Replacing Vert Top, advice?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 798
Likes: 207
From: Rougemont NC
Replacing Vert Top, advice?
After having my new baby home for exactly ONE day, I've decided that the minor marks on the tan top are too 'non-minor' for my ****-retentive self. I want to replace the top with a new one. I've seen some tops on some of the vendors here that sell for about $500 or so, has anyone tried any of them? Recommendations?
Also, is that something that a professional needs to install, or can it be done by a do-it-yourself-er neophyte? And if it is something that needs to be done, how much am I probably looking at, labor-wise, if I supply the top bought from here? I'm sure I want to replace the top, just so new that I don't want to make a wrong turn here and make a big $$ mistake. Thanks everyone! Pics coming tomorrow, I hope.
Also, is that something that a professional needs to install, or can it be done by a do-it-yourself-er neophyte? And if it is something that needs to be done, how much am I probably looking at, labor-wise, if I supply the top bought from here? I'm sure I want to replace the top, just so new that I don't want to make a wrong turn here and make a big $$ mistake. Thanks everyone! Pics coming tomorrow, I hope.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Central Connecticut
There's been quite a few posts on this question, with some good info. I think you really need to have the top installed by a professional. The cost for the top and installation should be around 1200 to $1500. For the price difference in buying the top yourself and the installer supplying it may not be that much, and would save you some headaches should there be any warranty issues. get price's both ways. Lots of members have had good luck with robbins tops. I used a midamerica top and am happy with it. Good luck with your choice!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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I had a new top installed on my '98. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have a professional perform the installation. I took my car to a shop that specializes in convertible tops and upholstery for high end cars (they do Bentleys, RR, and Mercedes almost exclusively). It took their most experienced installer the better part of the day to do it.
When it was done, the fit was perfect and tight as a drum. I watched for about 2 hours, and what I saw made me glad I went to a pro.
When it was done, the fit was perfect and tight as a drum. I watched for about 2 hours, and what I saw made me glad I went to a pro.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Check out www.robbinsautotop.com as this is the ONLY company that I would have do my Vert top. Go to the website and see where the closest installer (they have folks on contract all over the US) is to where you are. Anything to be done on your Vette might as well be done right, and these are the people that will.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 4
From: USA
There's been quite a few posts on this question, with some good info. I think you really need to have the top installed by a professional. The cost for the top and installation should be around 1200 to $1500. For the price difference in buying the top yourself and the installer supplying it may not be that much, and would save you some headaches should there be any warranty issues. get price's both ways. Lots of members have had good luck with robbins tops. I used a midamerica top and am happy with it. Good luck with your choice!
I had a new top installed on my '98. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have a professional perform the installation. I took my car to a shop that specializes in convertible tops and upholstery for high end cars (they do Bentleys, RR, and Mercedes almost exclusively). It took their most experienced installer the better part of the day to do it.
When it was done, the fit was perfect and tight as a drum. I watched for about 2 hours, and what I saw made me glad I went to a pro.
When it was done, the fit was perfect and tight as a drum. I watched for about 2 hours, and what I saw made me glad I went to a pro.
This is one of those things you won't regret having a pro do
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 798
Likes: 207
From: Rougemont NC
Check out www.robbinsautotop.com as this is the ONLY company that I would have do my Vert top. Go to the website and see where the closest installer (they have folks on contract all over the US) is to where you are. Anything to be done on your Vette might as well be done right, and these are the people that will.
Thanks SO much for the tip, turns out there's a Robbins-authorized installer about 6 blocks from the hospital where I work! How convenient is
THAT?? I'm going to give them a call this morning. Thanks again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
Check out www.robbinsautotop.com as this is the ONLY company that I would have do my Vert top. Go to the website and see where the closest installer (they have folks on contract all over the US) is to where you are. Anything to be done on your Vette might as well be done right, and these are the people that will.
Everything I have heard about them is good.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Check out www.robbinsautotop.com as this is the ONLY company that I would have do my Vert top. Go to the website and see where the closest installer (they have folks on contract all over the US) is to where you are. Anything to be done on your Vette might as well be done right, and these are the people that will.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 798
Likes: 207
From: Rougemont NC
Just spoke to the Robbins authorized installer here, and he recommended another brand of top, saying that all the cloth tops are now made by Haartz, and than the Robbins top is not as good, fit-wise, for the Corvette, as it is on some other foreign makes, (Miata, Nissan 350Z, etc.) Not sure what to make of that, since he's the authorized dealer for their tops, seems like he's trying to be honest with me, but that sure is weird that he'd admit to that. What do you think? I'm so new here, I'm virtually clue-less.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Just spoke to the Robbins authorized installer here, and he recommended another brand of top, saying that all the cloth tops are now made by Haartz, and than the Robbins top is not as good, fit-wise, for the Corvette, as it is on some other foreign makes, (Miata, Nissan 350Z, etc.) Not sure what to make of that, since he's the authorized dealer for their tops, seems like he's trying to be honest with me, but that sure is weird that he'd admit to that. What do you think? I'm so new here, I'm virtually clue-less.
Don't worry, I went through exactly what you are befoe I replaced my top. After - and only - a lot of research, I went with Robbins.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1
From: (Temporarily) Colorado Springs Colorado
He maybe telling the truth ... or just makes more profit from the top he is suggesting. It seems everyone here likes and recommends the Robbins. Believe me, if someone had a complaint about Robbin's top they would be posting here.
Good Luck Oh BTW ...
to Corvette Forum
Good Luck Oh BTW ...
to Corvette Forum