Convertible top installation

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

I’ve gotten a few quotes to install a new convertible top on my ’66 and they’re jaw dropping. The prices range from $800 to $1800 just for installation labor. One guy told me the price includes new “cables and wires”. What wires? Is he confusing it with the scissor type? I haven’t had a convertible top done in 15 years, so my past  experience won’t be relevant. I’d appreciate it if someone would share their more recent pricing experience. I believe in a fair day’s wage but my intuition is yelling “Rip off”.

Thanks,

Ralph

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

Your car (and most others) has a wire on either side that goes through a pocket on each side of the top and holds down the sides so that they are snug with the sides of the top frame.

I have done two of these tops myself when I was much younger. I can attest that for a novice, it is a very hard job, but I agree that the prices you were quoted seem outrageous.

About 25 years ago, I remember that it was hard to find an upholsterer to install a top. They all told me that there was more money to be made doing the fake tops that were popular then. I guess that as it gets harder to find a person willing to do the job, the job gets more and more expensive.

[TJ Hopland]

1800 seems a little high for labor.   I had a top done last fall and I think the labor was $650.  I had got a few quotes, I think the highest was $1200.  I decided to go with the low one and got a terrible job.  The actual top was not bad but the mechanism was improperly adjusted some time in the past and I told them that before the job that it needed work.  2 return trips and it now sort of works but looks worse than before. 

[m schantz]

A complete new top, parts and labor, here in Pasadena CA. goes for about $1,200 to $1,500 depending upon year, model and the gauge of Vicotec top one purchases. That' should be accurate for the ret of the country as well. Add $200 for a glass rear window. Michael

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Guys,

Thanks for your replies.....Very helpful.

Ralph

[62droptop]

like others suggest, definately not somewhere to cheap out as the results could haunt you for years
and cheaper to spend a lot more the first time than to spend a lesser amount and have to spend the big$$ again on top of that
ask around the local car guys and for references if you can

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

All I can add is that you are lucky in USA where you have people that can do these things full time.

Bruce.