How about prices? Anyone care to share prices they have gotten for a bare top, or other?
I recently got a quote from a local shop for $2600, a completely unfinished top, no windows or options for an EB E350. 24" tall.
I bought a used one from a junkyard for $75, but it's the wrong length, and my wife is a bit bothered by it, so it hasn't been landed on the van yet.
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Just your ordinary Silver Nissan NV2500 Cargo with super tall roof and 4x4.
Those I've talked with were all under $1,000 for the ready-to-install top. I needed about a 16" top, same height front to back, raw unfinished inside. Delivery was extra, adding about $400 or more.
$2600 seems a bit steep to me----I'm guessing you're not going direct to the top manufacturer?
I'd suggest calling Sampson Fiberglass and talk with them. They did offer to ship it ultra cheap (nearly free) IF a local dealer would allow me to buy direct, pick it up locally and maybe flip that dealer a few bucks for sharing their delivery. It wasn't well received here because my dealer pretty much insisted they'd want to install the top for me.
My next best and perhaps only option was a 4 hour drive to the factory and they'd help me load it on top of my existing roof. Secured it in place with ratcheting straps and it would ride just fine; after all that would be its eventual home anyway!
Its about 1500 miles from Bountiful, UT to Mishawaka, IN, about a day's trek one way. It might be worth the time if you're motivated enough. Think of it as an adventure or test run for the eventual van conversion--might even make it fun?