Gahh soft top installation instructions

[Pinder]

Hi

I am about to install the new Soft top I have gotten from GAHH.  I have been trying to find install tips or instructions.

I think I know that I have to start from the back then the front and sides. My question is type of glue to use ( I assume contact cement) and if the top should be glued down from the front and the back on the bottom lip only where the trim strips screw down or should i run the glue on the upped part of the back bow and front top edge? Reason I ask is I dont see why it would need to be glued on the front top edge and back bow wide strip.  Iwould think this could cause problems with it being correctly streched.

[Lorsar]

I just replaced mine using the instructions in the tech manual.  You start in the middle then do the front, then the back.

[Pinder]

Thank you

[doitwright]

https://youtu.be/6Cf-eWmC9h4

[Jordan]

Great video.  I didn't realize you could do it while the frame was still on the car.  Gives me a lot more confidence to do it myself.

[Pinder]

I’m doing it with the frame in also and I think it’s probably a good way to get it to fit right. My only doubt is if I should put glue on the top part of the front frame or on just the lip where the metal strip goes . Same question on the back part. Should glue only go on the metal strips that hold it down at the back or also on the wider top section?

[Pinder]

So I seen the video and read the instructions in the tech manual but it seems like I should apply glue only to the front bottom abs rear bottom where the metal strips will hold it down. When I removed my old top which was I think re done and not original some had also applied some glue to the top edge on the fron and to the top edge of the thick back bow . I think that does not seem necessary. How should I proceed? I am clear on how to do the sides and other details .  I have the top frame all cleaned up and new top sitting on top ready to glue down. The Gahh top I order looks to be very nice quality and should fit nicel.

[Merc_Girl]

https://youtu.be/6Cf-eWmC9h4

Wish I could work that fast!!🤣🤣

No mention of the tensioning cables?

[Pinder]

Ive finished the install and will post pictures of how it looks today. It took a lot of time to do and is the first time I have installed a soft top.

[Pinder]

Picture of top

[Pinder]

Rear view pic

[Pinder]

Here is the underside with new screws used and cleaned up the metal strips plus new rubber seal and held down with screws and cup washer.

[BobH]

Are you sure this is the first time you've fitted a hood?  looks perfect to me, well done!

[Pinder]

It is the first time. the helpful links everyone posted helped.  Some things to note.

1. top must be positions exactly on center so both sides are evenly streatched.
2. I did the front first then the back bow, followed by sides then middle bars works from the front one back. I did the middle bars a few days after i had it locked down to stretch.
3. I was not able to close the top as it was tight so because I had not glued the bows down the last bow i was able to fold it down then lock the front and back then push it back up into position.

I think it came out way better than whoever replaced it before which was a really messy job with gllue all over the metal parts.
4. I got new screws from home depot for the back bow #6 3/8th length.

[Pinder]

Something to be very careful about is that the soft top window is very easy to scratch. I wiped it with a new micro fiber cloth and it caused a slight scratch. I guess you have to use a completely wet cloth. these windows are high maintenance.

[GM]

Get a piece of a pool noodle the length of the window, and cover it with fleece fabric.
When you fold the top down, enclose it with the noodle on the middle of the window - prevents the window from rubbing on itself and the edges

[Pinder]

Ill try that. I have a bunch of pool noodles and some felt material.

[AndrewB]

Beautiful job - well done

[Pinder]

I can say that the Gahh replacement top that was approx $700 is very good quality. It comes with the soft rubber gaskets that seal the top sides by the windows. its a soft grey rubber that has to be glued onto the sides of the top. As I mentioned I have never done a top before but it is well in the means of anyone with a few DIY skills. take your time in cleanings the frame up to make it pretty.  I had great results with the Weldwood contact cement that is the non drip gel type. A few times I had to undo the sides to re stretch or re position and with this glue that was possible.  Take your time on the bows on the inside and dont get the glue everywhere. I did not need to trim any cloth while attaching to the bows. you should be able to glue them down with no seem showing, hiding it close to the join of the flaps and soft top, above each bow as it meets the top.

[Jordan]

Get a piece of a pool noodle the length of the window, and cover it with fleece fabric.
When you fold the top down, enclose it with the noodle on the middle of the window - prevents the window from rubbing on itself and the edges

Great minds think alike.  That is exactly what I have been using since I got my car.  I use the larger diameter pool noodle (about 6" in diameter I think).  The pool noodle also prevents the window from folding on itself.

[Cees Klumper]

Great job! As to the window, Maguiar's makes a few plastic polish/buffing products that work very well in taking out fine scratches and getting the plastic to near-new condition (assuming it's not too far gone of course).

[Pinder]

No its new so only a slight haze. on the area I wiped.

[Jordan]

Rather than start a new thread I just wanted to add to this one.  Will soon get started on this as well and wanted to know if there is anything I am missing and should order now before getting started (see pic).  The top is from German Auto Tops.

In addition to the top itself, I have two straps, two wire threads (in the bag) and two rubber pieces. Am I missing anything?  Thanks.

[GM]

I used wide blue painter's tape and taped the tissue papers on the inside and outside of the window (on the canvas and headliner) -- just to prevent any accidental scrapes. Doesn't stick very well, but it reminded me to take the time to keep it covered 

[Pinder]

my old top had an elastic that followed the path of the straps. It was about the width of the old strap maybe slightly smaller. I think it helps when the top is folded own for one of the cross members to fold back.