roof frame swapout

I have a 1988 cabby that needs a new vinyl roof. I purchased a replacement roof but it's on a frame from a 1987. How do I get the old frame and roof off and put the new one on?

Bit confused here, if it needed a new top why didn't you just buy a new  top and put it on?

You know the brand new one is gonna be good.
How do you know if the replacement leaks or has been looked after properly?

You don't need to swap frames unless your actual frame is damaged.

Your only putting old stuff back on, which may need replacing anytime soon. So works out more money in the long run if you end buying another, if this one isn't any good.

Not trying to be harsh fella.

Any way to answer the question.

1. open hood fully and remove the 2 black rubber square c pillar seals, if the tail is still connected leave to dangle out the way.

2. remove parcel shelf, look under the 2 shelf supports either side. You will see that the headliner is fastened over metal tabs, lever these tabs down and peel the flaps away these are also glued. In the rear corner sections behind you will find the headliner is also screwed in to there as well.

3. In the corner undo the 2 corner plates that hold the webbing straps in place.

4. Unscrew the rear seat base and remove. Open boot pull seat release knob out and pull the rear seat release handle forward to bring the seats forward.

5. Remove window winder handles and door cards.

6. Unscrew the plastic side covers from either side and pull off the hood release knobs. lift the covers up so they are not held into the clip by the window.

7.  locate the nut on the end of the rear tensioning cable and undo, both sides and withdraw from the car body. Pull the hood material from the rear channel.
Unscrew the 2 plastic hood cover trims either side.

8. Undo the rear window hinges from the parcel shelf supports and the rear heater window wires.

9. Undo the main hinge bolts both sides. YOU will need 2 people for this job as the frame is very heavy. The frame should now be free.

Refitting.

lower frame and re bolt at the main hinge points.

Re attach headliner at all points and re do the webbing strap, the window hinges and cables.

Using a new cable put the tonneau cover holding tabs onto the cable and put the threaded ends through the holes either side of the hood and locate these through the anchor points put new nuts and give a couple of turns.

Alighn the and centre the hood and the tabs.

Tuck the hood material back into the rear cable channel by tightening the cable and drifting the material into position. Once cable is fully tightened.
Replace the c pillar cap seals, the side cover trims and replace the interior components you removed earlier.

Think that about covers it.

cheers
chortle

Now