New Top
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: PA
New Top
Guys: My convertible top is leaking on my C5, so I went out and priced a replacement from the two upholster shops here in my area. One priced at $1500.00 with new liner and installed using the same supplier that GM uses (supposedly). The other priced at $2100 and same deal. Don't know why the difference, so I asked. The more expensive guy told me that he does the best work in the county. I went back to the $1500.00 guy and asked for references of Corvette cars that he has done this year. He gave me two and I called them both. They both said that they are pleased and they would use him again. So, I have decided to use the $1500.00 guy. I always heard that you get what you pay for, so we'll see how this turns out. Any opinion if you think I'm making a mistake going with the cheaper guy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
"You get what you pay for" is sometimes about as meaningful as "The customer is always right."
But in this case, I believe you WOULD be getting what you pay for. A decent top without paying some jerk $600 for a line like, "[I do] the best work in the county." Yeah? Prove it!
You chose well, my friend.
.
But in this case, I believe you WOULD be getting what you pay for. A decent top without paying some jerk $600 for a line like, "[I do] the best work in the county." Yeah? Prove it!
You chose well, my friend.
.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Oklahoma City OK
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Since you called his references and they told you he did a good job, you should be alright. However do you think he would give you a name of someone who didn't like his work?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Wake Forest NC
Race Director
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Ask the higher price guy for references as well and call them. Perhaps they will provide additional insight into why he is more expensive.
Also, you may want to check into Robbins tops as I've read that they have an excellent product which also allows you to purchase a custom color if you don't want the original GM OEM color options. They also provide a list of qualified installers in your area. Even if you don't go with their top, you may have some other installation options.
http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/index.php
Also, you may want to check into Robbins tops as I've read that they have an excellent product which also allows you to purchase a custom color if you don't want the original GM OEM color options. They also provide a list of qualified installers in your area. Even if you don't go with their top, you may have some other installation options.
http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/index.php
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I've installed many convertible tops on the older corvettes , the C3's and the C4's and they are not a difficult top to install and should not be any more than $1,500. for those cars but we are talking about a C5 here which I have not done yet. I do know that the Robbins tops are the best but can be a little harder to install, so I can't speak on the price on those . Maybe the extra cost on the more expensive quote was for the better top.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
You should really put your eyes ON the actual customer cars of both guys. Calling a guy who has the top may or may not give a honest review considering they don't or won't admit a costly mistake.
Eyes ON! That's the only sure way to judge their craftsmanship!
Eyes ON! That's the only sure way to judge their craftsmanship!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
Here are a few thoughts:
That should shine a light on your choices a bit.
.
- Get an estimate from a Chevy dealer
- Get an estimate from a body shop
- Ask the two references you found to give you a ride through a high pressure carwash and check for leaks.
That should shine a light on your choices a bit.
.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
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From: Haymarket VA
Ask the higher price guy for references as well and call them. Perhaps they will provide additional insight into why he is more expensive.
Also, you may want to check into Robbins tops as I've read that they have an excellent product which also allows you to purchase a custom color if you don't want the original GM OEM color options. They also provide a list of qualified installers in your area. Even if you don't go with their top, you may have some other installation options.
http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/index.php
Also, you may want to check into Robbins tops as I've read that they have an excellent product which also allows you to purchase a custom color if you don't want the original GM OEM color options. They also provide a list of qualified installers in your area. Even if you don't go with their top, you may have some other installation options.
http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/index.php
My top is seldom up but when it is...it's a Robbins.
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If you can arrange it, see the installed tops in person.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
You can buy a top online for $450.00. So, it doesn't matter how you slice it, this is some serious corvette tax on this installation. Are you people saying that the install of one of these tops is worth $750 labor? Staples, glue and some screws?
Just fyi, a local shop quoted me $250 for an install on a top that I supply, and they come highly recommended here, by an owner who's top I've seen... I guess labor must be 10x elsewhere in the country. Gotta be hell living in 90210.
Just fyi, a local shop quoted me $250 for an install on a top that I supply, and they come highly recommended here, by an owner who's top I've seen... I guess labor must be 10x elsewhere in the country. Gotta be hell living in 90210.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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This is where local Corvette clubs come in handy. Local, Corvette-specific references.
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
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From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Ok i got one quote got 1175 the other 1250 the 1250 is the shop the chevy dealers outsource to. I'm betting the tops are from the same source because they both mentined the lifetime no glass falling out thing
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
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From: Haymarket VA
As I said, seldom put the top up so no pics. The fabric used by Robbins is the same as Mercedes and some other luxury verts. It's much better quality than OEM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 22
From: Portland OR
$450.00+shipping for a robbins top and it is beautiful,$400.00 to have it installed at a custom shop.Just ask the upholstery shop how much to have your top installed.One guy wanted $2500
Fred
Fred