I may be getting a 97 Cobra vert. How long do the tops last and how hard are they to replace? I think their about $500 for new top and window. Is the top mechanism pretty trouble free and does it make any noise while driving? I've never owned a vert.
I may be getting a 97 Cobra vert. How long do the tops last and how hard are they to replace? I think their about $500 for new top and window. Is the top mechanism pretty trouble free and does it make any noise while driving? I've never owned a vert.
I've got a '97 GT Vert and love it, I would have nevr thought I would like it, but I actually love it. It does make some more road noise than usual, there's less insulation over your head, but all in all it's worth it.
we have cold winters here, and that's not even really a problem, just cause the heater works real good, so it's not bad.
[dunno, never had to replace a top for price thou]
I haven't had to deal with this myself yet, but from what I understand, replacing the top isn't something you want to try yourself. Apparently, one needs lots of previous experience in order to do it right.
Depending on where you live, how often you use the top (cycles up/down) and where the car resides (especially during the day), will all influence the duration of the top.
I am getting my top replaced next week. Prices ranged from $800 - $1150. Most of the reputable installers told me expect 4-5 years max based on the criteria above (for me). Mine is hitting 5 now. The installer that will be doing mine told me to get the best brand (in his and other installers opinion) from the net to save money and he will charge labor. End result = $700.
Last remarks, first vert I have owned. Love it. I think I actually worn the top out from use (the top gets raised/lower an average of 5 times a week all year). I drive home from work about 2-3 days a week with it down, on the weekends, and then 1-2 evenings. Just the other day it was down (in December) since the high was 75 and sunny.
On my 96 with 52K Iv'e noticed a little cracking along the end seam behind the back window on both sides. Other than that... nothing else. I would get sick of the extra road noise if I had to drive it daily.
i still have the original top, motor, lines, etc on my 93, but then again it sits in the garage most of the time. From what ive seen its about 800 to a grand for a new top and install.
You can try 50resto.com or even a local Ford dealer...they still stock parts for the 97. They are pricey. I have a 98 Cobra vert and love it...there's something about having the top down on a nice summer day, downshifting around a smooth curvy road and hearing that exhuast tone...pure happiness!
Also if you take care of the top, like spray Nu vinyl on it once in a while it will help preserve the top.
you can get it replaced for cheaper, around 500, parts and labor if you shop around. be careful of what you buy on the internet though, most of it is cheap and won't last. oh and trust me, you don't want to do it yourself.