replacing convertible top
HI Guys&Gals,
I'm in the market to replace my aged white convertible top. As you might have guessed I've got a triple white feature car. The car still looks beautiful but needs a new top. I'm considering replacing it with a black top to hide the dark fold marks. I know this may sound sacrilegious to some of you but I'm trying to be practical. I'd hate to buy a new top just to see those dreaded dark fold marks mar the car's true beauty by making a new white top look shamefully aged.
I'm starting this thread in the hopes of getting some advise from those of you who have any insight on buying a new top. What are the pros, cons and unknown pitfalls of buying and having a convertible top installed? Whats a fair price? I'm considering buying the full montey. head liner, cables, glass rear window...the whole shebang. I understand that OEM(original equipment manfacturer???) tops are pricey. I'm willing to go a different route to save a few bucks as long as quality isn't compromised. ANY thoughts or opinions are welcome. Thanks for your input. Eric
I'm in the market to replace my aged white convertible top. As you might have guessed I've got a triple white feature car. The car still looks beautiful but needs a new top. I'm considering replacing it with a black top to hide the dark fold marks. I know this may sound sacrilegious to some of you but I'm trying to be practical. I'd hate to buy a new top just to see those dreaded dark fold marks mar the car's true beauty by making a new white top look shamefully aged.
I'm starting this thread in the hopes of getting some advise from those of you who have any insight on buying a new top. What are the pros, cons and unknown pitfalls of buying and having a convertible top installed? Whats a fair price? I'm considering buying the full montey. head liner, cables, glass rear window...the whole shebang. I understand that OEM(original equipment manfacturer???) tops are pricey. I'm willing to go a different route to save a few bucks as long as quality isn't compromised. ANY thoughts or opinions are welcome. Thanks for your input. Eric
Comments
A sign of a good shop is if there are a lot of high end import cars in the shop. If possible find out where the local Porsche/BMW etc.. store subs out their work.
Also expect a little extra labor due to the headliner. The last top I priced was in the $550 range.
Replacing the linkage and cables - not sure on that one unless you are having alignment issues. I have never had any usability issues except for a crimped hydraulic line. It would be a good time to have the hydraulic lines replaced. (they are fairly cheap and make a huge mess when they break)
I am sure that some of the other guys on this forum have actually installed a top before and can help you out on this issue.
Good luck--