices used to connect the top to the car body. Drill any necessary holes required to finish the soft top attachment after painting is completed.
- 7). Remove the soft top and frame. Paint the car with the finished color you desire. Paint as much or as little of the car as you desire. After allowing the proper drying time, reattach the convertible top frame and soft top.