Replacing convertible roof on 76 Eldorado

[LenInLA]

The one problem with my 76 Eldorado is the convertible roof. It's seen better days - according to the seller, its original to the car. It doesn't leak and the scissor mechanism works fine, but the edges are tagged; some of the rubber is split, etc.

I've heard in this forum that it's quite expensive to replace. But I'm not sure whether its replacement of the whole canvas roof and the mechanism or just the roof.  So my question is: is just replacing the canvas roof a DIY project or requires a specialist?

Thanks!

Leonard

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Whatever you do, replace the water gutter at the same time.

When my roof was replaced, the gutter wasn't, and now it is extremely brittle.   Cracked once and leaked water into the trunk, but some vinyl and contact cement repaired it, till I eventually have to replace the roof in many years time.

I cracked it without realising when I put something large into the trunk and squashed it.

Bruce.

[76eldo]

It's not a DYI project. It's not the entire top mechanism that gets replaced, but you should replace the top, pads, and rear curtain all at the same time.

A pro shop that is familiar with the GM full size top from 71 to 76 shouldn't be too hard to find and you want to specify a Robbins or Electron brand top.  The cost should be between $1500 and $2000.  I'd also replace the side cables with new ones.

Do not buy a top on eBay and take the car and the top to a trim shop. Let them get you the top. If there is any problem they are responsible for the complete job and won't blame any issues on the top that you provided.

Make sure that your mechanism is working properly now and make sure it's working properly when the new top is put on.

[Scot Minesinger]

Second Brian's post.  Be very sure that the shop you choose has experience and satisfied customers who regularly raise and lower their top on these GM 1971-76 Scissor top mechanisms.  Talk to the satisfied customers.  Film the top going up and down properly in front of the shop before the work is done to demonstrate it works.  Then before you leave operate the top up and down several times before leaving.

Replace rubber, gutters and etc. that can easily be replaced now.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Oh dear.   When the time comes, I will be replacing my own as there is nobody here that does them.

Heck, there was nobody here when I replaced my own top on my '55 Chev, way back in 1977.

Bruce.