changing a top

[G-Man]

Anyone ever change a convertable top? Debating if it's worth doing myself or paying to have it done.

[stoneam2006]

Changing the whole top assembly or just the fabric?

[Lawdwaz]

I bet you'll be an expert AFTER you do your first one. 

 

How expensive would it be if you had to do it twice?  Or three times...............

 

What vehicle is it for? 

 

Don't the Amish do even THAT?

[stoneam2006]

If it's a whole assembly I can't imagine it's that hard...if just putting new fabric on...now way I would try

[HectorBuckBuster]

I would check Youtube for a video. I think the biggest problem will be getting it adjusted for a clean tight fit, so it does not leak where it meets the windshield.

[G-Man]

Mustang convertable, just the fabric,see some youtube vids and a photo step.by step doesn't seem to be that hard just wanted an opinion if it not with it as its a p.i.t.a.

[phade]

Hire it out to a specialist.

 

When I was younger and worked in a larger independent autobody shop down south, we were DRP - meaning we were partnered with insurance companies (direct repair program). Upholstery/Dash repair and Convertibles tops were always sourced out to specialist shops/individuals who do JUST that and that is it. Obviously up here convertibles are not as big money but there are people who handle it. Rim repair too.

 

It's not something I would want to deal with. Be wary of aftermarket products, too, the variance on fit with tops would make your jaw drop. A cheaper replacement might cost you more in labor and more overall. This is one of those situations where you let the expert choose the replacement part because he takes ownership of it. If the fit is bad, you won't have to deal with the cost of extra labor.

Edited March 3, 2015 by phade