Opinions on 01-04 Convertable top on 97 Cobra

[DKblue98GT]

My car had a pretty new top when I got 3 1/2 years ago but now i need to replace it.

Anyone have experience using a new edge top on an SN95?

I like the idea of the newer material better than the 97 style. Is there really any difference between the 2? Will there be any issues with the fit of the newer style top on the older car?

Any preference for brand? I'm having it installed by an upholstery shop because I don't feel like doing it myself and I would rather have a glass rear window.

Thanks!

 

[DKblue98GT]

No love for the Vert...

 

[01yellercobra]

Might be better to talk to an upholstery shop. Is your current top vinyl or cloth?

 

[DKblue98GT]

I got a few answers on another forum. Apparently the are no differences as far as fit. The Robbins tops look like what I want. Robbins offers a lot of material choices.

Current top is vinyl. I'm still looking for a shop to install it...

 

[delling3]

Not sure where you are located, but would be interested in what it ends up costing you to have installed. I have talked to a couple of shops in my area (Detroit area), and the going rate seems to be $1200 - $1400 for an installed top. The shops I have talked to have their "preferred vendor", and when I suggested that I would purchase and bring them the top, they weren't too receptive. I did find one guy who does side jobs, and he wanted $1000 labor only, so me buying a top from someone and taking it to him wasn't going to be a savings.

 

[07GtS197]

That seems to be the going rate around here too, at least it was when I still had my 98. Everything is more expensive in this part of Florida. Im glad I dont have a convertible anymore though my gf does and I feel bad for her when the time comes to replace it.


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[DKblue98GT]

I'm in NM. I won't be surprised if labor is $1500.00 which I'm not excited about. I think I'm going to wait until after winter so I can save some cash for it

I thought about going and getting a quote today but my car is in the garage for the winter...


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[01yellercobra]

We had the top on our 06 done and I think it was about $1400. Thay was dropping the car off and picking it up. We upgraded to the cloth as well.

 

[MyLittlePony]

I had a used 2004 cloth top installed on my 94. Looks amazing! I will never go back to vinyl! Not only was it cheaper used, but it came already assembled, meaning it came with the frame. There is a bit of an issue now when closing it though. I can’t have the motor close it all the way, and then I have to latch the passenger side first. If I have the motor completely close it, it won’t latch at all. Maybe the car it came off of was badly twisted. But, otherwise, it was a great deal for a DIYer.

 

[01yellercobra]

I had a used 2007 cloth top installed on my 94. Looks amazing! I will never go back to vinyl! Not only was it cheaper used, but it came already assembled, meaning it came with the frame. There is a bit of an issue now when closing it though. I can’t have the motor close it all the way, and then I have to latch the passenger side first. If I have the motor completely close it, it won’t latch at all. Maybe the car it came off of was badly twisted. But, otherwise, it was a great deal for a DIYer.

How did you get an S197 top to fit on an SN95?

 

[MyLittlePony]

How did you get an S197 top to fit on an SN95?

That’s a very good question. I’ll edit my post.

 

[DKblue98GT]

MyLittlePony, do you have any pictures?

 

[COBRA_ESQ]

Can't answer the fitment issues but if you source on from a Terminator they were insulated cloth while the regular and GT were vinyl. Great up grade if it fits.

 

[MyLittlePony]

MyLittlePony, do you have any pictures?

Not very good pictures, as the top (and car) are now pretty old, but I guess it’s better than nothing

 

[TrickVert]

I passed on a Terminator top a number of years ago, and have kicked myself ever since.

 

[tmwsccsh]

We had the top on our 06 done and I think it was about $1400. Thay was dropping the car off and picking it up. We upgraded to the cloth as well.

$1400? That's scary.

I'm in the UK and need to get my top replaced.

Have found I can get a 1-piece hood for £325 but struggling to find a fitter at the moment, although I have seen 1 place that said £650 for the hood and fitting. I thought that was a lot until I read this thread!

There's a guy on eBay US doing a one-piece with plastic window for 189USD. Plus shipping and import duty that's currently only about £210 to me - tempting.

But then it's the fitting that's the issue. I have fitted a top before to a different car (anyone know what a Rover 216 is???) But vowed never again as, although it looked good, it was a nightmare.

Don't suppose there's anyone here who knows of a UK fitter???

Thanks in advance.

Regards
TMW