Incorrectly installed snaps can cause a fabric top to tear, resulting in costly repairs and possibly requiring a new convertible top. The two-part snaps used on a convertible top require minimal tools to ensure a proper installation. Snap alignment is critical to a secure top. Properly aligning the convertible top snaps with the snaps installed on the vehicle and using the correct snap installation techniques ensures you avoid expensive repairs.
Pull the convertible top to align it with the snaps installed on the vehicle. Mark each snap location on the outside surface of the top with a pencil.
Rotate the wheel of a fabric punch until the hole size -- recommended by the snap manufacturer -- points toward the lower jaw of the punch.
Slide the convertible top between the upper and lower jaws of the fabric punch. Align one pencil marked snap location with the top jaw of the punch. Squeeze the punch handles together to form a hole at the marked location. Repeat the procedure to place a hole at each marked location.
Place a metal plate on a firm work surface. Set the back of a snap on the metal plate. Push a punched hole -- exterior side of the convertible top down -- over the bottom section of the snap.
Align the inner side of the second section of the snap over the shaft protruding from the back snap section. Push the top section of the snap firmly to set it in place. Place a snap setting tool over the top section of the snap. Strike the back section of the setting tool firmly with a hammer to lock the two pieces of the snap permanently together. Repeat the process to install all the snaps in the convertible top.
