[ghost28]

I got a real reasonable quote for covering the roadster by showing him the top, but today I drove the roadster over so he could see it in person, and I guess he  thinks I am made of money now, so now the price is $150.00 or more higher than his original quote. I know how to sew, and maybe I could buy my own walking foot machine with the money he is asking. I am supposed to call him tomorrow and get the firm price for doing the top.

[vette59jdwl]

Ghost28  Just a thought  Around here i mean my place there are at least three places that make tops for boats  There is not much difference between make a roof for a boat and making a roof for a roadster. I know that is where i will be taking mine and there is no better time than now.Most of them are sitting on their buds twideleing their thumbs  vette59jdwl

[sammons]

Ghost, dang I hate that, but maybe it's larger than he thought by the pic?  Or he thinks you made of money. When they start bumping the price makes you wonder. If it were me and the Extra was just that, maybe. But (big but)  what if he bumps again after completion? If you decide to go with them, I would make a contract out and have him sign for an agreed amount.  Once done he kinda has you by the short curlys, he has your car. (Or top)

[62131]

I believe I would look elsewhere or if you can do it yourself I would be looking for sewing machine then sell it after I was finished with it.

[ghost28]

Sammons he pretty much knew it was a 3 yard job unless he wanted to a little extra detail which he didn't say. I will be careful guys, and get a solid contract before going on with him or anybody else.  I have seen his work and it's quality work.

[sixball]

We've all been doing this long enough to know that "quotes" are just to get you in the door and them in possession of your stuff. The price always goes up and the time grows longer. More often than not the only thing that goes down is the quality. With me the upside is that it gets done because procrastination is my main skill. It ticks me off when it starts with the first quote going out the window but it pisses me off when they hold my parts for ransom to pay for shoddy work, especially when it is something I could have done better for less. So all that said I'd either do it myself ,years down the road in my case,or go to someone else.

[chopper526]

I know what you guys are saying but I also think there is something to be said for a man's word (hard to come by theses days). especially in these smaller, independant shops.
The guy who upholstered my seat told me "Not a penny over $400.00, and I'll have it done in a week". Now, I will say it took him two months and he had to do the seat bottom twicw because it wasn't right, but the price ......$400. I guess my point is, you never know, and that's why I try to do as much as I can myself (I know all you guys do too!) cause then I can only get mad or blame myself.
Sew that top, Ghost!!!!!!!!!

[sammons]

Ghost I don't know if you are interested but..... found this Singer on E-bay.  Listing under used commercial sewing machines, local pick up only $150, Longmont Co. Phone # 720-684-6346.

[vette59jdwl]

Ghost28  If you want it done right the first time do it yourself  with help here is the help free PDF on a measuring guide FreePDF installation guide also PDF Mounting ground  plus lots of pics in the second url........http://rodtops.com/aboutrodtops.html

http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/OLD_SITE/RodTop01.html

sure hope this heads you in the right direction    vette59jdwl

[ghost28]

Ghost I don't know if you are interested but..... found this Singer on E-bay.  Listing under used commercial sewing machines, local pick up only $150, Longmont Co. Phone # 720-684-6346.

I think I will contact him.
 I got in touch with a lady that said it's still available. She is gonna call me back about taking a look at it once she calls her friend that has it. I hope it works out, I might be able to start another side line. Stranger things have happened.

[Rattiac]

Id have the guy do it. A top can make or break a car.
You have a top for him to go off of right???  That should cut down the time into it .
Any pics of the top on the car???
Who knows if that machine is wore out or doesn't stitch right. Pay once, cry once.

[vette59jdwl]

Ghost28  I took a look at this one and i thought this would be very informative  especially if you were just starting out  By the way do you have the bows and what stage are you at  do you have a header  vette59jdwl.......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcejH6cJnAs

[ghost28]

Thanks guys for the responce. I called the upholerer this morning and he said the material was gonna cost 27 dollars a yard using about 3 yards even with the padding under the canvas which would add a bit more I'm sure. Now he says it would cost me around $600.00. I guess he is not gonna get my referals any time soon. The top in question is a solid all metal tubing top wrapped with 20 guage steel. I have added a wood trim inside to staple to. Hell I would make the patterns to simplify the job.

[ghost28]

Well after dealing with the guy about the top covering, not that this is gonna change me needing to have a top covered in canvas. I decided  to build a folding top frame for the buick to pass some time in the shop. I was strolling through the speedway catalogue and found a picture of a 32 ford top  frame and decided to see if I could copy some of the shape for the buick. SO FAR SO GOOD.  Have a look.

[FATnLOW]

Looking good...you might even acquire a new side line....  Tops by Ghost.......Ghost  Toppers