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Has anyone had an issue with a plexiglass targa from Melrose? I have one on my 96. Was sitting at a red light this morning and heard an ungodly crack. Looked up and lo and behold……a split running half the length of my top starting right about at the rear view mirror. I couldn’t believe it. Checked the previous owners records. The receipt shows he bought it at Carlisle in 2004 and was actually test fitted and installed by Melrose themselves lol. Guess 19 years is all these aftermarket tops can handle? This was a garage kept car that had only 2000 miles a year put on it for the 20 years the previous owner had it.
NO ----- BUT --- Is it maybe a 'self inflicted' situation from maybe removals/installs that were maybe less than desired. **** happens. I don't believe you can directly fault Melrose!
NO ----- BUT --- Is it maybe a 'self inflicted' situation from maybe removals/installs that were maybe less than desired. **** happens. I don't believe you can directly fault Melrose!
I'm not faulting Melrose. Top has never been off the car since I've owned it. Absolutely could be install inflicted. I was more or less seeing if anyone else has run into issues with aftermarket targa tops, specifically Melrose since that is what's on my car. I clearly state it was purchased 19 years ago.
No can of worms for me, but I'm looking at replacing mine. Melrose is one option, and they seem to be doing a good business. There is another option which would involve our trading our exchange top for a new one on a road trip. That vendor seems to require a bit more advance notice altho we have not checked with them lately. Just waiting to see what other responses your post generated from Melrose users.
As for your problem, it seems to fall in between. Most likely you're not going to get much help from Melrose after 19 years. On the other hand, if the car has only been driven 2,000 miles and the top has never been removed, my un-expert opinion is it either would have failed sooner if there was a problem with how it was put on the car, or should not have failed yet. And how can you put it on "wrong" as long as it's on, lined up, and evenly tightened?
No can of worms for me, but I'm looking at replacing mine. Melrose is one option, and they seem to be doing a good business. There is another option which would involve our trading our exchange top for a new one on a road trip. That vendor seems to require a bit more advance notice altho we have not checked with them lately. Just waiting to see what other responses your post generated from Melrose users.
As for your problem, it seems to fall in between. Most likely you're not going to get much help from Melrose after 19 years. On the other hand, if the car has only been driven 2,000 miles and the top has never been removed, my un-expert opinion is it either would have failed sooner if there was a problem with how it was put on the car, or should not have failed yet. And how can you put it on "wrong" as long as it's on, lined up, and evenly tightened?
Good luck, hope there's a good resolution.
I'm buying an excellent condition fiberglass OE top that's in my color off someone local. Mine cracking could have been a flaw or maybe it was just old and sun baked maybe? Who knows lol. What caught me off guard was it happened at a redlight. Not going over railroad tracks. I'm sure Melrose sells a quality product, hell this one lasted 19 years. But i agree that improper installation is a bad excuse. They only go on one way if I'm not mistaken.
I reglued my solid top. It isn't as simple as it sounds, especially if you're doing a new top onto the frame. Lots of careful marking and such to get it in the right spot. There's a thread on here about it somewhere. It's more tedious than hard. I don't think that damage was install related. It was more than likely impact related. Smashed head into it, something dropped on the roof, etc.
They only mention gray smoke, I'd want the blue. Also they say the exchange option is not currently available due to COVID. Last I knew the emergency is over - WAY over!
I reglued my solid top. It isn't as simple as it sounds, especially if you're doing a new top onto the frame. Lots of careful marking and such to get it in the right spot. There's a thread on here about it somewhere. It's more tedious than hard. I don't think that damage was install related. It was more than likely impact related. Smashed head into it, something dropped on the roof, etc.
I looked into them. They were my second option after Melrose. I’m hoping the used solid top I bought doesn’t have any issues. Came off a low mile 94. This was a blessing (an expensive one) in a way for me. I prefer the solid top. Just didn’t really plan on shelling out this kind of coin for one so soon.
FWIW, when I have removed my top (which is very seldom) after replacement it goes through 2 or 3 cycles of needing re-tightening. Each interval is a bit longer than the last.
FWIW, when I have removed my top (which is very seldom) after replacement it goes through 2 or 3 cycles of needing re-tightening. Each interval is a bit longer than the last.
I’ll have to keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice.
I’ll have to keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice.
Your mileage may vary, you know how these old cars are. We will probably get 10 guys saying no, I don't have that problem, and 10 more saying theirs does the same thing.
Melrose Targa Top
