Convertible Top Replacement I'd really like to learn how to do this, partly to save $$ and partly because I'm just interested in knowing and helping others later. Is there anyone in the Seattle area that has done a few and willing to show me the ropes? Cheers Jeff ~
Hey Jeff, pay the money to have it done. The kits aren't cheap to start with and one wrong cut and you have a very expesive lawn mower cover. Also the tricks of installing a convertable are many and if you manage to get it on with out making a mistake, it still may look like crap, crooked, lumpy, saggy ect. You also need some spicial tools to do the job right. A friend of mine is one of the local go to guys to get it done around here. He has been doing it for 25 years and I have seen him try to fix the DIY jobs, it ends up costing them more in the end. Hey I try to do all I can myself but there are jobs best left to the pros.
I don't mind paying (well, I'd rather not, but...). However, I'd really like to learn how to do it. That's why I want someone that already knows the tricks to help me through it. No worries, I will not try it alone or without expert assistance. Also, I have a cheapy Y1 top to practice with.
Bugz, Call this guy at Juggyz Customs. His name is Ryan. He may help ya out. Here's the number: Office: 360-915-7690 He did the headliner in my Cat.
Re: Convertible Top Replacement Well, nobody local is willing to show me how to do this, so I went ahead and made an appointment for mid-July. What's a fair price to pay someone to do the work if I supply all the parts / top / liner / pads / etc ?
Takes me 6 hours to tear old top off set up the new top thats if everything is good....not including painting old top frames which you may want to do since its all apart and probably never been painted since it left the factory and you may probably need tack strips aswell so we get up to 10 hours for everything new .Also while top is out check rain rail as they all seem to eventually crack up.Up here in NY they get you for $1200-$1500 complete with top.Top runs $400 max you wont be saving much bringing your own material.
I paid an upholstry guy (1 man shop)$300.I supplied everything,that was just the labour:TU: But that was 4-5 years ago.
And,mine was a YR1 pos as well.The front inner hold down sleeve didnt line up in the right spot.It was 3-4 inches off!!!
I have an appt in 2 weeks to pay some local guy $600 for the labor only. I'll unfold and test fit the new Y1 top and see how far it's off before taking it in. The only reason I have the Y1 top is because it was FREE and because I rarely even use the top, I don't really care if it's high end or not... just as long as it fits and goes up/down. :beers2: Jamie, There's a guy on SpokaneCL looking for a 65-65. Has he talked to you yet? edit 5pm: It looks like he just wants a parts car... I didn't notice that part... d'oh. Jeff
update: A local wholesale supplier recommended a guy for the top replacement. It's getting done this weekend for $500. I'll post photos when it's done, just in case anyone local is interested. Jeff ~
I got the car back a few days ago. The installer did an exceptional job... no funky wrinkles except for the manufacture's flaws. I would use this guy again for just about any upholstery and/or top work. $500 for the labor and I supplied all the parts. At the same time, I installed new carpet, reupholstered the front seats, and made some custom vinyl inserts to replace the carpet on the kicks and lower doors (not installed yet). Jeff ~
X2 I really like that color combo. I wonder what it would look like with redlines on it, or maybe some polished aluminum 5 spokes? :TU:
Thanks for the compliments! I've thought about redlines on 15" Buick Rallys, but those will have to wait until I need new tires... Jeff ~
