Real Cost of Convertible Top

[67caddyLA]

What is the real cost of a convertible top and replacement?

1967 Deville.

Quote 1: I bring top from local company ($650) + $60 pads
Intall: 750
So total about $1500.

Quote 2: Shop supplies top and install. $2500.


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I did the glass window replacement last year, so that part is not needed.


Appreciate any help - Los Angeles area.

[Clewisiii]

I know a lot of people in auto upholstery. If you supply the top often they will not stand by the fit and install. They may even charge you for "correcting" things they see as problems in a premade top.

If they supply the top it is all on them.

[35-709]

Pretty good prices either way.

[67caddyLA]

Thank you guys. Are you guys recommending canvas or vinyl?

[67caddyLA]

I know a lot of people in auto upholstery. If you supply the top often they will not stand by the fit and install. They may even charge you for "correcting" things they see as problems in a premade top.

If they supply the top it is all on them.

Appreciate that insight. That is very helpful.

Are all the tops premade or they are hand made ?

Interestingly the $2500 shop said "I don't like online tops. I prefer to get my own top."

The $750 install shop said "there is a local top company. Let me give you their number, you buy from them, and please bring to me."

[Clewisiii]

They are not all premade. Some shops make their own. Some shops will only sell to partner installers and not owners. If they warranty their tops they often only want to sell to people who are qualified installers.

[67caddyLA]

They are not all premade. Some shops make their own. Some shops will only sell to partner installers and not owners. If they warranty their tops they often only want to sell to people who are qualified installers.

That makes sense! Thank you

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

All the tops I have purchased are pre-made as far as possible, then the installer has to perform the final tacking and trimming

Most rooves have heat-seam welding to the joints, otherwise they would leak.

I don't know of any upholsterers here that have the machinery for these heating seams.

Anyone making a Vintage Car roof will not need the heat sealing as these were all sewn back in the day.

Pictured is the '71 top that I fitted, and you can see the small amount of trimming that was required before the final installation of the rear tack strip/gutter assembly.

Bruce.

[Abe Lugo]

Can you pass the local top company info? Might be interested next year.  Send through DM.  Thanks.

[35-709]

Got my top from Kee ('68 Bonneville convert.), my top installer recommended them and the top was great. 
https://keeautotop.com