1949 Ford Convertible top replacement?

[RalphM]

Helping a friends daughter with one of the cars he left her. The top is in poor shape and needs replaced. I have no idea of the cost/work involved.
I’m guessing she can order a kit and have it installed by an upholstery shop. What would a rough estimate be for this work? Top does not have to be concourse correct, as the car has a 302/automatic in it, just a good quality fitting, functional top.

Thanks,
Ralph

[51 MERC-CT]

If you are going to have it installed by an upholstery shop, why not have them order it and give you the price for the job?

[RalphM]

They could, but it would be good to know she’s getting a good top, at a good price to install, and not one that will fall apart in a year.
Choice is limited, With only two shops in town. I’ll call and see if they have any experience with convertible tops.

[DavidG]

Even in Alaska, it would be unusual for a car upholstery shop not to have experience replacing a convertible top from scratch.

[19Fordy]

Here's start re: price and quality of 49-50 Ford tops.
https://www.convertibletopguys.com/c...d-Custom-Coupe

Here's some shops in North Pole.
https://www.google.com/search?q=nort...hrome&ie=UTF-8

I would suspect the cost to be more than that in the contiguous USA.
Plus, you may find you need other top parts repaired or replaced, like window channels, top bow, depending on condition of car.
If you cut corners, you will regret it later on if you plan to keep the car.

[tubman]

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Let me tell you a little story. About 25 years ago, before remote car starters were not a common factory option, an electronics chain in the twin cities was offering them at $295 installed. They were swamped in the late fall, and you had to have an appointment to have one put in. Some of the local sharpies ordered a couple from the manufacturer for less than $150 each. Installing one of these is quite complex, about on the level of what installing a convertible top would be to the ordinary citizen. The called the chain and made their installation appointments. When they arrived, they discovered that the installation cost for a "carry-in" unit was $395.

[RalphM]

You mean like this?

HOURLY RATES $50
YOU WATCH. $75
YOU HELP. $100
YOU WORKED ON IT BEFORE. $125

[RalphM]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Here's start re: price and quality of 49-50 Ford tops.
https://www.convertibletopguys.com/c...d-Custom-Coupe

Here's some shops in North Pole.
https://www.google.com/search?q=nort...hrome&ie=UTF-8

I would suspect the cost to be more than that in the contiguous USA.
Plus, you may find you need other top parts repaired or replaced, like window channels, top bow, depending on condition of car.
If you cut corners, you will regret it later on if you plan to keep the car.

None of those shops you posted are Upholstery shops, there are only two that I know of in Fairbanks. There used to be three one was right across the street from my work, but they went out of business.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by RalphM

You mean like this?

HOURLY RATES $50
YOU WATCH. $75
YOU HELP. $100
YOU WORKED ON IT BEFORE. $125

Yep, but I think the rates have gone up quite a bit since that sign was made.

[19Fordy]

Oh gosh. Sorry about that. There must be some shops in Alaska. I hope.

Plus, it is possible to buy a kit and install it yourself.

[Frank Miller]

My 49 top was scratch built and installed in 2005 for 3 grand. It still looks good after 15 years and 45,000 miles. You get what you pay for.
First call both shops and see if they would even want to do something like this. If they do then they will probably have options for you. Adequate, better, best. If they order a kit they recommend any problems with the kit are on them. Good luck. Hope this helps.