Top replacement

[Rondor]

We have had discussions on replacement of Convertible tops but not much about when or why. As these cars age it will become a more common occurrence. I am seeing thread deterioration on mine so know it's coming. I have a local shop that can do it with a Hartz top but it isn't cheap. How far do we let one go before replacing?

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Stu tells me that Bradford from Atlanta (no longer here due to site change) had his top redone in Vinyl....any body else?

[2K2BIRD]

Stu tells me that Bradford from Atlanta (no longer here due to site change) had his top redone in Vinyl....any body else?

Yes, Bradford had the top on his Cashmere changed to vinyl. I highly doubt Bradford is not here due to "site" change, but could believe he is not here due to "sight" change as he was losing his vision. So sad for such a great guy.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Never met the man. A vinyl top makes some sense. Mine is not perfect anymore, but a far 'site' better than the other birds I see for sale down here. Maybe DavidA knows of a vinyl 'soft' top...it'd be more shiny..

[007Cruiser]

We have had discussions on replacement of Convertible tops but not much about when or why. As these cars age it will become a more common occurrence. I am seeing thread deterioration on mine so know it's coming. I have a local shop that can do it with a Hartz top but it isn't cheap. How far do we let one go before replacing?

I would replace if:

A. I can’t stand the appearance or

B. It leaks

Whichever comes first

[2K2BIRD]

Bradford's is not shiny.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I would replace if:

A. I can’t stand the appearance or

B. It leaks

Whichever comes first

Great advise.

[Rondor]

I would replace if:

A. I can’t stand the appearance or

B. It leaks

Whichever comes first

That's been pretty much my thinking to. Just curious what those who already have done it thought. Wonder how many have been changed. Guessing Very few.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

That's been pretty much my thinking to. Just curious what those who already have done it thought. Wonder how many have been changed. Guessing Very few.

I know of three, one for damage with a knife, two for color change, tan to merlot and tan to black. The tan to merlot seems to be the most popular change.

[stewbob]

changed mine from sand to merlot , Bradford changed his to vinyl they call it sail cloth not shiny

[Rondor]

I have been quoted around $120.00 Is that pretty typical for a Hartz Ash grey?

[wcoates]

I have been quoted around $120.00 Is that pretty typical for a Hartz Ash grey?

Ron, I am really confused by your post. Does $120 get it dyed? If a replacement, was it a misquote? $1200 ???? for a new one?

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I have been quoted around $120.00 Is that pretty typical for a Hartz Ash grey?

Black tops are about $600 and colored tops are about $700, five to seven hundred to install either one.

[BacktotheFuturePete]

A typical convertible top has a life expectancy of 7-10 years. Weather, sun and dirt plus the amount of time spent up all affects this. So yes most of our birds are ready for a new top. Electron tops makes tops in Purple bright green and even neon pink, for those of you brave enough.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

I would think that with the care most of us give our soft tops they will last closer to twenty plus years. My two 2002's are sixteen years old and the tops are still excellent on both of them. Of course they are both black. All the others are in great shape, but two tan ones have been replaced.