1957–1959 Dodge Coronet & Royale Convertible Top Installation Guide

Restoring a 1957, 1958, or 1959 Dodge Coronet or Dodge Royale convertible is a labor of love, and few upgrades make a bigger impact than installing a brand-new convertible top. A fresh top not only transforms the appearance of your classic Mopar but also protects your interior and lets you enjoy open-air driving for years to come.

At Convertible Top Specialists (CTS), we supply premium replacement convertible tops manufactured to meet or exceed original specifications. Every top we sell is backed by an 8-year warranty against manufacturer defects, giving you confidence that you're investing in quality built to last.

Start with a Careful Inspection

Before removing your existing top, inspect your new replacement top thoroughly.

• Verify the year and model are correct.

• Confirm the color and material match your order.

• Lay the new top over the existing one to compare overall fit before disassembly.

• Inspect for any shipping damage before installation begins.

• Inspect hydraulic system to make sure pump, cylinders and hoses are working correctly and have no leaks. 

It's also a good idea to keep your original top until the project is complete. It serves as an excellent reference when reinstalling hardware and aligning the new material.

Protect Your Classic

During installation you'll be leaning over the rear quarters and deck lid several times.

Cover painted surfaces with thick moving blankets or padded covers to protect your Dodge's finish from scratches while removing the rear tack rail and hardware.

Inspect the Convertible Top Frame

A new top will only fit as well as the frame beneath it.

Before installing the replacement top, inspect the frame for:

• Bent or damaged linkage

• Loose pivot points

• Worn tack strips

• Broken or missing hardware

• Proper rear bow height

Correct frame alignment is essential for proper fit, smooth operation, and wrinkle-free results. The installation guide specifies checking the rear bow height before proceeding.

Warm Material Installs Better

Convertible top material becomes much more flexible when warm.

For the best results:

• Install on a warm day whenever possible.

• Allow the top to warm in direct sunlight.

• If working indoors, warm the material before stretching it into place.

Trying to stretch a cold vinyl top can make installation much more difficult and may prevent the material from fitting properly.

Install from the Center Out

When attaching the rear window and rear tack rail, always begin in the center before working toward each side.

This simple technique helps maintain even tension and keeps the window properly aligned.

As you continue installing the top, work evenly from the center whenever possible while checking that both sides remain symmetrical.

The factory installation instructions also recommend using stainless steel staples to help prevent rust over time.

Check Window Alignment Before Final Attachment

Before permanently securing the front header, pull the top into position and verify that:

• Side windows align correctly.

• Door glass seals properly.

• Material tension is even from side to side.

Taking a few extra minutes during this step can eliminate hours of adjustment later.

Reinstall Weatherstripping and Hardware

Once the top is properly aligned:

• Glue the remaining flaps into place.

• Reinstall the front header trim.

• Reinstall all weatherstripping.

• Tighten hardware only after confirming everything operates smoothly.

Cycle the top several times to ensure proper movement before considering the installation complete.

Don't Worry About Minor Wrinkles

Many new convertible tops develop light wrinkles from being folded during shipping.

These usually relax naturally after exposure to warm sunshine or gentle heat once the top has been installed and stretched into position.

Built to Last

Every replacement top supplied by Convertible Top Specialists is manufactured using premium materials designed for years of dependable service.

For your peace of mind, each top includes an 8-year warranty covering manufacturer defects. While no warranty covers damage caused by improper installation, accidents, abuse, or frame issues, you can purchase knowing your investment is protected against defects in materials and workmanship.

Shop our 1957-1959 Dodge Coronet Convertible Tops. 

Most of our top kits come with: Top/Window/Pads

Why Buy from Convertible Top Specialists?

When you purchase from CTS, you're getting more than just a replacement top.

• Premium-quality materials

• Manufactured to original specifications

• Excellent fit and appearance

• Expert customer support

• Fast shipping

• 8-year manufacturer defect warranty

Whether you're completing a concours restoration or simply bringing your weekend cruiser back to life, we're proud to help keep these classic Dodge convertibles on the road.

If you have questions about choosing the correct top or preparing for installation, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help.