Neverendz

I took the car over to a local reupholstery (sp?) shop today.

My rear window is spit and hazed so I wanted to get a quote for replacement.

Rear window alone $525.

New Robbin's top $1100.

My top is in very good condition but I think that it would be more cost effective to replace the top instead of just the window.

Thoughts?

It's my first convertible.

Thanks all.

, Bill

SpeedBump

$1100 including installation is about average

RajDatta

As Mark stated, that should your price installed. I hope they didn't plan to add installation to that. Most places will charge approx $500 for installation. Do some more research, you can get the complete top with window for under $600 and then add installation.
Raj

Neverendz

Yes. It's $1100 parts and labor.

It's a shame because the top is in really good condition. But the window is split. But he has to remove the top to do the window. He also said that the factory window is heat pressed and stiched in. He would only be able to use silicon and stich it in.

I figure the best way to go is to do the whole thing. This way, when I sell the car, it'll have a new top and I can mention that in the sale.

Thanks.

, Bill

Damian in NJ

Where in NJ are you having the work done? Mine is the one thing that let's down my car, maybe we could get a deal if we gave him two to do? (And he could practice on yours first )

Neverendz

West Deptford.

Domico Upholstery Company Inc.
1337 Delsea Drive
Deptford, NJ 08096
856-853-8181

I doubt if he would give any deals though. But I'll ask. He seems to know what he's doing. There were several convertibles there. From what I've heard it's a relatively easy top to do.

, Bill

Peter Serbanica

<edit>Selling commercial goods/services without a sponsorship.

Damian in NJ

Who does it in Chatham?

Peter Serbanica

<edit>Selling commercial goods/services without a sponsorship.

Neverendz

Whatever you do, do not go here.

Domico Upholstery Company Inc.
1337 Delsea Drive
Deptford, NJ 08096
856-853-8181

He did install my top, which was done very well. However, he broke my console lid, and broke off the handle that pulls the top down. He said that it wasn't his fault because those parts are cheap. Also there was pieces of old top left in my car. And he left the carpeting at the top of the trunk off. Plus he said it would take 2-3 days. It took 8.

At least the top was done well, but that's all that I can credit him for. So a big thumbs down.

, Bill

notthd

I haven't seen it mentioned yet - The rear section of the top that includes the window can be replaced without touching the reast of the top. It unbolts from the rest of the mechnical mechinism and can be removed with all of the other ribs still on the car. If you pull the headliner you can see the allen bolts ( if I remember corretly) that hold the section to the rest of the top and in the trunk is 4-5 nuts to remove and WaLaaaa the rear window section is out.

I had a previous cab that the window split, I took this section to them and they installed a new plastic for $250. Something to consider. I can send you pics if you like....

Good luck- Mike

Neverendz

Thanks for the info Mike. If I were to do this again that's the way that I would go.

I was a mechanic since 1989 and retired three years ago. I have never had anyone work on my own car. Ever. But, I figured that top replacement was out of my reach. Plus I couldn't find a "how to" anywhere. I didn't want to wreck a $600 top. If I were to do it again, I would do it myself.

I always felt bad for people that had bad experiences with mechanics. (And there were many.) I also always admire people that take the challenge of doing the work themselves.

But I also feel that karma will come around to this guy. Live and learn.

Thanks again guys.

, Bill

RajDatta

This is just the kind of story I need to read to attempt something myself. In general, I prefer doing just about everything myself.
Raj