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Thu Sep 09, 2004 9:02 pm

My wife has a 74 super convertible, the top needs complete overhaul. The frame is in perfect working condition. Can someone tell me the pos and cons of doing the job themselves vs a shop? Also is there any tricks of the trade to make the job easier. I'm not afraid to attempt it, I like challenges.

Sun Sep 12, 2004 5:18 am

I was considering this, but after picking up a video tape of the instalation process, I quickly changed my mind. I've also talked to a few folks that have done it themselves with some success, but neither said they would recommend it. So I opted to bite the bullet and have a professional do it. It's done, looks good, and I have no regrets.

-jeffrey

Sat Sep 18, 2004 5:57 pm

I have a 78 convert. and when I did the top it was alot easier than I thought it would be, It turned out nice looking and I would do another one again, I say go for it, and take pictures of everything when tearing the old top off and you should have no problems. Getting a tape with the top is good idea, I put a canvas top on.

Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:52 am

Any suggestion on which book or video to use if doing the job yourself?

Or is it pretty self explanatory?

Mon Oct 04, 2004 3:44 pm

I am getting to the point of my resto to get a top, and I am pretty sure I will have it done by a shop. Mostly because the only thing I have for it is the frame. The rest of the top was trashed when I got the car, which leaves me no reference points from old material. If anyone doesn't mind posting or sending a pm, please let me know a ballpark figure for the cost for the job. Thanks...

Tue Oct 05, 2004 6:15 am

For your basic recover, parts will run just under $500 [top, headliner, padding etc.], the rest will be labor. Depending on who does it, and how much they got to do, and what the prevailing labor rates are in your area, the total cost may be anywhere between $1000 and $4000. If all you got is the metal frame, you may need the rear header bow, the window, window frame and gasket, the tension cables, all the rubber seals, and the metal trim piece across the front. If the latches are in lousey shape, now's the time to get new ones. Check to see if the frame is straight and not cracked. The top bows sometimes crack and should be rewelded [not a big deal]. Sandblasting and repainting [or powdercoating] the frame, may cost a few more bucks but you should do it to do things right.

You can send your frame to Chucks Convertible Parts [http://www.chucksconvertibleparts.com/] and he'll ship you a complete, beautiful, top of the line, restored top back to you that you can just bolt on. He's pricey, but your top will be perfect. You could give him a call and he can give you a pretty accurate quote over the phone. Other than that, run around to you local trim shops to get a better idea what this will cost.

Last year I had the top replaced on my '79. I had the top stripped and repainted, I had to replace the rear window frame because it had some rot as well as the rear bow. It also needed some welding to make it right. I replaced the top, headliner, padding, and all the seals. Although the original estimate was about $1500, the added work brought it up to $2200. This guy was located out in Long Island, NY. In retrospect I should have gone with Chucks deal. I wanted it perfect, but I tried to save a few bucks. The job is ok, but I had to return twice to fix the rear window [it was never set in right] and I've got a headliner problem that currently isn't resolved. It probably would have cost me more with Chuck, but like I said, it would have been perfect.

Good luck

-jeffrey

-jeffrey

Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:14 pm

hi we seel a lot of kits that include all the parts nesseary for rebuilding the top yourself, we also include an instuction booklet(different books for different years) and a tech support number for when you have questions during installatin, or you can ship us the top frame and we can do it for you we have been doing the mail in top service for 20 years now so we know all the ins and outs of the different years and their idiosycrosis..so you can choose, you do it more work less cost or we do it, done correctly and will last a long time..need anymore info call us 8047845568 chuck/ chucks convertible parts :lol: