Best convertible top?

[Turf1600]

I'm looking for a moderately priced convertible top. Rather, I'd like the best value. Any suggestions? Obviously, these range from $250 to $1000+ - is the difference really that great? I plan to get a hard top later in life so I don't want to go all out - just something good enough.

I'm hoping for some actual experience - not internet speculation.

[bmw325csi]

my top is aftermarket, installed by the PO. He told me it cost him 350 form ebay and he installed it himself. The top is nice and sturdy, fabric has held up well for 6 years now. No rips, tears or blemishes. I just recently had a new window installed for the same price. I say you should get a cheaper top and put the difference into the weather strips because that what really counts on a vert.

[Turf1600]

Why did you have to put in a new window?

[87-325ic]

i got made a sunroof one night, so i went the cheaper ebay route..

I paid the extra 50 bucks for the german clothe. it was like 370 shipped.

I put it on myself. if you can figure out most simple things, you should be able to do it. Pretty easy for an afternoon.

Well worth it. Definitely nicer than 20 yr old cloth that leaks everywhere. i cant comment on the quality after time though. its only been a year. still looks good though.

go for it.

[///M42 sport]

theres a writeup somewhere on the net that says the top is a bitch to replace yourself. So your saying its easy?

[MC Hammered]

I've bought 2 German canvas tops off eBay from seller "qualitytopsandinteriors" and they are excellent quality.

[McGyver]

if you buy a top that has the zip in rear window you can buy a new rear window from emiata for like $160 shipped and put it in yourself. their quality is really good. dont know about tops though.

[F34R]

Your price range is in the hard top area. My Brother loves his hard top, it looks so sexy!

[nickflic3]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=183071

No experience with verts, sorry.

[Naplm00]

GOt mine from topsonline

same as ebay

haartz cloth non german OEM but still has dobby backing (pattern on inside) aka SONNEDECK

http://www.topsonline.com/index.php?...rmodelID=44000


if you want no special german type interior go with the stayfast.

German coth is the stiffest and is original
Sonnedeck has the look of german w/o the price, domesticly manufacturerd
Stayfast has no backing (smooth interior)


all come with a OEM style green tinted rear window

[Turf1600]

Question - what's the difference between tops for electric and manual frames? How do I convert my formerly electric top to manual?

[ubernasty]

i did mine myself got it off ebay and new tension straps from a website. pm me for links

it wasn't hard, more just time consuming... its just taking screws/bolts/a few rivets and putting them back in.

[RwMystery]

subscribed.

[Turf1600]

PM sent. For reference, all of the motors and wiring for my power top have been removed - or so it seems. I honestly never even put the top up. I only drive it when it's nice and I park it in a garage the rest of the time. I'm looking to install a new top and a new interior soon - as well as just generally fix it up cosmetically.

[Cabriolet]

Question - what's the difference between tops for electric and manual frames? How do I convert my formerly electric top to manual?

why would u not want to keep it electric?
im saving the money to fix by back lifter atm. but i wouldn't want manual.