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Please keep us (well me) informed if you do this at home.
MidAmerica and the like sell tops for $500 that they say are OEM.
I think labor is a good 8 hours of real time.
The service manual is highly detailed for a DIY. Two people would also help. Fist step is to remove the entire top assembly from the Vert and place the asy on a table/ bench for the replacement. Re-adjustments once the new top is installed I beleeive are within the realm of the DIYer.
I do strongly agree that experience with convertible tops can be very desirable. The lack of wrinkles being the biggest issue I suppose. That is why I would like to know what you decide and very much would like to follow your DIY repair if elected.
Lastly, there are two tops with the later year top being more insulated. The headliners differ. I think they changed the top in 2000. Are you going to retrofit?
Personally, I would DIY it.
Just had a warranty replacement so I am good for another 5 years +-.
If I try this at home I'll let you know how it comes out. I changed the top on my '68 this weekend. I'm not ready for the upholstery shop yet but it came out okay. Couple of goofs but nothing serious.