Here in the USA most people take it to an upholstery shop. They don't sell a put it on replacement. I suppose you could buy the vinyl fabric and do it yourself. Not something I would attempt. Sometimes you also have to repair rust under the old top.

 

???

Got to disagree, that may have been how it was done years ago, but not now (and I'm a dinosaur). Upholstery shops can do it that way, but it makes absolutely no sense. They don't have to keep inventory and buy more material than they need, and they get the correct material not something that's close.

They order it online and it is cut to fit, ready to install......easy.

I did a quick "Google" search, I know you're in Australia and the results may not be the same.

Google Search

Here is the first Google listing that ship worldwide.

Landau Vinyl Tops | TopsOnline

Explore our collection of landau vinyl tops for timeless automotive style and durability. Browse and order today.

www.topsonline.com

Here are 10 installers that work with Tops on Line in Australia.

If you need additional, just ask .

Tom

SERGIO AUTO UPHOLSTERY	Australia	Merrylands	Sydney	04-04670321 or 02-96253978
OLYMPUS TRIMMERS	Australia	Melbourne	Victoria	03-94891860
MX5 MANIA (For Miata MX5 Tops only)	Australia	Dural	New South Wales	02-94823238
MOTORCRAFT MOTOR TRIMMERS PTY LTD	Australia	North Coburg	Victoria	03-93546332
MEGA TRIM MOTOR TRIMMING	Australia	Dandenong	Victoria	03-97929952
HIGH CLASS AUTO UPHOLSTERY	Australia	Blackburn	Victoria	03-98789788
DANTRIM MOTOR TRIMMERS	Australia	East Bendigo	Victoria	03-54437416
BLACKNEEDLE AUTO UPHOLSTERY	Australia	Penrith	New South Wales	02-47225333
ALL CAR INTERIORS	Australia	Windsor	Queensland	07-38571141
AAA TRIMMING	Australia	Gold Coast	Queensland	04-18986609

 

Thanks for the info, does the windshield need to be removed or just the trims ? also the padding under the vinyl top is it bonded to the top itself, is the padding reused or does it also have to be replaced ?

 

I have no answers to those questions, but I can guess.

Here goes: I don't think the windshield has to be removed, maybe just the top piece of chrome. Where the pad is @ 45 years old, I think I would replace it. The companies that sell the vinyl top replacements probably sell the padding also.

Tom

 

I didn't realize they sold the installation kits.

I did a search on youtube and there are quite a number of DIY videos. I would say the window stays in and just the trim is removed.

 

I know my limitations and installing a vinyl top is above my pay grade. YouTube and the videos has saved me a ton of $$$ on everything, but if I ever tried doing a vinyl top, it would end up costing me and then having an upholsterer fix my mess. I have a 94 and 96 FW and I'm glad they don't have vinyl tops.

But I'm sure there are plenty of DIY'ers that would think it's a piece of cake.

Tom

 

I would not attempt it either, but its nice to know the process involved, thanks

 

It was less expensive for an automaker to put a vinyl roof on I have been told. They didn't have to finish the weld spots before painting. It was faster and easier to cover it.

I have seen some prices listed from Facebook postings where an upholstery shop has done the work. Seems like less than $1K for most jobs. Where it can get expensive is redoing a phaeton canvas top. Those usually have a base foundation form riveted or screwed to the roof.