Ford’s line of Mustangs includes several models of 2-door convertible cars. Taking care of a convertible is a little different than maintaining more standard models of cars.
Namely, you need to ensure that the top and its associated parts are functional enough to withstand the weather and stay secure. If you need to replace your Mustang convertible’s top, then you should be aware of the costs – both labor and parts.
On average, the cost of replacing a Mustang convertible top is around $1200, where parts average out to about $715 and labor averages out to about $485.
In this cost guide, we’ll break down the costs of replacing Mustang convertible tops. We’ll cover different factors that cause fluctuations in these costs, as well as tips for saving money on the replacement project.
Cost Breakdown – Mustang Convertible Top Replacement
Below, we’ll break down some of the costs associated with replacing the tops on different Ford Mustang convertible models. There were several different generations of convertibles released by Ford under the Mustang label.
Ford started releasing convertibles back in 1964 and is still releasing new variants to this day. Prices for convertible tops will vary among these different models.
Typical Cost to Replace a Convertible’s Top
According to JD Power estimates, the average cost to replace the top on a convertible is about $1200. This job is quite pricey, just as owning a convertible is quite pricey.
In general, the cost of labor (installing the new top) is expensive, and so is the cost of a new top itself, depending on the type of convertible you own.
When it comes to Mustang convertibles, specifically, the costs for top replacement may be more or less than the average ($1200), which we’ll explore below by comparing price quotes for different Ford Mustang convertible variants.
Cost of New Mustang Convertible Tops ($715)
In general, new convertible tops for Mustang convertibles cost somewhere between $200-$2500. On average, prices fall closer to $715.
To compare the cost of replacing convertible tops for different Mustang variants, we’ll look at Mustang convertible tops from different generations.
These costs are merely the cost of parts – the top itself – so the cost of installation labor should be considered separately.
Ford Mustang Convertible (1964-1973)
These Mustang convertible models are among the first generation line of Ford Mustang convertibles. Since it’s such an old model (from the 1960s-1970s), the car is considered vintage and more special than newer models.
Below, we’ve gathered some price quotes online for new convertible tops that fit this particular model. This can give you an idea of the cost of this part for a Mustang convertible that comes from those years.
- KEE Auto Top Convertible Top For Use With Plastic Window Cloth Black 1965-1966 – This black convertible top is designed to fit plastic rear windows only. It’s sold by CJ Pony Parts online for $445 with an MSRP of $717. Use this top for 1965-1966 Mustang convertibles.
- Ford Mustang Convertible Top Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl with Plastic Window – This convertible top is meant for 1964-1966 Mustang convertibles. It’s sold online by the Convertible Top Guys for $265.
Ford Mustang Convertible (1998-2004)
These convertibles include the 2nd generation of convertibles by Mustang. Take a look at some price quotes for tops sold online that fit the model released during these years. It will give you a better idea of the average cost to buy a new top.
- OPR Convertible Top with Heated Glass; Sailcloth Black – This Mustang convertible top fits models from the 1990s up through 2004 models. It’s sold by American Muscle online for $380, with a market price of $427.
- 1995-00 MUSTANG ELECTRON TOP CONVERTIBLE TOP WHITE – This part fits convertible models between 1995 and 2000. It’s white, sold by Late Model Restoration, and priced at $200.
Ford Mustang Convertible (2004-2008)
Third-generation Mustang convertibles were those released in the early 2000s. Here are some price quotes we found that show the general costs of new tops for these models.
- OPR Convertible Top with Heated Glass; Twill Vinyl Stone – American Muscle sells this tan convertible top for models between 2005-2014. This part is $535 with a market price of $615.
- Kee Auto Top® Convertible Top, Black – Sold by Car Parts online, this ‘stang convertible top is a bit more pricey at $831 (market price $1537). It fits 2005-2014 convertible models.
Ford Mustang Convertible (2009-2012)
This generation of Mustang convertibles is specific to 2009-2012, and the tops for these models are priced similarly to the below price quotes.
Ford Mustang Convertible (2013-2017)
These Mustang convertible models are quite recent, but they aren’t the newest in terms of design. Models between 2013 and 2017 have tops that cost similarly to the below price quotes:
- OPR Convertible Top with Heated Glass; Sailcloth Black – Suited for 2005-2014 convertibles, this top is priced at $535 and sold by American Muscle. This means it will fit the 2013-2014 models in this generation.
- KEE Auto Top Convertible Top With Tinted Glass Back Window And Defroster One-Piece Stayfast Cloth Black 2005-2014 – This model also fits 2013-2014 convertible models and is sold by CJ Pony Parts online. It’s sold for $730 with an MSRP of $1213.
Ford Mustang Convertible (2017-Present)
Finally, we have the most recent and top-of-the-line Mustang convertible models, released in the past few years. These tops are probably going to be the most expensive on this list. Compare prices with the quotes below:
- 2015-2021 Mustang Convertible Black Cloth Top Frame Motor Complete 2019 – This Mustang convertible top is sold on eBay for a whopping $900, and that’s just the used price. You can expect it to fit models between 2015 and 2021.
- Convertible Soft Top for Ford Mustang 2015-2020 Heated Glass 2445 Ferrari Beige-Black TwillFast RPC – This is by far the most expensive top on our list, with a price tag of $2575 on GAHH Automotive online (MSRP of $3433). These have heated glass and fit models between 2015 and 2020.
Labor Cost to Replace a Mustang Convertible Top ($450)
On average, you’re going to have labor costs worth up to at least a few hundred dollars. The job may take several hours, and since hourly auto labor rates are near an average of $75 in the United States, labor costs can add up.
The overall cost of labor is, on average, closer to about $400-$500.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Convertible Top Replacement
There are several factors that are going to cause the cost of this replacement to fluctuate. Namely, the type of convertible top you buy (material, window type, used/new), as well as the model of your Mustang convertible, will affect the costs of replacing the top.
Type of Convertible Window
One of the factors that makes a big difference in the cost of a convertible top is the specification. Mainly, you should ask yourself whether you want a plastic or glass window.
Glass windows are going to be more expensive than plastic ones for obvious reasons.
Further, if you get a glass window on your new top, note that some companies design these windows with heated properties.
These are going to increase the cost of your convertible top even more (some of these can even range in the thousands of dollars to buy new).
Convertible Top Material
The material your convertible top is made of and the quality of the top will also affect costs. The cheaper the material, the less durable it’s going to be. That is something to keep in mind.
There are hard tops and soft tops, too. Hard tops are more expensive because they contain more useful components and they’re more durable. Soft tops are typically made of canvas and other materials.
New or Used Parts
Furthermore, when you replace your convertible top, you always have the option between a used or a new part. Used parts are cheaper and can cut back costs by around $200-$300, in general.
That’s a good chunk of change that could go towards the costs of labor if you want a professional installation.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Finally, one big way you can save money on a new convertible top is by installing it yourself. DIY auto labor isn’t for everyone, and it’s certainly not always simple, but it can save you hundreds of dollars.
Given that the labor for this job typically costs around $400-$500, you could save that much or more if you replace the convertible top yourself.
Conclusion
Convertibles are costly vehicles to maintain, and Ford’s Mustang convertibles are no exception. The cost to replace a top on a Mustang convertible is, on average, about $1200.
The top itself will usually range between about $200 on the low end and $2500 on the higher end. Labor will usually set you back $400-$500 itself.
Installing the new top yourself can save you a lot of money, as can buying a used convertible top. Older convertible models tend to have less expensive tops than newer models.
Make sure to consult your options before making a final decision for replacement.