• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Learn to Install Convertible Tops with this New Book

January 24, 2020 By Naseem

The Hog Ring - Convertible Top Restoration and Installation

Installing convertible soft tops is one of the most technical aspects of our craft. Forget one step or do it incorrectly and the entire job can be ruined.

Fortunately, veteran trimmer Fred Mattson wrote a convertible top guidebook that you can rely on for help.

“Convertible Top Restoration and Installation,” published by CarTech, is a must-read for all trimmers looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in convertible top installation.

Trimmers who own Fred’s first book, “Automotive Upholstery & Interior Restoration,” will recall that it has a chapter on convertible top installation. However, his latest book provides more comprehensive instructions.

In “Convertible Top Restoration and Installation,” Fred examines the many styles of convertible tops and instructs readers on how to repair them. The book covers common one-piece and two-piece convertible tops, as well as unique ones like the scissor top and classic 4-door Lincoln Continental convertible. There’s even an entire chapter dedicated to fabricating convertible tops from scratch.

The guidebook is 176 pages, and covers every aspect of convertible top repair and maintenance — including tools you’ll need, topping materials, weatherstrip, tack strip, frame repair and alignment, hydraulic power-top systems, and more.

Of course, the book includes loads of color photos and step-by-step instructions that make it easy to follow along.

I believe this to be the most comprehensive guidebook on convertible top installation ever written, benefiting novices and veterans alike. Without a doubt, every trim shop should own a copy.

Having met Fred on numerous occasions, I know first-hand how passionate he is about sharing his expertise with other pros, and teaching the next generation of trimmers the proper techniques of the craft. His many years of experience as owner and operator of Convertible Tops and Interiors by Fred, combined with his ability to clearly articulate complex instructions, make him well-suited to write such an important book.

“Convertible Top Restoration and Installation” is truly an invaluable resource.

Buy it today!

To order your copy of “Convertible Top Restoration and Installation,” visit CarTechBooks.com or call 1-800-551-4754. The book costs just $32.95 plus shipping.

Filed Under: Archive, Pro Tips, Products & Reviews, THR Favorites Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Book Review, Car Interior, Convertible Top, Convertible Tops & Interiors by Fred

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fred Mattson says

    January 26, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    Thank you Naseem for recommending my books. The feed back from readers has been very positive and I am willing to help answer questions to anyone that have the books.

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Keyston Bros
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Hyde Leather
  • Albright's Supply

THR Favorites

The Hog RIng - How to Bind an Isolated Hole in Carpet

How to Bind an Isolated Hole in Carpet

Want to learn how to bind an isolated hole in … [more] about How to Bind an Isolated Hole in Carpet

The Hog Ring - Meet Aspiring Auto Trimmer Lauren Ralphie Marusic

Meet Aspiring Auto Trimmer Lauren ‘Ralphie’ Marusic

We interview a lot of master craftsmen, but … [more] about Meet Aspiring Auto Trimmer Lauren ‘Ralphie’ Marusic

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack Concept

VW’s Multivan Alltrack Concept Hinge Seam

If you thought Faurecia’s flat-seam stitch … [more] about VW’s Multivan Alltrack Concept Hinge Seam

The Hog Ring - How to make a french seam lay flat

How to Make a French Seam Lay Flat

Did you ever wonder how automakers make … [more] about How to Make a French Seam Lay Flat

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Design Studio - 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Design Studio: 1967-69 Camaro

The popularity and timeless design of the … [more] about Design Studio: 1967-69 Camaro

The Hog Ring - Vilner Works its Magic on a Tesla Model 3

Vilner Works its Magic on a Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a pretty sweet car. But … [more] about Vilner Works its Magic on a Tesla Model 3

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Keyston Bros Drops 10 New Carbon Fiber Vinyl Colors and They Pop
  • Trimmer Michael Andrew Piccolo Dies at 67
  • 2026 SEMA Show Registration Opens May 4
  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in