convertible top install - where to go to have it done right

[RzeroB]

Came across a decent deal on a B-body convertible. The metal work is done and the car is painted - but it needs a new top and interior. Yeah, I know it's not an E-body, but I do like a cool ragtop for summer cruising and I couldn't even sniff an E-body 'vert for the price of this B-body one.

So here is my dilema - interior work I can do, but putting a new top on? I don't think so. After reading Rob's (Shelbydogg) thread http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.150 about putting one on his Chally I don't think I even want to attempt it.

So, if I do go for this 'vert, I need a recommendation as to a good top shop that does quality work without taking me to the cleaners. I would prefer to keep it within a 100 mi radius of St Louis if I can. Also would like to know what a typical top install should run me? Anyone have one installed lately? Would like to get some ballpark figures so I can compare them to the estimates from the shop.

Thanks in advance for the recommendations!

[DocMel]

Good call

 Have pro do it unless you have done it before with good results  Installing a top is WAY more involved than it looks.  Its not hard, but experience and knowing the tips/tricks makes the payoff   Def have someone do it for you that has experience

[soundcontrol]

I just ordered a top, was gonna try it myself, but that looks complicated. And I guess once the car is in a shop, and they find rust in your frame, (or anything wrong with the frame), its gonna cost you a bundle. Maybe I'll remove my old top, check the frame and the tac rails, then have a shop mount the new top. I ordered a canvas top also, on a Challenger 70. Don't know if that is harder to work with than vinyl.

[Fern]

I just ordered a top, was gonna try it myself, but that looks complicated. And I guess once the car is in a shop, and they find rust in your frame, (or anything wrong with the frame), its gonna cost you a bundle. Maybe I'll remove my old top, check the frame and the tac rails, then have a shop mount the new top. I ordered a canvas top also, on a Challenger 70. Don't know if that is harder to work with than vinyl.

Before you remove your old top, go see the shop who will put the new one in. They may need to take measurements off the old top before you remove it. My frame had no top and the guy had a hard time finding measurements for it.

[Fern]

It cost me me about $1,000.00 for labor to have my top installed, that included labor to install new pumps and lines. 

[soundcontrol]

Thanks, good info. I got quoted about 2000 in labor, if everything went smooth. But I'm in Sweden, labor is expensive here.

[AARuFAST]

Check this company out they sell top manuals

http://www.convertibletopguys.com/static/topmanual

after it opens click on site map for your make and model