[968Z]

Would anybody care to share their thoughts on the different tops avaialble? (Flash, I know you recommend Robbins!) Apparently, there are three types of cloth available; Stayfast, Sonnedecke, and Original German Canvas. Are there significant Pros and/or Cons to each? Also, where's the best place to get one; CabrioWorld?

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[flash]

i've had tops made of stayfast - it is a good fabric, and lasts about the same - original german canvas? never heard of a brand like that



sonnendecke (or sonnen something) is the original german canvas used on the OEM top (robbins)



the only reasons i recommend them is that first, they are the original top installed when the car was new, and therefore most likely to fit best - second, they aren't really any more expensive anyway (since they will sell direct to you), so why risk an ill-fitting copy?



the most important thing though, no matter what top you buy, is the installer - it's easy to screw up - a local guy here had a new top installed, paid 4 grand for the privilege, and the guy didn't bother to reset the fore/aft alignment (probably because this means removing interior panels) - as a result, the top leaks and the latches don't work right - now he gets to go back

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[968Z]

Flash, are you sure about Sonnendecke? CabrioWorld and World Upholstery both list tops made by Happich, using original German fabric and describe this as being OEM. The Stayfast and Sonnedecke are both listed as an American fabric, with the Sonnedecke having a German backing.

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[BruceWard]

[quote name='flash' date='Nov 29 2005, 10:01 PM']sonnendecke (or sonnen something) is the original german canvas used on the OEM top (robbins) 



the only reasons i recommend them is that first, they are the original top installed when the car was new, and therefore most likely to fit best - second, they aren't really any more expensive anyway (since they will sell direct to you), so why risk an ill-fitting copy?

[right][post="12962"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Lets see what a quick google search says



http://www.aabestco.com/aabmaterial.htm

Sonnedecke - This fabric is an American copy of German cloth. It is the same in all respects, including the Dobby pattern and the tan or black underside.



http://www.gahh.com/product_info.php?cPath...roducts_id=1504

Haartz superior quality Twillfast with German backing to simulate original German canvas.



http://www.hemmings.com/images/pdfs/Bill...166664.pdf

Sonnendecke is a very high quality US made acrylic. It is shrink, fade and rot resistant and ...

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[968cab]

[quote name='968Z' date='Nov 29 2005, 10:53 PM']Flash, are you sure about Sonnendecke?  CabrioWorld and World Upholstery both list tops made by Happich, using original German fabric and describe this as being OEM.  The Stayfast and Sonnedecke are both listed as an American fabric, with the Sonnedecke having a German backing.

[right][post="12965"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Since the cabrio conversions were done by an American company in Germany, I wonder if that is a possible reason for the discrepancy ... (?)

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[flash]

yup - i had this conversation already and found that out myself - i was surpised at first to find out that robbins was the original top, but then it made sense - look at our third brake light (GM)



still haven't found out who made the boot cover though

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[968Z]

Rats! All the quotes around here are comin' in around 1800 big ones! Nobody wants to install a top unless they supply it themselves. Money Hungry Theives! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/blink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[flash]

wish you were out here - it's around 1000 - feel like a drive?

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[wntrprk968]

I am getting the Sonnedecke top and headliner from Karl at AA Best tops. Seems to be a good price. Will let you guys know how it comes out. There are 2 shops here that will install with out buying from them. Good Luck. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Dan

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[968Z]

I ended up getting a Sonnedecke top from CabioWorld. Including freight it was around $450.00.

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