Convertible top question
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 93
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From: Albuquerque NM
Convertible top question
I just bought a 2001 Vert. I love everything about the car except the tan top. I have been looking and Ecklers has a black top for only $499. The dealer that I spoke with said I could buy one from them for $1200. I don't see the reason for such a huge price difference?? I was wondering is anyone on here has replaced their top with one other than from the dealer. If so, has anyone used the tops from Ecklers? How's the quality? Here's a link to the top I am looking at - http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1504
Thanks, Sean
Thanks, Sean
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 700
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From: Spring Hill Florida
Top
I replaced the top on my '86 (white vinyl) with a '94 top due to the fact that was the first year Corvette offered a glass back window. I ordered it from Eckler's and had Chris Petri install it. That was in '99 and no problems. I believe Eckler's gets their's from one of the GM suppliers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,073
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From: East Lansing, Mi
Sean:
I got mine aftermarket and i believe it was from the convertible top guys. They have a web that is www.convertibletopguys.com
There tops are just a bit more like about $550 but if I remember correctly they were like a double twill vs. the Ecklers which is just a GM aftermarket top.
They are a pain to install and i would recommend having an upholstery shop do it that works on cars. Probably you don't need the headliner which adds a couple hundred more bucks.
I got mine aftermarket and i believe it was from the convertible top guys. They have a web that is www.convertibletopguys.com
There tops are just a bit more like about $550 but if I remember correctly they were like a double twill vs. the Ecklers which is just a GM aftermarket top.
They are a pain to install and i would recommend having an upholstery shop do it that works on cars. Probably you don't need the headliner which adds a couple hundred more bucks.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,398
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From: Kingsport TN
I saw the convertible top for sale also from Mid America Motorworks as well. Can't remember their pricing, but just click on their logo on the left side of the screen for info.
Also, you might try Gene's company: www.gmpartshouse.com
He gets MUCH better pricing than the dealers. I never use the dealers any more due to their price gouging.
Also, you might try Gene's company: www.gmpartshouse.com
He gets MUCH better pricing than the dealers. I never use the dealers any more due to their price gouging.
Last edited by berryj; Jan 3, 2007 at 12:21 PM. Reason: error on web address
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,488
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From: USA
If your thinking about installing it yourself you might want to reconsider. There are a ton of rag top guys on this forum but not even a handful would recommend you do it yourself. It must be one of those things you leave for the experts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
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From: Orlando FL
I would consider myself and my vette buddies here in SC as above average. I would not go after a top on a C5. You can get it on its getting it to not leak and not be damaged in the end is the trick. I would go to a shop that does it for a living and dont buy one from GM. There are better quality tops at half the $ out there. good luck
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
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From: Haymarket VA
I would consider myself and my vette buddies here in SC as above average. I would not go after a top on a C5. You can get it on its getting it to not leak and not be damaged in the end is the trick. I would go to a shop that does it for a living and dont buy one from GM. There are better quality tops at half the $ out there. good luck After a lot of research I went with the Robbins top. Much better than the stock GM piece. Have an expert install it.
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