I am looking at a 68 A body convert. What can I expect, about, to spend for good quality top and rear glass installed? I am just trying to get an idea before I make this guy an offer.
Roberta hit the nail on the head. That should be the installed price with liners and a new paint job on all the bows. All new top rubbers will run you about $250-$300 and will make it like it left the factory. Do it all at the same time. That is what I paid a few years ago to have my daughters '69 GS done.
Here are the prices i just got on my 1971 top install job. Keep in mind i own a shop and send this guy work all the time. All prices are for parts and labor. White Top-$695.00 , Glass Window-$495.00, Top Pads-$245.00, Well Liner-$$245.00 Tack Strips-$395.00 (After I dig the old ones out) Top Cables-$95.00 Top Boot-$245.00 Misc. $50.00 .I have to paint all pieces , buy and install new weatherstripping. If you add everything up, factor in my labor also, the cost is OVER $3,000.00. I also got similar prices from other shops. My top was ruined during transport and it also damaged the frame. Spent a lot of labor to fix the frame. I had to also repaint the frame. Cost on the frame repair was over $1,000.00. MY COST on the top will be well over $4,000.00 by the time the dust settles.Imagine telling a customer THAT ! And that is not making a dime !!! I put a claim into my insurance company (HAGGERTY) and the adjuster would only pay $1,000.00. Do your homework, It's worth it.
I just had my top done on my 71 GS back in May of this year. Total price was $1900 which included the electron top, glass back window, top liner, and complete rubber kit. Took my car there one day, they removed the top completely for me, I painted the frame, etc. and brought it back for them to finish the job. I also had other cost involved, but it was due to the header bow being rusted(another $340 for replacement) and then I replaced all the hoses, lift cylinders, and pump for another $600. He charged me exact price on parts and another $800 for installation, he did a great job and has been in business for quite some time!!!! Brian
HOLY SH_T 3-4000!...........I might be driving around with my top down and the boot on for the next few years
Im with Russ455 , you guys are getting hosed big time . I've had approx 5 Electron tops installed . Electron Top with glass curtain & pads $ 435.00 shipped , labor $350 = $785.00 total . All these cars have won Concours Gold , no hack jobs or wrinkles. DL
Do your homework! I've got (4) oldschool places that do expert work and won't take you for every dime you have. Installing a top is an art, I've watched them do it, but some shops are on this earth to rip you off like it's some sort of a big deal.........It's not !!!
I don't doubt that. However, materials/parts cost the same. They all come from the same place. The book quotes 10 hours labor. But a skilled installer is more around 6 hours. At those prices quotes some guys are paying $150-$200.00 PER HOUR. I think that is a little outrageous. DL
I just got a quote on a new top for my 71 GS from a shop that specializes in classic convertibles. Robbins top with glass window, repainted frame, reconditioned cylinders and motor, new weatherstripping and boot for just under $3,000.
I agree... quality top with a glas rear window... I JUST checked with two places here in WA on the West Coast...
I paid $1500.00 for a new electron top and glass window with well liner, installed, that was about 2 yrs. ago.
if you live where you regulary get hosed, youll get hosed on a top by all in your area. up north say michigan or ohio i dont beleive you can get hosed or the guys would all go elsewhere. down south or florida there are fewer classics,fewer shops so they bend you over hard . that said if your paying for parts and labor in south florida do a few toe touches before you walk in. the good news is is high quality work is demanded here. marty:shock:
Florida, huh? You must have a few marinas nearby, I am sure there is a good canvas installer in the area. I asked at my local marina here in NJ and that is how I found my installer.
Huh?? I was just quoted $1100. for a complete top job with heated rear glass on a '71 Delta 88 Royale - this has the scissor roof mechanism . This included well liner,pads,cables,rear glass with defrost,rain gutter and top. 2 other local shops quoted around the same price.
