How hard to install a new top?

[dwillman]

Hi - how difficult is it to install a new top? I got a quote from a local place and they want $1,100.00, and they wont install a top that I provide. I know I can get a one for chepaer than that, but I have no idea how to install it or how hard it is to install. Does anyone know some one in the Gilbertsville/Reading PA area that could install it for me?

[Danrc30]

I don't know how hard it is, but I'm going to find out soon... my top is starting to go and the local shop here quoted me $1200. Like you, I can't bring him a top I buy either... it's how he makes his money... well, in this case, he's losing money because now he won't get the job!

I'm in central NJ if anyone wants to drop by and help or learn alongside me...

[RHD180sx]

I bought my new roof and window on Ebay for $350 shipped and I installed it with a friend in about 8-10 hours. the roof did come with directions but I didn't use them much. it's not hard, just very time consuming. I just started at the front of the roof and worked toward the back, when installing the roof I started in the back and worked my way to the front...

[JSvert240sx]

I bought my new roof and window on Ebay for $350 shipped and I installed it with a friend in about 8-10 hours. the roof did come with directions but I didn't use them much. it's not hard, just very time consuming. I just started at the front of the roof and worked toward the back, when installing the roof I started in the back and worked my way to the front...

Specifically, how hard was the rear window piece installation? Any pointers for going about just replacing that?

[RHD180sx]

The rear window was not difficult, but you will need a good staple gun. The rear window and the rear section of the roof are stapled into a metal frame with a plastic insert. You will need to center the window around the metal frame, start by stapling the window materal to frame and start in the middle of the frame and work your way to the outside of the frame while pulling the materal tight as you staple. The rear section of the roof will be stapled over the window section with the same concept in mind, start by centering the roof a round the frame and work your way to the outside. hope this help...

[nukeone]

Ditto on the staple gun and staples but PLEASE make sure you use stainless steel staples; otherwise, you will be replacing them after a few years! As stated above, it is not a hard job but is very time consuming. Also, look at the condition of your liner, which doesn't come with the new $350 eBay top, and the condition of the webbing that holds the frame. I started replacing the top and had to stop while awaiting the arrival of the webbing to replace the old, rotted sections. I also had problems with one of my rear quarter windows so, while the top was out and waiting on the webbing, I pulled the mechanisms and fabricated new guides for the regulators. Windows now work well to compliment the new top and rear window. Patience is the key!

[lglusco]

I've started doing a little practice disassembly of my top in preparation for installing a new window section.

I'm getting stumped as to how to remove the top of the window piece. It seems to wedge into the metal bow via a hard rubber lip that has a wire inside it. Doesn't seems to want to come out and I can't see anything else to loosen to free it up.

Anyone have any insight?

[DirftKing102]

man to install a top up here people in washington are asking $3000 for the whole thing to be done. You guys are getting a great deal down there and you dont even know it.

[TurboChargedSE-R]

Why cheap out on the *one* thing that not only makes your car what it is...but the one thing that also is critical to your car's survival...the top?

Installing a convertible top is not an easy process, and it is worth the money to have it installed correctly by someone that knows what he/she is doing.

If you get a S13 convertible FSM supplement, the detailed instructions are included for replacing the top. I've rebuilt engines, transmissions, and fabricated turbo systems; After reading the FSM instructions, I decided that installing the top was something I didn't want to mess with.

FWIW, I paid $350 for my top and about $600 labor for the install. Money well spent.

[nitefyre1]

Through a friend, I am getting a quote of $700 including the top and back window. Fully installed. He works at a dealership so has some connections.

Socal. Now that it is cooling down enough, I won't fry driving with the top down.

[94_240sx]

If you get a S13 convertible FSM supplement, the detailed instructions are included for replacing the top. I've rebuilt engines, transmissions, and fabricated turbo systems; After reading the FSM instructions, I decided that installing the top was something I didn't want to mess with.

Okay, I'm EXTREMELY detail oriented person. I'm very picky when it comes to my car, so I don't let anyone touch my car, but when I saw the vert FSM... Man... It's something that needs to be done by professional... I don't want to do half a** job, so I'll get this done by professional for sure. Actually, I've seen new tops on two 240 verts done by professional and I was very impressed. I wanted to have my top just like that.

[S13_convert]

I agree with a professional install. I am looking to do my top very soon (before winter) and have already concluded that I will pay someone to do it. It will be worth it. I just need to know the best top to buy...any ideas?

[Hijacker]

I've done two top installs now. They're not hard so long as you take your time and focus on the job.

S13_convert, just have your shop order a replacement made of stayfast and canvas like the OE top.