Trying to get an idea of what I should expect to pay a professional to buy or make, and install a new cloth top. Has anybody done this lately or have any idea what the going rate is? Thanks in advance!

whatever the cost it's worth it.

Jim

In Oakland Ca; I was quoted about $1100 for cloth 800 or the vinyl

About 6 years ago, I paid 500 for a vinyl top, installed, including all materials and the cables.

Ask around at a couple of shops if you can. The shop owner who reupholstered my seats had an interesting recommendation: buy the best top online which I could find, and he'd install it for $250. He told me he'd have to charge far more for the top itself than I would pay from a supplier. Got a canvas top from Convertible Top guys, was installed and ready in a day.

Neil

By all means, get a pre-made top from a convertible top manufacture! Robbins make the best fitting tops with excellent quality fabric and all colors. They are also reasonably priced.

Dave.

When I called around about tops in the past; no one mentioned getting the top myself.

Yest, I went into an upholstery shop (also does tops) to ask questions about my seats. brought in the foam from the drivers seat. The owner spent time with me talking about ways to do the listing, since the old was rotted out, and just talking about what he's done for years and years. I love these shops.
told me they did tops and simply said they could get it or I could. what a refreshing experience. I love people who share their knowledge.
A smog guy (in CA) did that with me and I have now taken 3 cars to him.

OK, I know that is not about top pricing, but I will check with him when the time comes and report back.

Geo

Moose, where are you located? Maybe somebody has a positive Spider top experience with an installer near you.

Robbins makes the best cloth tops (http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/index.php) they also have a database of preferred vendors and installers . I have installed myself, not all that hard to follow directions, if you are careful, and neat. Key is to checkout the bows, clean and rust pickling before beginning installation. Also the rubber gasket/seal at front should be replaced.

Stan