Cost of new soft top?

[tarabutler]

I am considering replacing my sand colored top with a merlot top to match the paint. About how much does a new top cost installed?

[Ediron]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

One of our member's Bradford priced one at $1500.He did a vinyl top which he hopes will hold up better .Do a search the vinyl was $1200 he has photo's of the new top

[FUN X 3]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

The guy who did the repair on our top just before Texas Thunder said replacing the entire top would be roughly $1,500.

[rtrobrd]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

Ford did a factory Merlot cloth softtop on Deluxe non-hardtop cars. Saw one at the dealer when new. It was striking!

[Bradford]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

I had my top replaced about 5 weeks ago, cost was $1200.00 installed for a custom vinyl convertible top, would have been $300.00 more for an original Canvas top, any color they were made in, $1500.00 total. I opted for a vinyl top, what's called sailcloth vinyl, has a texture similar to the canvas, however will be much easier to control mildew which was my biggest demon living in South Florida. I actually think the vinyl looks much better than the canvas, even when the car was brand new. Have received many compliments, my neighbors have said it is a richer look in their opinion. Like you, I also wanted to change the color. My cashmere had a very light Stone color, just went with a little darker color. I started a thread when I installed the new top, check it and you can see some photos posted of the new top installed. Attached the thread with the photos.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=31017

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

I can imagine that Merlot colored would do better than Sand colored but still.......... if my own experience has taught me anything for the future it is found in the idea any convertible top from here on out for me will be ............ BLACK and black only.

[rtrobrd]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

I was looking around and found this tonight. Once upon a time, I had all the Tbird facts memorized, but my memory let's me down from time to time.
This is a Merlot with Merlot factory cloth top. I think it's a deluxe since it doesn't have heated seats, but the wheels throw me off. There may have been painted wheels on the Deluxe, and micro-machined on the premium.

Anyway, I think Merlot on Merlot is beautiful.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=283603418&dealer_id=65516765&c ar_year=2004&model=TBIRD&pager.offset=75&search_la ng=en&start_year=2004&body_style=CONVERT&search_ty pe=both&distance=0&rdm=1306198965174&marketZipErro r=false&advanced=y&sownerid=56129829&lastBeginning StartYear=1981&end_year=2005&showZipError=y&page_l ocation=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&fi rst_record=76&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=4 5000&address=72712&sort_type=priceDESC&awsp=false& make=FORD&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=147 1&standard=false

[HKS]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

Did you get a new rear hated window?

HKS

I had my top replaced about 5 weeks ago, cost was $1200.00 installed for a custom vinyl convertible top, would have been $300.00 more for an original Canvas top, any color they were made in, $1500.00 total. I opted for a vinyl top, what's called sailcloth vinyl, has a texture similar to the canvas, however will be much easier to control mildew which was my biggest demon living in South Florida. I actually think the vinyl looks much better than the canvas, even when the car was brand new. Have received many compliments, my neighbors have said it is a richer look in their opinion. Like you, I also wanted to change the color. My cashmere had a very light Stone color, just went with a little darker color. I started a thread when I installed the new top, check it and you can see some photos posted of the new top installed. Attached the thread with the photos.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=31017

[Bradford]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

Did you get a new rear hated window?

HKS

Yes, my rear heated window was replaced, the cost I was quoted for both vinyl or cloth included the rear window replacement. If your window does not need replacing, it can save your several hundred dollars. I had no choice, my window was separating from the canvas, plus I was changing color and material. Most, or lots of owners here are experiencing the rear window separation, I can't imagine anyone replacing a top and not doing it all.
One thing I have noticed, the car was quieter with the cloth. It did absorb some sound that the vinyl does not. However, I typically drive the car top down, if I can't, I drive a different car. Just something I have noticed.

[Sandman]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

The T-Bird mentioned in post #7 has been pulled off Auto Trader.



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The seller has removed this ad from the site. Keep searching! We update our listings constantly, so we're sure you'll find similar cars.

[kbrighton]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

The T-Bird mentioned in post #7 has been pulled off Auto Trader.

It's still there for me:

Used 2004 Ford Thunderbird Deluxe


$23,950

[Sandman]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

That's strange, when I click on the link in post#7 that is what I got?????
Must be different in Canada,LOL.

[Sandman]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

Things are getting stranger, now the link works for me. Last night it showed it was pulled from Auto Trader by the owner,what's going on here ?????

[Bradford]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

Back To Topic...tarabutler is interested in a new top, not a new car.

[Guest]

Re: Cost of new soft top?

Yes, my rear heated window was replaced, the cost I was quoted for both vinyl or cloth included the rear window replacement. If your window does not need replacing, it can save your several hundred dollars. I had no choice, my window was separating from the canvas, plus I was changing color and material. Most, or lots of owners here are experiencing the rear window separation, I can't imagine anyone replacing a top and not doing it all.
One thing I have noticed, the car was quieter with the cloth. It did absorb some sound that the vinyl does not. However, I typically drive the car top down, if I can't, I drive a different car. Just something I have noticed.

I agree with Bradford, you should replace the window piece as well when installing a new top - in my case I went to a new colour and vinyl, so there was no choice. One of the best decisions I have made - vinyl certainly cleans so much more easily. In the few times driving with the top up, I have not noticed any increase in cabin noise.

The price estimates in previous posts are along the list prices I found - luckily I got a special deal through my new best friend (my upholsterer).