Hello George Camp. Upon close inspection, I need to replace the convertible top on my 71 XKE.

I went to two local custom interior shops and they want $1500 (after looking at the car).

I have all the frame components, and wood attaching boards. I just need a new top. The work seems easy enough. Am I missing something?

I checked the XKS.com catalog, and they sell the cloth replacement for about $440. Others show this for prices ranging from $400 to $480. It

Have you done this before? Aside from common tools and a staple gun, is this very difficult?

Thanks!

Submitted by rgrisar@hotmail.com on Wed, 03/07/2012 - 18:37

Hello Pat Harmon:

Thank you for responding so quickly. Quite a photo album. Especially the "before" photo number 1. I appreciate you narrative regarding the challenge to replace the top, especially the issues with fitting around the front frame.

My 41-year old car was sitting in storage for almost 30 years. Has only 18300 miles, verified by last 3 titles and mileage certified by each motor vehicle dept. Three years ago, a talented Canadian restorer replaced EVERYTHING that wasn't metal. All the gaskets, hoses, belts, seals, etc. were dry rotted. Unfortunately for me, he had the top retracted for the three years. The day I drove to Canada to pickup up the car, it was very cold and raining hard. I raised the top and forced it to latch. The top had shrunk a lot. Now I have leaks where I violated the staples/glue in the front. Tried using silicone caulk, but it only slows the leak. Very frustrating when you drive in the rain, and it is dripping across the entire windshield onto your clothes, down the read view mirror, etc.

Did you have any instructions when you installed the new top? Did you start from the front and work towards the back? Did you have a fixture to attach/glue the top to the front frame? Did you do this on the car (in place)? Was there any damage to your frame that required rework or replacement parts? Can you estimate how many hours the work on the top required?

The 61-71 tops are all the same. Mine is a 71. Your car (73) is upgraded from that design. On the 71, It looks like the frame and attached seals that surround the windows are easily adjustable. Two screws per link, 5 links. I do not know if this is similar to your 73, but I must admit your photo of the final results show outstanding workmanship.

My local installers immediately jack the price when they see the car. I am unsure how to proceed.

Best regards. Bob G.

Submitted by pharmon@jcna.com on Wed, 03/07/2012 - 17:12

Robert. I replaced the top on my 73 E-Type last year. I got it from OSJI and it was actually made for them by Robbins. I am an engineer and pretty good with tools and cars but I'm here to tell you it was a real challenge. Basically the difficult part is the front part of the top must be pulled around the front frame and glued in place. It can't be too tight and can't be too loose. Then there's the problem with left and right to make sure that the windows will fit up into the top. If I had to do it again I would hire someone who knows how to install an E-Type top. Just don't take it to some uphostery guy. Pictures on my website at:

http://patsjags.smugmug.com/E-Type-1973-Series-3/Restoration-Photos/3993...