New convertible owner questions

Welcome Guest, we hope you find what you're looking for. Take a few seconds to register for an account and participate in the conversations!

ALL FORUMS ARE OFF-LIMITS FOR 0-POST USERS
CLICK THE SIGN AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF

[kthelen]

Hello all!

So I picked up a '94 convertible today on the cheap. It's a little rough, and is in need of a head gasket (3.1) - but I figure it'll be a nice little fix/play/sell project for this spring.

I already own a '94 CS hardtop coupe, so I'm no stranger to these cars. However, this is the first drop-top one I've encountered. I've only been able to spend a few minutes messing with it, but already I have a few questions:


1) What's the recommended product for cleaning and preserving the top? Mine is still in one piece, but is looking rather old and tired. I'd like to get the proper "stuff" and apply it... what do you guys use?

2) The rubber pieces along the top of the rear quarter panels, that rest against the back side windows, are pretty chewed up. What is the proper name for these pieces, and who (if anyone) sells them?

3) My top is missing its headliner. Have any of you had to make your own? If so, what material did you use? Any tips/tricks?

4) There are a couple of small holes developing in the top (slightly less than the diameter of a typical pencil). What's the best way to repair them before they become a bigger problem?


Any info you can provide would be appreciated!


--Keith

[94 olds vert]

For cleaning your top. I would use a microfiber cloth or a very gentle brush to scrub it. I would avoid putting soap on it. I use use water to clean mine. These cars have vinyl tops. You can find some type of vinyl cleaner and protect at your local auto parts store. That will help your top stay looking good.

The rubber weather stripping that runs along the rear windows is very hard to find. Once in a while OEM ones will pop up on eBay and they can go from 150 to 300 dollars. Most of them get really bad over time. I think I might have an extra set that isn't perfect,but one of the nicer sets I've seen. No one makes these any more.

I'm sure you could make a headliner, but I would look at your local junk for a headliner and put it in your car. A headliner adds a good amount of noise cancellation when cruising with the top up.

Hope that helps you out. Welcome to the convertible side!

-Nate