The convertible top is easy to replace. I did mine. Here are some tips that I remember when I replaced mine a few years back.
A warm garage is the place to do this. The cover needs to be warm too so the cover is easier to install.
Items you will need:- Egg cartons - label them to keep track of all the screws
- Old blankets - to cover the interior
- Spray paint - to touch up the black frame
- 3M Super Trim Adhesive # 08090
- Duct tape - to hold the padding in place
- Thin foam padding - for the bows of the frame
Get things ready before you start.
I removed all the screws and cleaned up the frame,got all ready first then heated the garage before the new warm top was put on. When you get the old top off clean up all the bows and paint as needed.
Installing the top:
Add the padding and duct tape in place.
Start at the front with the new cover. Pull the cover on the lip like a sock. Keep track of the edge that runs from side to side on this front edge so it is uniform across the front top of the cover. Do not let this ride back from the lip. Work back to the Middle of the last bow.
Center the cover in the middle.
At the sides that rest on top of the body at the doors, make the cover snug too keep the top smooth at the sides of the rear window. Three people are the best for keeping the cover in place while installing the screws. Take your time and keep the seam at the top of the wind screen uniform. Following to the 5th bow and then, pull tight on the sides at the doors. Apply the weather strip adhesive where needed.
Thanks to Nemo, member of the Reatta forums, for this information.
