Looking for a vinyl top installer in NJ... who makes house calls

[Mr Lee]

I have an NOS gator grain top for my car that needs to be installed.  I've never installed a vinyl  top before so I don't want to chance messin' it up.  I've been calling around and haven't yet found anyone who makes house calls.  Anyone know of someone in NJ who can do this?  I have a heated garage & an air compressor.

The car is not roadworthy yet.  No glass in the car.  No interior.   So I can't drive it anywhere and would rather not spend $100 each way for a flatbed just to have the top put on.

I know a guy who said he can do it with the glass already in the car... but I am a little weary of him having to cut around all those molding clips.  I think that would greatly increase the chances of a mistake (cutting too much material off).    A new repro top is $1,300.    Or should I just chance it and have him install it after the glass is in when I can drive it there?  I know the vinyl top is typically installed before the glass and molding clips so I'd like to do it that way.

[anlauto]

I can't help you, I'm pretty certain my guy wouldn't drive to NJ.....

But for sure, put the top on first and then the glass. The clips should go on top of the vinyl in my opinion.

[Mr Lee]

I have now talked to 7 different shops and not one of them is willing to travel.  Funny how I see all these pics and videos on the internet of what seems to be a guy traveling to peoples houses to install them.  Not in New Jersey apparently.

So, it's either flatbed the car to and from the shop so that the vinyl top can be installed before the molding clips and glass are in ... or just drive it there once the car is done and all the glass is in.  They said they can cut the new top around the molding clips.  Maybe I'll install the clips with a thin nylon washer under them to space the clip out out a tiny bit to leave some room for the trim to slip down in there?     

[Rdchallenger]

I see it like this... pay $200 total to tow it to and from and know it is done right with the glass and trim clips not installed. Or risk it by installing those items and have it done wrong then have to spend another $2000 <see that extra zero! ,have to find another gator grain top, and pray it's correct since it's not NOS.. OH and have to uninstall the glass then pay another $200 to have it towed to the place to have it done correctly. On top of all of the headaches.

Seems like a no brainer to me.

[318Stroker]

 

I see it like this... pay $200 total to tow it to and from and know it is done right with the glass and trim clips not installed. Or risk it by installing those items and have it done wrong then have to spend another $2000 <see that extra zero! ,have to find another gator grain top, and pray it's correct since it's not NOS.. OH and have to uninstall the glass then pay another $200 to have it towed to the place to have it done correctly. On top of all of the headaches.

Seems like a no brainer to me.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish!

[anlauto]

Ask local restoration shops...I bet most have a guy that comes in and does it...might be just a private guy and not a "company".
I've been using my guy for 30+ years....and he's just a "guy" that does it on the side...

[Katfish]

Why do have to have the glass in to drive it?

[Mr Lee]

Why do have to have the glass in to drive it?

I'm not in law enforcement, but I would think that it's illegal to drive without a windshield, no?  Also, not sure I'd wanna take the chance of catching a rock in my face.   

[EV2RTSE]

Not a bad idea - finish the rest of the car and drive it there minus the front & rear windshields. You could put your motorcycle helmet on to avoid eating a rock. And I've got a stack of PBA cards you can borrow for the ride 

[Mr Lee]

I could be the weirdo that drives a car with a helmet on. durrr.  And I'll take a PBA card : )

I would assume that the trim that goes over the top of the doors should go on after the vinyl top install, yes? 

[anlauto]

I could be the weirdo that drives a car with a helmet on. durrr.  And I'll take a PBA card : )

I would assume that the trim that goes over the top of the doors should go on after the vinyl top install, yes?

Yes, the roof rail weather-strip channels and the drip rail moldings should all go on after the vinyl top.

[Rich G.]

Pm sent

[Mr Lee]

Thanks for all the info and feedback everyone. 

Alan, I did call a couple of restoration shops so far.  That was a good idea, thanks.  So far, nothing.  One shop has "a guy" who does it on the side but he won't even come to their shop.  They have to bring their cars to his home garage and he does em at night.   haha.   Geez..   

Rich G, you are the man!  I just called your guy and he is willing to help, he travels, and at a really great price!  Can't thank you enough!   Ye Ha!   

Up until now I was thinking ... I should just learn how to do this and then START A BUSINESS being a TRAVELING top installer and just put everyone else out of work!!!   

[Rich G.]

We aim to please here! Great site for good info.