Convertible Top

Hey everyone, I am looking into re-doing my top.  The only pieces re-usable are the frame, the hardware, and the plastic header panel.  That said, I can not believe the estimates on replacing the top and the weatherstrip.  I have seen kits that sell in the $400.00 range, so an estimate of $1000.00 plus seems a little high to me.  So I am considering doing the project myself.  How about some opinions please?

 

JR

JR....I'll sell you my vinyl hardtop for less than that. Did you try The Top Shop in Hope Mills? (if it's still there)

Back in the spring of 2003 I bought a top kit from Al Knoch Interiors with the intention of doing the job myself.  If you dig back through this forum to that timeframe you should find several threads that discussed replacing tops.  I ended up running out of time (and confidence that I could do a good job) and had a local upholstery shop do the install for under $400.

Here's "Eddie 70"'s post on Conv. Top Install His turned out nicely!
Should have some good info for ya.

I replace the top myself on my 72 years ago ...came out pretty good I THOUGHT.... However 2 years ago I had an upholstery  shop install a new one on both my 64 and 72...  

To be honest I would never do this myself again... too much work
to get it Perfect (wrinkle free )...

You may want to strip everything down and really look at the frame..
I had some minor rust on the piece that runs along the windshield.. with the top removed it would be a perfect time to fix any problems...

Price for a pro to do it was about 350 for each car...