2008Vert

Just found the "convertible tech" area. I posted this in the general area but figured I would get more info here.

I have a 2008 V6 Vert that is going to need a new top. It is OK for now but I can see some wear and I figure maybe next year it will need to be replaced.

So is it a DIY job or not. I have other vehicles and a garage so it is fine if it sits for a few days or even a few weeks while I get this right.

I considered doing it this winter but I was wondering if it would be more difficult when the top was cold...Well, at the lowest around 60 degrees in the garage.

Also, I have seen tops from Haarts and Robbins and wondered which was the best. I have a Parchment (2008 was either black or parchment) and I was trying to figure out what color that is through the two companies. I think it was Robbins that lists Tan, Camel, Light Tan.

Also I have been trying to figure out the different types of tops. Sailcloth? I can't remember the other types right off but it would seem that the texture is slightly different for each one along with the weight/thickness.

I just want to get the one that is going to look like stock and last as long as possible.

Thanks for any replies

2008Vert

Dang,97 views and no answers. Must be hard questions.

Blueper

Read up on it and see if you can DIY. I did and just paid 1100 in 2009.
It was done in a week with them ordering the top.
If I had attempted and couldn't finish it, it would have sat until I figured it out.

How long would it take you to do it?
Do you have days to spend trying to replace it?
How much is your time worth?

ryan1994mustang

a few years back i replaced the top on my 94 by myself. it wasnt too hard, just very time consuming. it took almost 2 full 8hr days working with someone else. and you are going to want to do it in the warmest weather possible, because it will be stretched to its max in warm weather. i bought a haartz sailcloth(vinyl) top and it is still in good shape after about 4-5 years. i think the cloth tops look much better but im pretty sure they dont last nearly as long and they fade quicker. good luck if you try and do it yourself.

2008Vert

Thanks for the reply.

I don't know that I will attempt it or not.

The closest guy I have found that will even do it is about 3 hours away and he is saying 2500. Sounds kinda steep to me.

The one you did was a two piece top wasn't it? I have found a lot of info on replacing those but very little on a one piece(rear window included).

ryan1994mustang

yeah, the tops for the 94's are 2 piece tops. it has the main top, and then the rear curtain with the window. and 2500 sounds pretty steep. i got quoted about 1000-1200 (including the top).

2008Vert

Thanks. I guess I am going to keep looking and see what I can come up with. 2500 is NOT going to happen.

2008Vert

Did a lot more checking around and found 2 other shops. $1800 at one and $2000 at the other. All three claimed 3-5 days to do it. And the one for 1800 said he had never done a one piece top like that one

It's looking more and more like I am going to be doing this myself.

WesleyEng.com

Only took this guy 1 minute to do it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhKyp28gjv4

2008Vert

I believe I would pay 2000 to watch him do it that quick on my car...lol.

And he took a two piece top off and replaced it with a one piece. I have found several videos of the two piece top replacement but none for the one piece on a 2005 or newer