Does anyone have a way to accurately estimate the amount of labor involved to remove and replace the convertible top mechanism on a 1970 Cutlass Convertible? Not replacing the top but rather, just the mechanism. Any help would be appreciated.

 

What mechanism are you talking about? The frame...the motor...the pump...cylinders...hoses...or the whole deal?

 

I did the hydraulics (the two cylinders, the hose fittings), replaced the motor (actually installed a motor where one was missing), and filled and bled the entire system. Took me about 4 hours and I was going at a snails's pace as it was my first attempt. I would think it would be 3 hours work in a shop that knows what they are doing, and probably less in real time.

At $150/hr you're probably looking at $400 or so in labor, and maybe $600 in parts.

 

If you can remove your rear seat and the arm rest panels and put them back you should save at least and hour of labor.

 

I'm looking for an estimate in hours to replace the convertible top frame assembly. It is operationally but one of the bows is broken and it has some rust. The motor, hydraulics, hose, etc. all seem to be working fine.

 

Is it the bow that goes through the top with the tack strip on it or one of the ones that can be seen easily that is just there for support? I'm sure you've already figured out where I'm going with this. One you can unscrew and take out easily. The other, not so much. That will determine your cost

 

I'm talking about removing and replacing the entire folding mechanism.

 

You can't remove the folding mechanism without taking the top with it. You have to unbolt the the three sections that are attached to the body and also hold the rear of the apron down. There are also 6 bolts, three on either side that have to come out. 4 hold the top in and two hold the cylinders. Technically you could remove it without the top but you would have to cut part of the top away to do that. Much easier to take it out as a unit. The top is stapled to the frame in numerous places

 

Thank you. It is my intent to replace (or should I say, "have replaced") the entire folding mechanism and fabric but reuse the motor, cylinders, hoses, etc.

 

Can't the bushings and pins be replaced, effectively rebuilding the frame, or is it a rust problem?