1998 Cabrio Top and Frame....

[VT-MKJett]

I have a chance to buy this for the GF's cabrio for 200$...it's mint. From what I have read it seems easier to install the whole frame with a top on it then just a new top cover. Input anyone?

[Dragonwing]

I'm not sure that you can tell it's "mint" unless of course it's still on the donor car. Otherwise, you risk ending up with a top and frame that looks great but, in reality is somehow bent or torqued in such a manner as to make a leak-free fit on the GF's car impossible. And when mama's not happy, ain't NOBODY happy! In theory, it's a sound idea (you still have to deal with the issue of the rear cable, though)....just make sure you get what you bargained for.

DW

[YJSAABMAN]

Definitely a good price, but I've never replaced the whole assembly. I can tell you it only took me about 6 hours to replace the outer top fabric, and it wasn't that bad of a job. Getting the rear glass in and out is prob the hardest part.

[VT-MKJett]

Yeah it's not like the thing is sitting out back in someone's yard! It's on another cabrio and is in excellent shape. I've read a detailed DIY on putting on a new top and it looks like major PITA. I'm also going to get the carpet and grille for that price. The last time I saw this setup on here it was 700$. I'll just get it. If it does not work out or is to involved I'll just sell it for what I paid for it. It's the nice textured rubberish top also which would work better living in VT. Stuff gets dirty

[der ceej]

i bought one from a junk yard that " looked mint " it was still on the car too, brought it home and swapped it, it doesnt fit well at all. it was bent and took alot of time to get it to fit somewhat well.

[VT-MKJett]

So what was it like swapping the whole unit in?

[der ceej]

swapping frames isnt bad at all if you have a bentley and know where all the bolts are.