Cabriolet Window Replacement

[ian944S2]

The rear window on my cabriolet is suffering from a bad attack of old age. The hood itself is still in excellent condition but the rear window has as usual gone milky and has a small crack in it. I've searched the Porsche Post and Porsche File but neither have any recommended soft top replacement specialists. Can anybody recommend somewhere to get my rear window replaced ideally within reasonable travelling distance of Bristol. I understand I could take it to Dick Lovetts but they'll only farm it out (and add there commission) so would prefer to deal direct. Any recommendations would be appreciated not least of all as a recommendation usually means a satisfied customer. Look forward to hearing from a satisfied customer. Happy Porsche motoring. Ian

 

[Fen]

There's a place at Sparkford that Tref has recommended. I don't know the name I'm afraid, but he's on here occasionally or you could email him through his profile.

 

[sideymun]

I could do with replacing mine too, so if you do find out somewhere please post as i would be interested too. Somewhere near Bristol would suit me too on accounts of living in Worcestershire. And if its not too cheeky to ask, if you could let us know how much i should set aside for such a job that would be awesome.

Cheers
Sid

 

[ian944S2]

Sid Will be pleased to let you know if anything come through and let you have full info. Not doing too well at present but I live in hope.

Regards Ian[]

 

[Fen]

Did you try contacting Tref?

 

[ian944S2]

Fen

Due to computer problems only got round to it last night, but got a reply today with the details of the person in Sparkford.

Many thanks for your help. I'll be phoning the guy in Sparkford tomorrow.

Really appreciated.

Ian[][][][][][]

 

[944turboS]

Ian,
How did things go with the chap in Sparkford?

 

[ian944S2]

Hi Graeme
Didn't get chance to get down there when I planned to and as Saturday mornings are now the only time they are open when I'm not working haven't had chance to visit.

I've been given another address in the mean time by the R16 secretary if anybody is interested.
It's Southbound Mototr Trimmers, Little Dean Yard, London Road, Stockbridge, Hants. SO20 6EL Tel 01264-810080
The also have a web site www.southboundtrimmers.com

Thanks for the interest.

 

[Fen]

Southbound are very good, but not near Brizzle and likely to charge prices in line with their reputation - hence why I didn't suggest them.

 

[ian944S2]

Fen
Thanks for info. As you can see don't seem to be able to get near Sparkford at present let alone as far as Stockbridge.

Not enough hours in the day/week/year.

Ho hum
Ian

 

[Fen]

I know how that goes.

Graeme - I meant to ask before, where you been?

 

[944turboS]

Hi Fen,

If you email me your new address & we can catch up outside the forum.

 

[ian944S2]

Fen
Finally got down to Sparkford yesterday and had quite a talk with Larry. Very nice bloke.

He confirmed that he could replace the rear window but even though the hood is black it will show because he doesn't just replace the window but the whole lower panel.

Because I intend to keep the car for a while yet I shall be ringing him to replace the whole roof. I think it will be worth the extra couple of hundred quid.

Thanks again for the original contact details.

Regards
Ian
[][]

 

[Fen]

I think you'll be doing the right thing. Most original hoods these days are a bit tired - they tend to start at the stitching and sometimes a whole section of it around the B-pillar location is completely missing and if you didn't know it was supposed to be there you might not even realise.

 

[ian944S2]

Hi Sid
Finally got to visit Sparkford yesterday, met Larry Piper the owner and had a good chat.

He was quite happy to replace the rear window but explained that as he replaces the whole rear section and not just the window that even though the hood on my car is black, it would still show up. The cost of doing this would be £400 + vat. The cost of a complete replacement would be £670 + vat. As I plan to hang onto the car for a bit I shall be getting him to do the whole roof, I think the extra £300 will be well worth it in terms of maintaining the cars appearance.

It's a bit of a trek from your place but I've got all the contact details if you want them.

Regards
Ian

 

[944turboS]

Hi,
Has anyone got the contact details for this chap in Sparkford?
Or recommend somewhere else to get a Cabriolet roof replaced?
Thanks

 

[tref]

Larry Piper - 01963 441431.

He is also organising a charity gathering of classic cars on 22nd of August - hopefully we will have a few attendees from the Dorset Region of the PCGB, all £4 per car and all proceeds go to the Dorset Air Ambulance/Help for Heroes.

I have no connection with the chap other than as a satisfied customer and knowing him as an all-round good egg!

Regards,

Tref.

 

[kramit]

Hi guys,
Just some additional info, I had my roof replaced 18 months ago by a company called Gibson and Turner in Crumlin near Newport, South Wales. Cost was £550 all in. their telephone number is 01495 244638. Hope it helps.

 

[ian944S2]

Graeme

The guy you're after is Larry Piper and trades as LA & RW Piper, don't have a phone no. but his address is:-
The Workshop, Long Hazel Farm, High Street, Sparkford, Somerset. Hope that helps.

Ian

 

[tref]

The phone number is two posts above!