Can I do this myself?

How mechanically inclined do you have to be? I have seen the set of directions for removing the CLOTH portion of this but is there anywhere that shows you how to do the frame as well?

 

It would probably be cheaper to purchase a new 02-03 top rather than do the conversion.

 

I'm actually buying an 02-03 top from a member of this board.

My question is how hard is it to install top AND frame? I only see a HOW-TO on doing the top not the frame - I don't feel comfortable drilling holes and I'm getting a pretty good deal on frame + top...

 

Ohh I see what you mean. I thought you mean that they were just going to convert the window space some how. Alright thanks for the clarification. I know there are a few members on here who have replaced their tops and hopefully they will chime in with some good info on what you need.

 

check back with your dealer. i had a quote @ $650 till i clarified that i was looking to swap the complete assembly, not just the cloth.
the next quote was 325.

 

I've done the install myself in my garage. I found it much easier to install the '02 soft-top and frame together rather than installing a '02 top onto a '00+ frame. I've done both installs just incase you're wondering.

There are no instructions online that show you how to remove the entire frame with soft-top attached. I had my helms manual so that helped a lot. Pretty much you have to remove all the interior plastic behind the seats to get access to the bolts that keep the frame attached to the body of the car. Once you get all the bolts off, I think there are about 3-4 bolts per side, you unclip the motor harness and remove the old soft-top and frame, then install the new top and plug the motor harness into the new frame as long as it has the motors still attached.

If I remeber correctly you have to remove almost all the interior pieces behind the seats: all plastic pieces, rollhoops, glovebox, etc. I highly recommend buying/borrowing a helms manual for removing all these pieces. The helms manul cost less than $100, compared to paying someone else $300-$1000 to do the work for you...unless you don't like working on your car yourself.

 

And, this is probably a no-brainer, but i recommend removing the seats when doing any work behind them.