Soft Top Installation in Seattle area?

[Tom in seattle]

Of all the things I did not expect:  as I lifted my soft top out of the cover it felt a little too tight and as I lifted it I realized a rip was started in the canvas caused by a sheared screw in the bows.  A rip about 2”.  Oh crap!  So I’m hoping someone can recommend an installer to put on a new canvas.  I’m guessing these are upholstery businesses.  Who have you had good work done by?

[mrfatboy]

Are you handy? Many of us here have done the job ourselves. It’s a good time to clean and fix any frame issues also.  There is a step by step guide posted around here somewhere. I have a set of pictures of every step when I did the job I could send you. PM me with your email address.

There are also other parts that you should consider replacing while you or some does the job:

- the straps
- window seals
- upper window buffer seal
- front seal
- rear seal
- new cables
- missing or incorrect hardware.

[Iconic]

Also, there is always the option of removing the four bolts that hold the top frame to the car, put the whole frame/top in a bicycle shipping box, and send it to Gernold at SL Tech.
If you have him put the top on, it will be done correctly for sure !
Then he ships the top back to you and you install it.

[Tom in seattle]

If I read their website correctly, I think their price is $10,000!

[Iconic]

That sounds like the purchase price of a top and frame.
He did my top and it was no where near that price.
You have the frame and want a new top put on it, correct?
Gernold has been to several? many? US events and he has done talks about the tops at those events.
He is very knowledgeable on all things Pagoda, including the soft-tops.

[Tom in seattle]

Your offer of the step by step and photos will be appreciated.  I think if you tap on my “Tom in Seattle” my profile appears and my email address is listed there.

You are correct about fixing the mechanical stuff as this why the problem occurred.  I might have discovered the problem but as it turned out the screw which was broken was hidden behind one of the pieces and could not be scene in the “up” position.  I had been having trouble lifting the top and thought I was trying to do it wrong.

Any recommendation for top material ?  Buds Benz lists the original German canvas and two other types. What are the pros and cons?  Do you have a bias?

[mrfatboy]

German Auto Tops is a good Place to start.

[gcw206]

Convertibles Only
3430 4th Ave South
Seattle, WA
206.282.5603