Average cost to install a new convertible top?
#1177922
02/13/12 07:04 PM
02/13/12 07:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,280
808CUDA
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,280
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I just want to get a feel for what to expect to pay to have a new convertible top to be replaced on a '71 Barracuda. Parts included will be convertible top, pads, tension cables and well liner. Thanks for any input in advance! 
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: Andrewh]
#1177924
02/13/12 08:30 PM
02/13/12 08:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,280
808CUDA
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,280
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Wow! I must be behind the times  Thanks for the input Andrew, much appreciated! Anyone else had any tops installed? So far been quoted $1,900 
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: 808CUDA]
#1177926
02/13/12 08:48 PM
02/13/12 08:48 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
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WOW! If you are looking at that much to install one I suggest you do it yourself. It's not like painting where you have to have protective equipment or anything special. A screwdriver, small hammer, a parking space and some time. It takes several hours but still not too bad. 
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: Jim_Lusk]
#1177928
02/13/12 10:44 PM
02/13/12 10:44 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,167
Maryland
GO_Fish
master
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master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,167
Maryland
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A few years ago, I think I priced quality online OE style A-body tops with glass rear window and it was $700 for material and shipping? So add inflation and $1000-1300 labor and you are around $2k.  I will probably make my first attempt at replacement this summer.
Scott B.
"I'm a self-made man... I started with nothing, and I still have most of it!"
68 360 rusty B'cuda 'vert (GO Fish)13.59@ 98.72 mph
69 340 GTS stock 14.18@ 95.60 mph
01 5.9L Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4
01 3.5L 300M 16.23@ 86.97 mph
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: ThermoQuad]
#1177932
02/14/12 01:44 PM
02/14/12 01:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,234
Looking for a way out of Middl...
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Quote:
You can't repeatedly re-attach the sail panels to get the right fit.
The trick here is to not tack it into the tacking strip right off the bat. Slip it under the tacking strip and pull it tight. Snug the strip down and tension the top. Check for wrinkles and then pop the front loose, loosen the tacking strip and reposition the top as needed to remove wrinkles. Repeat as many times as needed. Once you have it right then mark the edge of the top and the tacking strip. Remove the tacking strip and align the marks. Then tack it in place with a few tacks. Check it and if all is right tack the crap outta it.
The widow edges and roof seam are determined by the windows and the main rear roof bow.
It is easy just time consuming to get it perfect.
Quote:
It should be more about proper results not how much it cost. $1200 for labor is not out of line.
I totally agree with this. If you can not do it yourself get a guarantee in writing. I had some work done by Sadler's Top Shop in Shreveport LA years ago and they screwed it up big time and told me too bad. That taught me to do it myself and I found out it is easier than the shops will admit.
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: Cincylance]
#1177935
02/14/12 03:15 PM
02/14/12 03:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Quote:
To have it done right you're looking at $2000+
Do the pads need replacing?
Is the header bow in good shape?
Are the inner drain rails in good shape?
Glass back window?
Etc, etc.
My Dad has been doing upholstery since 1961. I put two tops on my 70 Challenger back in the 80s (it was my daily driver) and I can tell you that you get what you pay for. There are many shortcuts you can take to get the job done and keep the price down, but to do it right takes patience and skill.
Get it done right the first time or you'll end up unhappy or paying for the job twice when you take it to another shop to have them "fix" the job from the first shop.
Just my 2¢,
Cincylance
This man knows...
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: 808CUDA]
#1177937
02/14/12 05:35 PM
02/14/12 05:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 54
Ohio
Cincylance
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 54
Ohio
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Ask the shop what exactly they plan to do for that price. My father is in Cincinnati if you are close to SW Ohio. He is hands down the best around. Email me offline for his contact info. Cincylance lancelangdon@gmail.com
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Re: Average cost to install a new convertible top?
[Re: Cincylance]
#1177938
02/14/12 06:10 PM
02/14/12 06:10 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
jbc426
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,277
West Coast, USA
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You can spot the home-done tops right away, wrinkles, misalignment and sags.
You get what you pay for, but be sure to go to an expert who does them regularly. Clean, prime and repaint the frame, all new materials and hardware top quality installation. Depending on the car, it's worth it for the superior results. If it's available, opt for the glass rear window too.
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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