| FAQ |
| Members List |
| Social Groups |
| Calendar |
| Search |
| Today's Posts |
|
#1
05-12-2003, 08:31 PM
|
|||
|
|||
Has anyone found a convertible top that fits a 1969 Firebird correctly?? I have purchased 2, both from different distributers, and neither one looks or fits good. They don't cover the top completly, are almost impossible to install, and look poor once they are "on" but not able to completly snap in place. They don't even cover the top all of the way towards the rear seat.
I have some new custom door panels I have to build, and if they are as much a problem as this top boot is, takes a lot of the fun out of owning a car like this for enjoyment.........
__________________
1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible |
|
#2
05-12-2003, 08:31 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Has anyone found a convertible top that fits a 1969 Firebird correctly?? I have purchased 2, both from different distributers, and neither one looks or fits good. They don't cover the top completly, are almost impossible to install, and look poor once they are "on" but not able to completly snap in place. They don't even cover the top all of the way towards the rear seat.
I have some new custom door panels I have to build, and if they are as much a problem as this top boot is, takes a lot of the fun out of owning a car like this for enjoyment.........
__________________
1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible |
|
#3
05-13-2003, 10:53 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I just finished restoring a 69 400 conv. I am ready to pull my hair out over not only the "BOOT" that might just fit a mini cooper, but any reproduction parts!! its horrible the prices you pay, and what you have to do to make it fit. All I can say about the door panels is BLAH! My 69 is a show car, but I hope the judges don't look to close. I don;t think I'll restore another one this one took 13 yrs. GOOD LUCK My top will probably never go down and the BOOT will become a yard sale item. MARYANN
__________________
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ** People will walk in and out of your life, but only TRUE friends will leave footprints in your heart! ** ~~~ MaryAnn ~~~ |
|
#4
05-13-2003, 11:14 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
I have a boot that fits a little tight and is hard to get on because of those darn clips but it does work. I don't recall where it came from but I remember the first few times I used it I couldn't get it to tuck in where the top meets the rear seat. I experimented with changing one fold (the one that hits the top of the rear sear in my case) so that it goes back instead of forward and bingo.
Also, I've seen many Firebird convertibles and some seem to fold down farther than others. I don't know what that's about... just a observation. |
|
#5
05-14-2003, 04:37 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Your right Freebird with the top on some folding down lower than others. That is one part of making it fit. Another is to let the boot soak in the hot noon sun for awhile then stretch it into place. Do the ends first then work towards the middle. I had to have someone put pressure on the top so it would stay down. There is an adjustment on this as well as making sure the top folds down smoothly and do not get the pads pinched. Also watch your paint as these clips could scratch it during installation. I usually leave the boot on if I can year round. It's either if the top stays down it stays wrinkled or the boot looks terrible from wear from reinstalling it all the time. I think a convertible should have the top down as much as possible !
__________________
Steve Karew |
|
#6
05-14-2003, 05:25 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
I agree 100%, as long as weather permits (here in MI you can NEVER depend on it) I cruise with the top down. I like the way my car looks with the boot on but it's such a pain that I generally don't use it unless I'm going somewhere special.
|
|
#7
05-14-2003, 08:13 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I used large black tie wraps to keep the folded top down low to make the cover fit better. Of course I have a pair of wire cutters in the glove box handy in case of rain.
__________________
Steve Karew |
|
#8
05-14-2003, 10:38 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Hey... good idea, I'll have to try that.
|
|
#9
05-14-2003, 07:36 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I purchased a new cover from CLASIC, have given up... I changed the clips and had the local specialist install butons. Then I found out that my cover had a 3 inch wrinkle, so they told me we could cut the seams and
re-stitch the boot cover to look presentable. I pulled out the foam insulation so the cover could fit better. As I was driving home thinking of this additional cost, the cover decide to leave the car and flew off. Bottom line is I drive the car without a cover and have no more stress at 100+ mph. |
|
#10
05-15-2003, 09:32 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I got my boot kit from Matts Clasic Bowties in CA. Fits pretty good, decide yourself on the picture. Took 5 min to install, flap folds inside pretty good.
Wally
__________________
Wally |
|
#11
05-16-2003, 07:35 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Sweet car. I can tell by the photo that your top folds down flatter than mine and that's what I was talking about earlier.
|
|
#12
05-17-2003, 12:50 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Hi Guy's, I'm new to your forum, ( which is great!) I've got a 68 camaro convertible & i live in Sydney Australia. I'm comming over to the states in August & i have on my shopping list one of these top boot's. I've had a lot problem's getting repro part's to fit myself, so could you give me the address of this "Matts classic bowties" please. I was going to buy one from "Classic's" but after reading here, i think not? anyone no of someone else that has a descent quality top boot?? regard's Michael.
Regards, Michael 1968 Firebird 428/4 speed 1968 Camaro Convertable 350 1985 Trans Am
__________________
Regards, Michael 1968 Firebird 428/4 speed 1969 Firebird (project) 1976 Corvette. |
| Reply |
|
|
The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.
Linear Mode
