What to do about convertible top?

physicusstang · 09-23-2000, 01:49 PM

I have just bought a 87 LX 2.3L Convertible for a great price ($100). It needs a little engine work and a paint job. It has a very good looking top, but the stiching for the plastic window in the back came out on the lower half and the plastic molding around the base of the top is missing a little piece. There is also a VERY small hole on the passenger side of the top. I was wondering if these repairs can be done and how cheap. I am on a limited budget, so money is of great concern.

Sac68 · 09-24-2000, 08:20 AM

Wow! $100 is a hell of a deal. Have fun with your new ride.

New tops cost about $160. I don't know about repairing old tops though. Try to find some patches or something at a local parts store.

Good luck.

Mr 5 0 · 09-24-2000, 02:07 PM

Look in the Yellow Pages for Auto Upholstery shops and take it in for an estimate.
Stiching and a small patch shouldn't be too expensive but you won't know without an estimate.

The missing plastic molding piece can be obtained through Mustangs Unlimited or a few other aftermarket dealers.

A new top is closer to $300. but the installation is a bear and really should be done by pros. This can push up the cost to as much as $800. - $900. in some cases.
Cheaper to fix yours and maintain it well.

Sac68 · 09-25-2000, 08:40 AM

$300? Are they more for the fox bodies or something? My friend was quoted $163 for his '96 GT convertable from Schultz Ford here in Pittsburgh.

Mr 5 0 · 09-25-2000, 04:21 PM

Convertible top prices vary with the quality, as with anything else. I've seen tops for late models advertised for $150. but without a rear window, headliner, defroster provision, pads or the all-important installation. Usually, you get what you pay for and most new tops look good for a year or two, especially if keep in a garage, out of the sunlight or snow and ice.
It's the long haul that shows the quality - or lack of it.

Mustangs Unlimited sells a high-quality convertible top for the '87 model, complete with glass window, for $259.
Figure another $30. for pads plus tax and you have a $300, top that will hold up awhile.
More importantly, professional installation is very expensive ($300. or more if done right) and installation costs the same for a cheap top as a good one, so it pays to do it right and get a good quality convertible top.
Another $100. is well worth an extra few yers of trouble-free service from your ragtop.

09-23-2000, 01:49 PM	#1
physicusstang Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Marietta, GA. USA Posts: 9	What to do about convertible top? I have just bought a 87 LX 2.3L Convertible for a great price ($100). It needs a little engine work and a paint job. It has a very good looking top, but the stiching for the plastic window in the back came out on the lower half and the plastic molding around the base of the top is missing a little piece. There is also a VERY small hole on the passenger side of the top. I was wondering if these repairs can be done and how cheap. I am on a limited budget, so money is of great concern.

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09-24-2000, 08:20 AM	#2
Sac68 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Pgh, PA USA Posts: 281	Wow! $100 is a hell of a deal. Have fun with your new ride. New tops cost about $160. I don't know about repairing old tops though. Try to find some patches or something at a local parts store. Good luck.

09-24-2000, 02:07 PM	#3
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Look in the Yellow Pages for Auto Upholstery shops and take it in for an estimate. Stiching and a small patch shouldn't be too expensive but you won't know without an estimate. The missing plastic molding piece can be obtained through Mustangs Unlimited or a few other aftermarket dealers. A new top is closer to $300. but the installation is a bear and really should be done by pros. This can push up the cost to as much as $800. - $900. in some cases. Cheaper to fix yours and maintain it well.

09-25-2000, 08:40 AM	#4
Sac68 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Pgh, PA USA Posts: 281	$300? Are they more for the fox bodies or something? My friend was quoted $163 for his '96 GT convertable from Schultz Ford here in Pittsburgh.

09-25-2000, 04:21 PM	#5
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Convertible top prices vary with the quality, as with anything else. I've seen tops for late models advertised for $150. but without a rear window, headliner, defroster provision, pads or the all-important installation. Usually, you get what you pay for and most new tops look good for a year or two, especially if keep in a garage, out of the sunlight or snow and ice. It's the long haul that shows the quality - or lack of it. Mustangs Unlimited sells a high-quality convertible top for the '87 model, complete with glass window, for $259. Figure another $30. for pads plus tax and you have a $300, top that will hold up awhile. More importantly, professional installation is very expensive ($300. or more if done right) and installation costs the same for a cheap top as a good one, so it pays to do it right and get a good quality convertible top. Another $100. is well worth an extra few yers of trouble-free service from your ragtop.