new top

bigmac · Post by **bigmac** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 1:41 am

Just wanted to let everyone know, late model restoration is now offering convertable top reproductions for the asc mclaren for $565. if you are looking may be a good option

bigmac · Post by **bigmac** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 1:42 am

you can find them at 50resto.com they are in the catalog not sure if they are on the web site

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:13 am

I think that Hank is asking $750.00 for them. I would like to see them side-by-side to compare.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:59 am

Not one after market company has made it exact, yet. I can spot a replacement roof ON THE COMPUTER, never mind in person.

1) The stitching pattern is wrong
2) The stitching is NEVER EVER the same color as the roof. It's usually light grey.
3) The little wrap around windows are never identical to the original.
4) Certian colors are "off" - They seem to have the dark blue correct, as well the black. The tan is always either too yellowish OR too dark
The Claret-Wine is totally off and the Dark Brown is too dark.

shelbyscarab · Post by **shelbyscarab** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 2:50 pm

Are prices really going up that much? Wow. In 2003 I replaced my original top, and was very happy with the top and the installation. I had custom hot rod shop with a well known regional reputation install it. Very reasonable too. Plus I think I paid $350 + tax for the top itself.

The replacement top fits great, one thing that I really like is that the stitching matches the top, (hated that on the original). And the color matches exactly for the Atlantic blue.

red390gt · Post by **red390gt** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:03 am

shelbyscarab wrote:Are prices really going up that much? Wow. In 2003 I replaced my original top, and was very happy with the top and the installation. I had custom hot rod shop with a well known regional reputation install it. Very reasonable too. Plus I think I paid $350 + tax for the top itself.

The replacement top fits great, one thing that I really like is that the stitching matches the top, (hated that on the original). And the color matches exactly for the Atlantic blue.

Where did you buy yours? I am planning to buy a new top for my 85 but don't want to fork over $750. I usualy have the top down most of the time anyway so I am not all that worried if it's not 100% correct.

shelbyscarab · Post by **shelbyscarab** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:02 pm

The custom rod shop I went to had catalogs for everything. I think its a "Electron" brand top. the company offers a ton of colors, you have to choose carefully to match your own. I had him bring in samples of all the blues to get it right. The other thing is, when ordering there was some kind of design difference or change that was implemented sometime, don't know when. Concerning the bow measurments of the top. There was something about 1" and 7/8". Make sure you get the measurements right.

The top is identical to my original except for having blue stitching to match the top. Thank God. I couldn't stand that white stitching.

Good Luck

red390gt · Post by **red390gt** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:30 pm

I called a couple more local shops, prices range from $750 to $1000 "installed, out the door" . I talked to a shop owner I know who restores a lot of cars and he recommended I go to the shop that quoted me the highest, $1000. I just sold a bunch of parts so I have the spare cash so I guess I need to do this quickly before I find something else to spend the money on. I am off from work on vacation in a few weeks so i will probably do it then. I'll post some before and after pics once it's done.