I've been looking at new tops, but what have you guys paid to have it installed at a top shop? I can do a million things on a car, but I've heard that they are a pain best left to a pro unless you want it to end up looking like it just got out of bed. Whats the going rate for having it installed?

FWIW a lot of people install their own soft tops. If you are mechanically inclined and have good attention to detail, you can do it.

I think I remember that labor was about 200 bucks, and for me, well worth it. It takes quite a few hours, and that is when you have experience with tops and know what you are doing, which I do not. But many people here have done their own and they came out quite nicely.

200.00 was that back in the 80's
Here they want 500.00

Last year I installed my new top myself. The three shops I checked with wanted 200.00 to do it and I was good with that but didn't have the two weeks to wait. With the help of a friend and about 5 hrs it can be done by a dumb ol country boy and still look good. I say go for it. Its not that bad .

i have one to install on my 80, well i think i will try it myself, what can it hurt right?
as i read about it, just take your time