For those I told about changing my top myself, after about 8 hours of horrible misfortune and mishaps, it's on and looking 90ish% factory.
The lesson to be learned from this is it does matter where you get the top from and I'll be getting any future tops I may need from the dealership. It may cost a little more, but at least you're guaranteed that all the holes will line up.
Now that I've done it once and know what to expect, I'm sure I could do a better and faster job if I ever had to do it again, but if anyone was to ask, I would tell them if they have the money pay a shop to do it.

 

well, i'm getting ready for such an adventure myself...

don't have the funds to pay a shop...

 

I tell people this everytime they talk about replacing a top themselves. Save yourself the pain, pay someone.

 

Ryuu: Where are you from? If you're close enough I could come give you a hand.

Spec: I am now inclined to do the same.

 

Oem top only! we've done 5 of them already! We got it down to 4 hours and it fits perfect.

 

install on those is like 9-12 clock hours....that aint no joke either

4 hours is great!!!!

sorry for your frustration....I have not seen an aftermarket top or install that I have said to myself "That looks as good as OEM"

Some are def. better than others but there is always that "Meh" factor when I see them

 

all the tops ive seen come out of LHT, look as good as factory

 

I did mine in about 7-8 hrs. Have a friend help. It wasn't bad. I did not re-rivet the rain channel around the back, because the directions didn't say too (should have anyway) so I had to go back in to do that, which made for another 4 hr job. It's not as hard as it seems. I figure I saved anywhere from $300-$600 on labor. Not bad for a days work.

If I had the money to pay someone I would but I didn't and it worked out.

 

i'm in st augustine...

i'm not getting a top.. my g/f's mom does sail work and is gona patch it... so i'm taking it off for her to work with...

 

installed 6 tops here all different manufactures.. topsonline is the best place i have found not much different from oem and quite a bit less.. im down to 2-3hrs a top with my boy D helpin.. anyone need something holla at me..