Need to replace the convertible top on my 65 Cutlass, what is the average cost these days for material and labor? I will be needing top, pads and rear window.

 

I just had a top put on my Corvair, it was 1300 bucks. That was pads and backlight as well. Smaller car but shouldn't be too different.

 

There are too many factors to really answer this. It depends on your location, top material and quality, glass or plastic window, cables, weatherstrip. For an A body I'd say 1500-2500. around here on the East coast. A plastic window knocks $100's off material. It's really the labor that drives the price up on tops.

 

I just had the top on my 72 Supreme replaced. It was $1500, done by a reputable shop.

 

I called “ Kee Auto tops “ one of the leaders of convertible tops and got a quote of around $600.00 for the top, pads, rear window. So it looks like its gonna be in the ballpark of around a thousand for labor. The weather stripping is in good condition. Thanks for the info!

 

There are only two premium top makes. One is Robbins and the other is Electron. I like Electron. Get an authorized Electron or Robins dealer to provide the materials and install the top and associated parts.

 

If you have an upholsterer install it, make sure you check with that business to make sure they will install the top you buy. Some upholsterers won't install certain brands of tops. I know Kee is a brand that seems to be a favorite with most upholsterers. As well, some won't do a top unless they do everything - weather stripping, cables, etc. Just be sure to check before you make your purchase and chose your upholsterer.

Randy C.

 

If you not have the installer provide the top, you are asking for trouble if there is a warranty issue later.

 

It's all good advice here. Electron is a good top, they are what I usually have installed. Robbins is a good top and I think has a longer warranty than Electron. Kee is actually a pretty good top from what I have read. Ames sells Kee. Legendary sells Electron. I forget the name of the company Fusick uses (AAR?), but they have a good rep, too. I'm not delighted with the Electron that was put on my Buick a few years ago. I think the quality is slipping. I think they may be making them smaller with less overage like carpets. All of the top material in the US comes from a factory here in MA HAARTZ. At one time, several years ago, there were different weights of vinyl. You could get a really heavy weight, a medium, or lightweight. Now I think it's all one weight, and I think it's between light and medium.

 

My buddy had his top done here in Tucson for like a few hundred bucks after he bought the top himself came out nice.
i think less then $800 all in

 

If you do the premium top, pads, weatherstrip, header bow, etc., the parts alone will be $800.00.