projectheaven

Hello all,

How much do you think the installation on a 1972 cutlass would run me? I know prices are different in many areas but just a baseline figure. I was planning on buying the top and back glass off ebay if it's a little cheaper to go that route.I seen them priced from $250-$650.

Lady72nRob71

Lady got a new top back in 2007.
It was a Kee brand top from Year one. From what I remember, I think it alone cost about 350. The shop labor was about 650 (I think) and that included some frame repair. I cannot complain much about the top OR the install job.

First find a shop that know how to do the older cars and had good experience with them. Then tell them about the top you wish to buy. They may only install the known quality tops so they know the job can be done right. A cheap, ill-fitting top cannot be made to fit, so it is best to spend more here and get quality. The shop will be able to tell you which brands are good and those that they will not even touch.

I recommend a glass window, just like the factory one. If you already have a good glass one, you might be able to get a top without glass and the installer can fit it for ya.

In a nutshell, allocate $1k for the whole thing.

we jeep inn

Had mine done last spring. I went with an Electron top from Convertible Top Specialists. Best price I could find for top, pad, cables and glass back window at $465. The trim shop that installed it charged $490 for the install and some hardware (staples, tack strip, a couple of bolts, etc).

The Electron top came highly recommended and it turned out great.

Like Rob said, figure on $1k

New XSi 147 (Large).jpg

rcorrigan5

It cost me about $700 to get a new top installed up here in Washington State. Before you buy a top kit, though, find the upholsterer you want to do the installation. Most upholsterers have their favorite brands of tops to install (or make their own) and they may not install the brand you decide to buy. Per Lady72nRob71, make sure the installer is known for its expertise in good installations for older cars. It's also important to have a glass rear window (like it came from the factory - the plastic ones fog up over time) and most installers will want new cables as well. As I recall, my installer favored and used the Kee brand. My top bows and wood were in near perfect condition and there wasn't any other work required other than removing the old top and installing the new cables and top.

Randy C.

rcorrigan5

I should add, that was $700 plus the top kit.

Randy C.

projectheaven

Thank you guys so much. That was very helpful info. I'll look for a installer first and then decide on the top and other things.

ragtop71

www.opgi.com seems to have good prices, I have gotten several items from them and so far so good. I think thier inventory out shines others! good luck with your top.

GreekDog

anyone know a good place to get this work done in Southern California?

Nor Cal Andy

There is a guy in bakersfield that is really good and not to expensive.. If thats close enough PM me...

trunkmaker

I just put a Kee top on my '72. The first one I've done, it took quite a few days. But with careful fitting & tacking it turned out great. Just be warned with Kee tops they tend to be a little wide & with the windows up can rub the glass. This can be remedied by building up the pads if you know in advance. As with painting its all in the prep work. And don't get them to tight. And repair all frame joints & make sure it operates properly before you lay the top cover.

bummerino

I bought a top from OPGI and installed it on my ( don't hate me !) 66 ss396 Chevelle....I found a video for top installation in the vocational upholstery class at the Women's prison where I used to work. That plus the factory manual gave me the info I needed to install the top....need an electric/pneumatic stapler to ease the work. It took me 3 weeks to install the top( I took my time!!!). Total cost including the stapler was about $200.00...the top cost $179.00, that was 10 years ago. The car is garaged so the top still looks new to this day, it isn't "rocket surgery" and if you take your time you will be pleased with the result. Don't be afraid to tackle it!!! Now where you live it would be easy to get it done in TJ, I had my Chevelle front seats recovered there in 1981 and they still look great, and the price was very reasonable.
Bum

nonhog

Thanks for the inspiration! I think its worth a shot. I have an OPGI top and a manual but no access to a womans prison. I use to have a 66 SS396 vert so I don't hate you.

projectheaven

lol:d

bummerino

I have the top installation video on DVD, I could copy it and send it to you, e-mail me your address . Bummerino@comcast.net I am in California.
bum

projectheaven

email sent.

Thank you

truck5513

I have read your replies and i have gotten prices from 1500 to 1800 here in southern ohio , am i getting ripped off? I am not ready for the top so i can still shop. I thought about replacing the top myself but scared to ruin the top i buy. I would like to see the top installation dvd , i will pay for it ,let me know. Thanks jim

Gofishth

I did my top installation myself. It took a few weekends but I was content with the results. Take your time and walk away when it gets frustrating. I think I did it for a around $250.00

jaunty75

It does look good. I congratulate you. I would be nervous about trying to install a new top by myself if I had never done it before.

jerseymike

hate to say it but new seals might be worth looking into now also. the main front strip and the seals for the side windows. they're not cheap but can make a great overall new appearance. nothing worse than a new top and bad rubber.

bummerino

yeah, how about a new top and bad seals and rubbers????? hahahahaha

Flying Elvi

My back window completely shattered last night so now i need new one. Is it possible to replace just the window portion of the top or will i need a whole new top all together? And how difficult would it be to complete on my own?

Gofishth

I'm not a professional but have done a few tops. The window is attached under the top and would be tough to replace without messing up the top. Do you have insurance? Sounds like a claim.

GreekDog

it would depend if its a 2 piece top or a 1 piece. Im not familiar with the 1973 model.

I have a 1972 cutlass convertible and had only the front part of my top replaced. the rear half part was a seperate piece that included the back window and the back part of the top.

Flying Elvi

It appears to be a 2-piece top. Anybody ever replaced just the portion that contains the window? The rest of the top is still in really good condition.