Should I even be considering doing this myself? What should I expect to pay a 'professional' to install. I have purchased all the pieces from Ames. So base the price on installation ONLY.

Thanks!

I did not want to do mine myself....I bought a top recommended by my upholstery shop, it was $ 350, so was installation = a total of $700, BUT they also fixed a cracked( welded it) rail and made sure... ( my old top had a rip above head of passenger..) and after I used the top the first time , it ripped in the same place !!....
so, luckily I had warranty , got a new top, they now made add`l adjustments...now I`m very happy...
so if I had done mine myself w the same result...no warranty, just buy a new top..
so my advise would be to not do it yourself , esp. if its your first time...
I have a friend here that did his himself...got a few wrinkles in it and was not happy , he later took it to a professional,it got better but they could not get all wrinkles out...
But I have heard of succesful stories too!
I just felt like not tackling it myself, spend the time and maybe mess it up...
my .02
Bjorn

Has anyone posted a 'step-by-step' process?

I did my 76 MG Midget when I was 19. As I remember, it wasn't rocket science.

thanks, Bjorn for your experience.

I installed the top on my 67 400 convertible in Dec. 2001 and it was one hair pulling job but a great learning experience. I brought my top from Classic Industries and it came with the top pads back window and all the instructions for a little over $200. The shop down the rode wanted $680.00 to provide materials and labor. For my own reasons the $480. savings was worth loosing a few hair over. I can't speek for anybody else. Make shore you replace tacking strips this helps. The bow at the top of the back window I could not find the right size tacking strips so I double it.You may have better luck finding it then I did. The tacking strips I brought came from NPD and the shop down the rode. It turned out great and I am proud to say I did it myself. If you need instuctions let me know I still have them. Good luck.

i would take bjorns advice,i am a certified mechanic but when it comes to jobs where the materials are expensive,it is best to let a pro do it so if it gets messed up,you have recourse.it usually turns out to be cheaper in the long run.i let a upholstery shop do my seats and headliner.

I did this on my 67 when I first bought it in 1977 and will probably do it myself again later this year when my car is ready to have the top put on. Wa a pain put not gut wrenching. Start at the front and work your way back. Use your old top as a guide to cut the bolt holes in. Get an air or electric staple gun. Also look at the condition of ALL your mounting surfaces while you have the top off. Spend the time and $$ to fix any problems. Especially around the back/window mounting area. Both the strip and the screw holes in the body. Good luck!!!

SC, here is a good site with lots of info if you look around enough, and thes page on thier site you can find shops in your area (or close)
http://www.worlduph.com/selectstate.html

I'm contemplating doing this myself also.. but over the winter next winter. Also, here is a great site for parts, or anything vert related:
http://www.convertibleparts.com/
Fast service, got my catalog in two days!

Anyway, do your homework, and you'll then know if you want to and or have the time to do it yourself.

Good luck - Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!