likely true, but you certainly can't buy a new top, frame assembly, and motor for less than $600. and come on, you're spending quality time with the s2k, it's not like you're at the dentist for 13 hours...

 

I swapped out my top this past weekend and it took me roughly 8 hours to complete it. I took my time though as I had never taken the complete interior out of the car. But everything is great. I since I was taking out a plastic window top and replacing it with an 02 glass top, i opted to not hook up the defroster, but it doesn't look like it would be all that hard if you knew what you were doing.

 

I've used C. Frederick's on Nandina St in East Charlotte, near the Plaza off Central Ave. They did a real good job replacing my top. It was slashed one night the first year I owned my S and needed to be replaced. My insurance covered it but they charged 9.5 hours at $45/hr in Sept. 04.
I used them several years back for my 90 RX-7 convertible, but I don't remember what I paid back then.

Hope this helps