[andy669]

Replacing that glass is very costly! I checked in to it because mine is water spotted very bad. The glass company told me around $950 just to buy the glass. I'm sure if you knew someone who worked there they could probably get it cheaper.

I had my top replaced about 2 years ago. It was in excellent shape (for being a 94) but some idiot decided it would look better if they cut it up. I too did the black duct tape thing for a few months until I could get it fixed. hehehehe..... Everything thats been done to my car has been done by me. Except for the top!..lol... I have never done one before and I dont even know what tools I would need to do it. The upholstery shop charged me $850 to replace it. $350 was labor, and the top was $500. Assuming that the business had a 100% markup the top probably cost them $250.

A good friend of mine works for a ford dealership so I had him check in to getting one for me. The cost on it was around $700! I explained this to the guy at the upholstery shop because I was concerned that the $500 top I was getting was inferior. He claimed that he gets his replacement tops from the same place that Ford does, so he could eliminate Ford's markup. I dont know if thats true or not, but the top looks original and it is holding up very well.

If the piece that holds your rear glass is looking ratty I would have it replaced. A brand new top is going to make that old piece look even worse! If its in good shape, I'd say leave it! I can think of better things to spend $1200 on!
andy