The level of difficulty all depends upon the result you are after. Restoring the roof to the correct appearance is not hard, it just takes time and basic skills. If you are using non-original materials, then they will present their own issues and may produce some unpredictable results.

There are some kits available with all the materials necessary. I suggest that you do the research and then decide if it is a project you want to take on.

If this project doesn't require original underlayment you can get great results with landau padding. Start with a herculite base stretched and stapled in place. Staple bow lining on to the herculite ( this provides a great gluing base) Pre sand landau pad and glue onto bow lining. Sand the padding to even out and glue the topping on. If you want a softer original style feel use 1/8 " landau sanded with 1/8" headliner padding over it, then install the topping material. I've used this method for years on drivers to show vehicles with excellent results.

Thanks Fred and Eric! I'll get more info from owner and take yalls advise on if I should attempt or not.

Another question would be hours to charge. It will take me longer but with the experience you two have how long would you bid out in hours?

Time is relevant to you. I am older now and it takes me longer to do things. I also do way more work on a project than most, so time has never been a factor for me, I do what needs to be done. Quality and performance of the finished project is what I strive for.

Thanks Fred, I get what your saying. I don't want to bid 15 hrs. but should only be 5 Or the other way around.

I agree with you Fred. Our craft is not nuts and bolts. It is unique in the sense that we are able to take raw materials and create a finished product. That being said we still have to base a price, unless you can offer time and materials. If not figure book time on a convertible approx 8 to 12 hours not including pads and unknown problems. I would be comfortable telling the customer on this landau top 20 to 25 hours.

I concur that this would be a three day project for someone that has the experience to do the install if there were no complications or other issues with the wooden sub structure of the car.

Charging a customer for trial and error is not professional or fair, but knowing before hand that you are learning makes the project viable and if it takes a day and a half longer then that is what you would "eat" as a learning expense.

Thanks again, I agree I do not want to charge for my trial and error time. That's why I was hoping for how long it would take you guys. I will bid on that and be ok with extra hours I can eat. I really appreciate yalls advise, it's a big help!

I did a roof on a 1934 Ford a few months back. We didn't want the typical look so we came up with this. We shaped a thin board to fit over the bows an counter sunk the screws to hold it down. We slowly shaped some plastic trim from the hardware store into the channel and screwed it in from inside like the original pieces would of been leaving enough room to tuck the material in with to much gap. We then padded the roof and sanded it smooth and wrapped it with our material. Makes for a clean look without having to modify the car. I had close to 20 hours in the job from start to finish.

Hey Dale , That's a real clean ,neat look. Great job!

Dale England, that looks really good. Thanks very much for the pics and info! I do much better with visuals. I guess the end product has a gap around the edge? Would that not hold water or is that just how they are?

This is what I was wondering about.

That's color key molding. You first rivet on an aluminum track then press on the plastic trim. I used a ton of that back in the 80's with aftermarket vinyl roof installs. It's used now with many hot rod vinyl roof installations.

Thanks Eric!

I ran a sealer under the pieces as I was attaching them and a very small amount around the edge just enough to allow water run off but not be visible.