How many $$ to replace rag top??
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Norcal CA
I did it myself, and it was fairly manageable. Cost of a brand new top on ebay was 250 - 300. Had to buy an air compressor ($50) and an air-powered staple gun (60$) (I tried other staplers first - compressed air is the only thing that works). Getting the correct length staples is also tricky. The ones I ended up using were close but not a perfect match with the originals. Be careful when you're pulling out the original staples not to break the tack strip. Mine was very brittle ('98).
I was quite happy with the job - it looks great and it's held up well, at least for the first year. If you look carefully underneath the rear edge you can tell that I had to use extra staples in a few areas (because mine were slightly shorter than OEM). If you're a perfectionist, I'd find a highly recommended upholstry shop. If you enjoy working on the car yourself, you should be able to do a 9/10 job **with the right equipement**.
I was quite happy with the job - it looks great and it's held up well, at least for the first year. If you look carefully underneath the rear edge you can tell that I had to use extra staples in a few areas (because mine were slightly shorter than OEM). If you're a perfectionist, I'd find a highly recommended upholstry shop. If you enjoy working on the car yourself, you should be able to do a 9/10 job **with the right equipement**.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
Just had mine replaced, Quotes were $1495 with the Upholstery shops supplying the Top. I found out the shops like to charge an extra $300-400 for the Top, So I found a Robbins Wholesaler in the area and bought the Top myself. Had the shop install for $400 which saved me the extra cost of the Top.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 1,069
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
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Just had mine replaced, Quotes were $1495 with the Upholstery shops supplying the Top. I found out the shops like to charge an extra $300-400 for the Top, So I found a Robbins Wholesaler in the area and bought the Top myself. Had the shop install for $400 which saved me the extra cost of the Top.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
I paid $700 for the Robbins Top, it was made out of the Twillfast MC Material which is an upgrade for a 00 which would have been right at $600 for the Stayfast Material. Install was $400 Labor, so in total I paid $1100.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Thanks for all of the feedback, I appreciate the responses.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
I bought the Top from a local wholesaler. No problem finding a shop to install it. They were all more the willing. Manufacturers warranty applies to the Top as long as it's installed by an authorized installer, the shop is liable for the labor they did being correct.
