Someone on here told me that the dealerships outsource the softtop install. It would be easier and cheaper to go directly to them.

 

+1 for Ron Tonkin but they replaced my top on my 06 under warranty and since then the top has been perfect the last few years.

 

I followed the instructions written in this DIY to retrofit a glass top on a plastic/AP1 frame: https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/996...ns-w-pictures/
It took me two days (did it on a free weekend). I'm sure it could be done in a day, but I took my time and was in no hurry since this was my first time attempting anything of this nature and I was scared to mess something up. Do you already have a glass top? If so it should save you the work of having to modify the frame and drilling holes in the bows to add the elastic bands. The instructions are pretty straight forward and I didn't get stuck at any point. If you do attempt this make sure to keep track of all the nuts and bolts so u don't end up missing any once u put the car back together. If you do decide to do it yourself, let me know and i may be able to help u if its on a weekend

When I went to the local dealer they also told me that they don't actually do the tops themselves, they have some other shop do it for them.

 

 

Thanks for the information. Who did you purchase your top through? I'm learning towards Auto Top Direct. Called Tonkin, they told me to call Beaverton Upholstery.

I have labor quotes from $500 to $1150. Still learning towards doing the work myself.

 

I purchased the OEM top used from a texas member who decided to go with a hardtop. If you search the marketplace forum I'm sure you will find someone selling an oem top in good condition. It will probably be about the same price as an aftermarket to but I dont know what their quality may be like

 

I have started on the install. I believe the top that I am removing was not installed correctly. The top was attached to the inner most side of the rain rail. I would believe that it needs to be attached inside the rain rail. Can you verify if this is correct?

 

Yes the the top material is needs to go in between the rain rail if i remember correctly.

 

Thanks, I did find a diagram showing the install at the rain rail. Just about have it done. I will have about 10 - 12 hours into the job working solo. I believe a shop could do the job in 4 hours without much problem. So some of these shops are making a killing on the labor. Now that I have done one, I think I could get the job done in about 8 hours.