Our 2002 vert top still looks good, and functions well, but HAS shrunk a bit. Most notably across the sides (just above the side window edges).

 

First: Report the claim directly to the Allstate Claims Center. The phone number should be in a million places within the policy or just look on your insurance ID card.

Second: DO NOT EVER use your exsiting agent again for ANYTHING! They either lack very basic insurance knowledge, or simply fibbed. Either way; Find another agent. Unless you have a half a dozen previous comp claims, submitting this one should have no impact on your rates. Pictures of the storm damaged enclosure would support your claim.

Third: You will need to have an adjuster see the car and the damage. If you bent something trying to fix it, unbend it first. If the top needs to be relaced as a complete unit as others have stated, then thta is what you should be requesting, unless the car is a shambles with 300,000 miles on it. You don't want a bent anything on your car.

Fourth: Keep bumping this request while waiting for the insurance adjuster and claim to review and finalize. Most shops can replace a top, but I would take your time (it's winter) and find a Vette only shop that understands what you are expecting. Otherwise some cheapo top place will bend and massage the frame, and cover it with trash, charging you an arm and a leg anyway, AND it will never work corrctly.

Lastly, Post up your progress as each event takes place, and discss with others in your area where to take it. ANYTIME any body or restoration work is sought down in the Philadelphia area, one of the best answers is County Corvette in West Chester, Pa.
While a couple of hours away, if you are having this much trouble finding someone to fix it properly, if it were my car, i would make the drive and catch the train home. Better to have it fixed right the first time, by people who know the cars and understand the demands of most owners.

Sorry to hear of your trouble, but just take your time and do each step, and by spring your top will be ready to function as it was intended.

Good luck!

Marty
1FUNZR1

 

thanks guys for your input the vert is under the covers right now, the roof is gone on the garage but i have a blue tarp over it, planning on looking at it a little closer when the temps go above 32, it was 22 here this morning, i will keep you guys informed as to what is going on, thanks again, this is my baby and it sucks to see her like this

 

i have called several places and they need to see the vert as to decide what needs to be done, the middle frame was bent inside and i bent it back up but havent tested it yet

 

is corvette unlimited do repairs and installs, yes its getting near that time, when i will reopen and relook at the damage

 

Yes they do repairs. BUT. Chuck before going give Vette tech a call in GreatNeck
He just completed some body work On the vette and my wife caddy. he did a Great job. 516-466.3368 ask for David. Or Victoria. They specialize in Hi end cars. I know other members here are using or have used him.

 

ok thanks i will call tommorow, i do not mind them eating steak, but not filet mignon, how can they want to charge almost 1400$ in labor

 

I'd search the Corvette salvage yards (like Contemporary Corvette in Philadelphia) for a used convertible top frame. Then, if a new fabric top is needed, you can get an OEM Haartz top from a couple of vendors on eBay. We bought one for the wife's '98 convertibler and it fit like a glove. Cost about $300.00 for the top + ship from CA and about $500 to install it - a lot of work getting it right.

Good luck!

 

the top is costing almost 580$ i rather not buy the bottom of the line, they have some that cost 350$ but are the vinyl type, its the install that is killing me, how can they charge so much, i will keep you guys updated

 

I've seen plenty of videos on these installs and they are complicated..I don't think they are $1000.00 complicated..more like a 500.00 job. I need one on my c4 and have been putting it off because of the expense.

 

Yea i dont understand were they are coming with the incredible prices, but here in LI, the taxes are sky high, maybe thats why

 

I've seen it done in the past and it is very labor intensive. Especially if the person doing it does it right. I don't think $500 is a lot of money.
About a dozen or more years ago I paid an interior place to do the headliner in my GTO. I forget what it cost at the time, but it was expensive. A couple of years later a friend of mine re-did a Chevelle. He balked at paying so much to have a headliner installed, and decided to do it himself. It took him all day and looks like something he did himself. Anyone looking at the car would say it needs a headliner.
Morale of the story: Sometimes less money cost you more.

 

500$ even 700$ is ok, but 1200$ come on, dont you think thats insane?

 

I live in LI also Nassau County.

My rear window ripped on my 89 about a month ago. I called around pretty much $900-$1100 for a new top. My top is in amazing shape except the window. I couldn't stomach that much $$. I used some clear tent repair tape from REI and it's holding up just fine. Work on targa tops is $$. At some point I will replace mine. I will def be doing it myself in the winter.

I used corvettes unlimited for some work in the past. ( I do 95% of work myself , or I atleast try) I felt the work done was very good. But they nickle and dime you on little things $5 for parts cleaner etc.

 

heres what chuknsue looks like right now the vinyl garage has been removed, it has a outdoor cover and i used some of the vinyl garage as a cover

 

if you look near the front of the convertible top their is a dip, i pushed it up as far as i can, we are expecting a lot of rain here again, when the weather gets better i will post a better picture

 

Chuck, hows it going? Any luck with your top.

 

Doug offered 500 installed with part, figured this would be done months ago.

No brainier.

 

??????
what are you talking about?

 

nothing yet, the vert is u nder couple of inches of snow, and the battery has been removed, waiting for warmer weather and then i will venture into getting the top