convertible top install---

[Benz Dr.]

Reports of my demise are grossly exaggerated.

[Shvegel]

I guess in the spirit of not being negative and sheading light and not heat I think that RMMCHL should call Gernold(My assumption) or whomever and ask what is involved in fitting the top to the car.  Although it may be only 4 bolts to REMOVE the top from your car straightening the frame, adjusting the top Checking/replacing the webbing and cleaning off the old glue etc may be involved here. Also keep in mind you mentioned that he has a body that he fits the top to as well. Keep in mind that the "Fixture" is probably indoors taking up square footage, heat and light while it is sitting there waiting for the next top. When I worked in the body work business years ago I started looking at the business side of things and in a shop with 6 stalls if you tie up one of them it needs to pay for 1/6 of the rent, heat, light etc or it goes outside. I talked more than one owner into taking the "someday project" and parking it out back.

Also when you are having work done at the highest level keep in mind that you are also paying someone to not work. When things are going badly or just not making sense you are paying them to walk away and take a breath, drink a cup of coffee or just sit until you can go back to working and not push it until you have messed it up.

In the yachting industry where I work now I have been lucky enough to work with some of the finest craftsman on the planet who work at levels far above what I can achieve(and I am good with my hands) and charge unimaginable sums for their work(50KUSD for a dining room table top). By and large what they possess that I don't is patience.

I think that it might be best to look at this is that it costs X to do your top and not break it down by line item.

[thelews]

At least with Gernold you get it right.

Which top got it right?

[badali]

Here is mine.  GAHH

[seattle_Jerry]

As someone that does estimates for a living (in a different industry), I can tell you he is hedging his bet. It was mentioned that you have used him before, so he knows you want top quality at bargain prices and are particular about the final result. He has likely tacked on extra hours knowing that you expect things to be perfect.

I'm actually shocked you are getting a low price. He must really need the work. We do high quality work at my company but expect to get paid what we are worth. You can't pay for a "hyundai" and expect a "mercedes". We are sometimes tricked the first time around, but a repeat picky customer is always charged accordingly the next time.

I haven't done an SL top yet but my MGB took two people all day. I also strongly agree about needing to let it stay stretched.

[Desertpagoda]

Has anyone here actually paid as much as $3000 to $4000 for a 113 soft top installed? If so, Holy Cow!! If theres no frame problem, at $1500, subletting to my man Marvin who has installed DOZENS, beautifully, I make $650... and that is a top from GAHH with the right lining and new header and rear bow to soft top comp cover seals! It takes 4-5 hours...period! Keith 

[69280sl]

I haven't paid $3000 for a new top, but the previous owner did. The paperwork for a new top was about the only thing I got in the way of documents. He paid Mercedes of Naples Fla., about $3000 (they did give him a complimentary carwash). They probably subcontracted the installation, but it is a Mercedes top with a star logo on the window, the correct liner, etc etc.  I have the feeling he let the dealer do everything and paid accordingly, I just wish he had kept all the repair orders.

Gus

[Benz Dr.]

The MB top will be a lot more. Maybe in the 2K range?
 4 - 5 hours seems rather quick but some people work ( too ) quickly. It took us that long after the old top was removed with the header recovered, and my top guy is an expert, but everyone has a certain pace.