Every thread I've read is about a conversion from plastic to window.... how hard is it to do a straight replacement with the exact same top/window?

 

The same and it sucks, but it's doable. I about bled to death from nicks and cuts on my hands and arms, but I got it done with a helping hand in about 10 hours. Probably could do it faster the second time around.

 

Agreed with Brennon. It's not fun, but you can save a significant amount of money doing it yourself. There's nothing that really requires a magic touch or decades of apprenticeship: it just takes a long time working in tight, cramped spaces getting it all to fit. Just give yourself plenty of time, have a couple friends, and be methodical. Having a comfortable place to work helps.

 

I did mine with no prior experience in about 6-7 hours, by myself. I decided to go with a glass window so I had to mod the frame. Overall I think it was pretty easy, just time consuming.

 

It's hard. And very not fun.