pierre_l

Dear all,

I need to change the top (fabric part) of my 95 convertible because of the 'needle' issue mentioned in previous threads.

Looking at previous threads, I also saw that different brands offered aftermarket tops in the 500 to $ 1000 price range.

Now, it seems hard to DIY install, do you know of any installer in the new york, manhattan (or 50 miles from there) area?

I have seen a company called automat (http://www.autointeriors.biz), any feedback on the quality of their work.

How much should I expect to pay for install?

Thanks a lot,

Pierre

Kigiin

I was quoted approx $800 to $1,000 for installation by an aftermarket upholstery company. I am going to buy a replacement top from http://www.veteranco.com/. Good luck.

supergrass

Mine cost $750 in labor here in Nevada and $450 for the top from Rich and Famous. My experience was a nightmare, installer royally messed stuff up. Choose wisely!

mjsporsche

Replacing a 993 top needs to be left to professionals. As Pegasis0066 said, choose your installer wisely. Our tops are a bit complicated and if it is a factory top, the glue in for the rear window requires tools and knowledge.

A few years back, I called a number of P dealers in the New Jersey area to find out who they used to replace tops (since few dealers are really skilled to do it themselves). Several sub'd to Stan's Auto Tops. His number is 973 635-3443. This research is 5+ years old and you might want to call to P and MB dealers as to who they use and a good "top" guy will surface. A really good Indy that I used to use in Manhattan (now retired and moved out west) said that the average cost for a complete top install with aftermarket parts was around $1,500.

Good luck and let us know where you go and what you pay.

Mark

Rob 97 993c2

you might want to check with Patarek in new jersey. They are very old school porsche and their thing is interiors, leather, concours stuff, and restoration. I doubt he is cheap, but im sure he can help or direct you to a good place. Unfortunately nothing around NYC is cheap.. as u know.

Rob 97 993c2

I looked at AutoMats website (posted above) .. they seem to do cool things.
Anyone know if there prices are good for leather work?
Im looking for a little leather work on my interior, but it is hard to find someone who is good and not crazy expensive as soon as they hear it is a porsche or ferrari.

David in LA

Depending on what part it is, you can DIY some leatherwork on flat pieces...center console, bin doors, door panel inserts. Center console was a bit tricky buy just required patience primarily to remove old adhesive. 1/2 a cowhide is about $70-90 and it gets you pretty far.

Bull

I would talk to Peter (owner) at Maximilian Classics in New Vernon, NJ (Harding Township). 973-425-1300. He shares space with New Vernon Coach & Motor Works. Peter does excellent work and has an excellent reputation. His shop is small, so there can be a bit of a wait. He has done excellent interior work for me on my '61 356 Roadster and my wife's Mercedes. I have not had him do a top, but I have seen (watched) his work on many tops done for others and he is a real craftsman.

pierre_l

Thanks a lot for that, guys,

I got a quote from automat, email copied below

Should I go for original canvas or not? ($160 difference)

I'll call the other guys an let you know

The O.E. German Canvas top installed is $1750. Simulated german canvas is $1590. We would transfer the existing headliner in most cases. If the headliner needs to be replaced due to damage or water stains from a leaky top, that would be an additional $400. We would need the car overnight one night. The correct top would be ordered in advance (with deposit) to reduce the time your car needs to stay in the shop.

Please see our web site at http://www.autointeriors.biz for more details, or call us at (516) 938-7373
Thanks again,
Roger Browner at
AutoMat Auto Interiors & Tops

pierre_l

bottom line - going for Maximilian Classics, they match the price from automat and will fix my top mechanism as well (change transmissions).

Thanks for the input, Bob W.

Pierre

David in LA

It's generally recomended that you change the headliner when you change the top.

Berkley

I had a new top installed with headliner and german OEM materials......superior work and the discounted price was $2,000.00....The shop is outside of Wilmington Delaware.....Perhaps a point of reference.....

The factory recall work on the top is being done today......

garychios

I just called McCoys in Woodside. They quoted me $1900. Never seen their work, but a bunch of car buffs recommended them. The $1900 is for a complete top with headliner and installation. The top was $1100 alone. I am not sure what I am doing yet, but maybe we should go at the same place to try and get some kind of discount.
The places that have tops for $500 do not include the liner. Also I rather get everything from one spot and let the installer worry about it.

pierre_l

I wish I had known before, already paid the deposit...
maybe there is still something to do if you want to go with the same guy.
Give me a ring if you want (private message with number).

best,
Pierre

garychios

Who did you go with? What was the cost??