Replacing convertible top. How hard is it?

Dark_5.0 · 06-09-2001, 08:00 AM

I have an 88GT convertible I bought the car really cheap cause someone had vandalized it. Slashed the top tore up the rear window and keyed the paint. I have repaired everything except for the top. It is stitched up and dont look too good.

Have any of you ever replaced a convertible top and if so how hard was it to do.

I have to replace the top the headliner and I want to install a glass rear window.

How hard will it be and how much do you think it will cost? Thanks in advance

------------------
88 mustang gt convertible bored to 306 BBk equal length headers mac cold air fender kit cowl hood nitto drag radials ford racing clutch flow masters h-pipe 160* thermostat 16 degrees of timing electric fan off 94' t-bird jacobs electronics cap and wires.
best 60 ft 2.14, best 1/8th 9.65, best 1/4 15.2 @89mph

Maroon 5.0 LX · 06-09-2001, 09:08 AM

I replaced the top on an old '72 LTD some years ago. I suspect the basics are still the same. It'll probably take a week-end to do it.

Check with a local shop and see what they charge, then see if it's worth doing it yourself.

For a first timer, it's a little time consuming, but can be done. Just get a good top and rear glass. Biggest problem was making sure all the wrinkles were out. Most tops come with installation instructions, just follow them.

If you can walk and chew gum at the same time, you should be able to do it.

------------------
'89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner
'94 E-150 Conversion Van

jimberg · 06-09-2001, 09:54 AM

I replaced my top. I'd probably pay to have it done next time. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you have a 1/4 crown air stapler. The instructions on how to do it are in the official shop manual. If you don't have them, I can probably scan them for you.

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351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

Dark_5.0 · 06-09-2001, 10:38 AM

Thanks for the info guys.

I want the top to look really good so I think I am leaning towards having it done but I think that having it done would quadruple the price.

Lets see pay to have new top installed or buy the mass air conversion kit. Hmmmm.

355.00 for the top and window VS. 800.00 for the installation.

The difference is a fat chunck of cash. My confidence is not too high for this project.

But the difference in cash is substantial.

------------------
88 mustang gt convertible bored to 306 BBk equal length headers mac cold air fender kit cowl hood nitto drag radials ford racing clutch flow masters h-pipe 160* thermostat 16 degrees of timing electric fan off 94' t-bird jacobs electronics cap and wires.
best 60 ft 2.14, best 1/8th 9.65, best 1/4 15.2 @89mph

jimberg · 06-09-2001, 11:04 AM

Odds are good that if you do it yourself it may not be perfect but it won't look horrible, either. Besides, you live in TX. It will be down most of the time.

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351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

Dark_5.0 · 06-09-2001, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimberg:
Odds are good that if you do it yourself it may not be perfect but it won't look horrible, either. Besides, you live in TX. It will be down most of the time.

This is true, I am just tired of people asking me what happened to my car at the track.

------------------
88 mustang gt convertible bored to 306 BBk equal length headers mac cold air fender kit cowl hood nitto drag radials ford racing clutch flow masters h-pipe 160* thermostat 16 degrees of timing electric fan off 94' t-bird jacobs electronics cap and wires.
best 60 ft 2.14, best 1/8th 9.65, best 1/4 15.2 @89mph

Maroon 5.0 LX · 06-09-2001, 03:46 PM

$445 sounds like a lot for labor. But I guess if they're fast and good, it'll be worth it.

------------------
'89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner
'94 E-150 Conversion Van

crewzin · 06-09-2001, 09:01 PM

Pay to have it done! TRUST ME. If you get it wrong you will waste the new top. Its a pain in the azz. Lots of money for a top and install but if it gets loose or something you can take it back to the installer. Plus having the receipt will help with insurance if it gets ripped again.

06-09-2001, 08:00 AM	#1
Dark_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Staging lane Posts: 4,337	Replacing convertible top. How hard is it? I have an 88GT convertible I bought the car really cheap cause someone had vandalized it. Slashed the top tore up the rear window and keyed the paint. I have repaired everything except for the top. It is stitched up and dont look too good. Have any of you ever replaced a convertible top and if so how hard was it to do. I have to replace the top the headliner and I want to install a glass rear window. How hard will it be and how much do you think it will cost? Thanks in advance ------------------ 88 mustang gt convertible bored to 306 BBk equal length headers mac cold air fender kit cowl hood nitto drag radials ford racing clutch flow masters h-pipe 160* thermostat 16 degrees of timing electric fan off 94' t-bird jacobs electronics cap and wires. best 60 ft 2.14, best 1/8th 9.65, best 1/4 15.2 @89mph

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06-09-2001, 09:08 AM	#2
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	I replaced the top on an old '72 LTD some years ago. I suspect the basics are still the same. It'll probably take a week-end to do it. Check with a local shop and see what they charge, then see if it's worth doing it yourself. For a first timer, it's a little time consuming, but can be done. Just get a good top and rear glass. Biggest problem was making sure all the wrinkles were out. Most tops come with installation instructions, just follow them. If you can walk and chew gum at the same time, you should be able to do it. ------------------ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 Conversion Van

06-09-2001, 09:54 AM	#3
jimberg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 2,089	I replaced my top. I'd probably pay to have it done next time. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you have a 1/4 crown air stapler. The instructions on how to do it are in the official shop manual. If you don't have them, I can probably scan them for you. ------------------ 351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

06-09-2001, 10:38 AM	#4
Dark_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Staging lane Posts: 4,337	Thanks for the info guys. I want the top to look really good so I think I am leaning towards having it done but I think that having it done would quadruple the price. Lets see pay to have new top installed or buy the mass air conversion kit. Hmmmm. 355.00 for the top and window VS. 800.00 for the installation. The difference is a fat chunck of cash. My confidence is not too high for this project. But the difference in cash is substantial. ------------------ 88 mustang gt convertible bored to 306 BBk equal length headers mac cold air fender kit cowl hood nitto drag radials ford racing clutch flow masters h-pipe 160* thermostat 16 degrees of timing electric fan off 94' t-bird jacobs electronics cap and wires. best 60 ft 2.14, best 1/8th 9.65, best 1/4 15.2 @89mph

06-09-2001, 11:04 AM	#5
jimberg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 2,089	Odds are good that if you do it yourself it may not be perfect but it won't look horrible, either. Besides, you live in TX. It will be down most of the time. ------------------ 351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

06-09-2001, 03:46 PM	#7
Maroon 5.0 LX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 471	$445 sounds like a lot for labor. But I guess if they're fast and good, it'll be worth it. ------------------ '89 LX 5.0 - 5 speed. Original Owner '94 E-150 Conversion Van

06-09-2001, 09:01 PM	#8
crewzin Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Sour Lake, TX Posts: 211	Pay to have it done! TRUST ME. If you get it wrong you will waste the new top. Its a pain in the azz. Lots of money for a top and install but if it gets loose or something you can take it back to the installer. Plus having the receipt will help with insurance if it gets ripped again.