Bay Area Rennlisters,

Do any of you recommend a convertible top replacement shop in the Bay Area? I have briefly shopped around and have gotten 2 estimates. The best so far is $1800.00. I currently have a 993 top back top (previously converted).

Thanks,
Carmelo
90 C4 Convertible

 

Why so much? The tops are listed on eBay between $400 to $450 for a brand-new replacement (not including liner)....it surely can't cost $1300 for installation....

 

Here's a few I found...

Good luck!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSC...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSC...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Or...if you're looking for a 993 type top....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSC...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Hell...for $1300, I'll personally come down there and install it for you!

 

skruggs964,

I know and I have seen these on EBAY. I have considered buying them, however, I do not know what I am getting with EBAY. If someone out there has used or purchased the EBAY ones, I would be interested in knowing. In my review, at least in California, the cost of the material alone seems to be in the $700-800 dollar range, therefore installation is the difference.

Thanks,
Carmelo
90 C4 Convertible

 

I'm going to be looking myself for a new top maybe for next year. The complaint I notice mostly with the eBay tops (through the feedback comments) is that they are thinner than the original.

I got quoted $600 from a local upholstery shop...but they probably get theirs from the same manufacturers as the sellers on eBay. Just out of curiousity....I may check the Porsche dealers to see who they use....but my guess is I'll probably be quoted the same $1800 as you!

 

carmelo....question for you....would you go back to the 993 style top? I'm thinking I may go that way when I order mine. I like the look a bit better.....it looks more modern.

 

Armands Upholstery in Walnut Creek. don't have the number right now but I will post tomorrow. They do a lot of Porsche tops and have 2 materials available. German canvas and another... something-twill.

Anyhow, their price (I just called them today to get a quote for mine) is $1724 plus $100 for the headliner. This is for the domestic version of canvas that they recommend. The German canvas is about $200 more.

Takes about 2 days. And yes, it is a very labor intensive job so there is as much in the product as in the labor.

 

92964C4...that's good to know. Thanks. I was thinking about doing it myself, but if it is labor intensive...maybe I'll save it for the pros. I'd be really pissed with myself if I screwed it up while installing it.

 

skruggs964,

Absolutely, 993 top. The 993 top looks more aero to me and more modern.

Thanks,
Carmelo

 

92964cab,

That is about what I was quoted $1800.00 at a place off North Main in Walnut Creek called Genesis Auto Upholstery. These guys impressed me the most but I have more to visit. If you find a place tell me as well. If you are up for it, maybe we can negogiate with the Salesman and work out a discount for two!

Thanks,
Carmelo
90 C4 Convertible