Convertible top update

[ga.spyder]

I posted here a month or so back,re. if anyonehad used Germanex imports as a top source(http://www.germaneximportsinc.com/).I got some positive responses,so I purchased a vinyl top.Price was $140+$20 shipping.Very reasonable!I found a shop in Cleveland Ga.,about an hour from home that came highly reccomended(Thanks dulcimerbob!).They quoted $150 to install and I felt that might be money well spent.So...I took it in today.The car looks fantastic .Very nice install,I can talk to my passenger,and I can hear the radio.WOW.My old top was dry rotted,and poorly installed.The installer ,who has done hundreds of tops and many Spiders said the Germanex top was the best fitting one he had ever installed on a Fiat.They were also impressed with the quality of the material.So,I can reccomend Germanex as a source for tops.An improvement to the car long overdue.Kmac and Denise cant laugh at my top anymore!!

[sweet124]

That top looks great i was also looking at Germanex imports.But i was interested in a canvas top the stayfast or the german make.

[ga.spyder]

The shop owner,where I had it installed asked me about the material.He said it looked more like sailcloth vinyl than cheaper pinpoint.He was pretty impressed with the quality.I went with vinyl because it was cheaper,and I rarely use the top.

[BenjamminsFiat]

Wow, that DOES look really good. Congrats!

Mine still has a few years of usefulness left, but I appreciate the follow-up review. I trust the judgement of people on this forum more than random internet reviews.

[majicwrench]

That's beautiful. You might just want to leave it up now...

[Kevin1]

The top looks great - I am partial to that color combination. Our canvas top is close to ten years old now and beginning to show it's age in places. Though I like the look of the canvas, next time around I think I'll go vinyl. The canvas is easier to stain (birds!) and harder to keep clean than the old vinyl top was. Ours was installed at home. Your $150 was VERY well spent!

[Fiat88]

Looks good!

[ga.spyder]

Thanks everyone.It was nice to watch a pro at work,on the top.I think the 150 bucks was money well spent for me.The top is tight,well aligned,and it took 21/2 hours to complete.I would still be out there tugging on it!! They had a steamer that they used after the top was set,and heated it for the final alignment and tightening.They had all kinds of classic cars they were working on there,including whole interiors.I am going to have them re-upholster the seats,when I have some spare coins.

[NJFIAT1981]

Hi Craig,
Top looks great. How much do you think they charge for the interior. George

[ga.spyder]

Hey George,
He quoted me $450 to do the front seats,if I remove them and bring them in.I dont have a back seat,I have deleted it.He said I could pick the material and could use a fabric , perforated,etc.. insert.Or they could do them like stock.My choice.He also said they could build out bolsters.They had some really nice work they have done there.The shop owner moved the business from New Jersey in 1996.Goes by Atlas Tops http://atlastops.com/

[digitech]

Craig, that is a seriously good looking top! If I can ever get mine on the road, replacing the top will be the next thing I do - I'll have to look those guys up, I don't think you can beat them! How's the rear window on that top - seem like good quality?

[boogiedude]

Nice looking top. I've got a germanex canvas, and I love it. Very very good quality. Especially compared to a lot of tops we do at work(I work in an upholstery shop)

[ga.spyder]

digitech,The rear window seems good quality,like the rest of the top.They were very nice to deal with and I was in and out.I did have an appt to bring it in Mon. morning,and they got right on it.They are in Cleveland,so if you came 85 to 985 and got off on 129 in Gainesville,you will see them on the left before you actually get to Cleveland.
boogiedude,I had never heard of Germanex until you posted their link when you got your top.Thank you!!That is the kind of info that makes this forum work so well.I urge anyone who orgers one to call them on the phone,instead of ordering from the website.They have a flat shipping rate of$40 on the web,but charge actual shipping if you call your order in.Saved me $20.

[mdrburchette]

Outstanding top, Craig! I especially like how it fits over your side windows, like my top does. I'll be ordering one when mine is ready to be replaced.

[mdrburchette]

.Kmac and Denise cant laugh at my top anymore!!

Hey, I don't laugh at your top. You're always topless!