Soft tops

[biddybarfoot]

Hi everyone, need a bit of help with thoughts on a new soft top. I live in gravesend kent, wanted to know if anyone has any recommendations on who could fit it, and roughly how much it will cost me in total. Also I heard that to do the job properly they should have the car for at least three days, to fit the top, heat it up and let it cool to fit perfect, wasn't sure how true this was? Also last thing, maybe is it worth buying it myself then letting someone fit it? if so I heard of this site https://www.germanautotops.com/porsche/porsche-convertible-tops , there seems to be a few to choose from and didn't know the difference between them all, also what peoples views on it were and any one elses experiences.

Thanks in advance, George

 

[PSH]

Hi George

I would try Southbound, I had my front seats re-trimmed by them over 15 years ago and it was a first class job, they are very clued up in regards to everything Porsche related and personally when talking about hoods I would only want them to do it. They aren't cheap but they use genuine materials and know our cars inside out, they aren't that far away from you either... http://www.southboundtrimmers.com/

regards

Pete

 

[pauljmcnulty]

John Barnatt (Region 19 RO) was happy with the one fitted to his turbo cab. Might be worth talking to him, he's 924nutter on here.

 

[bmnelsc]

In my experience - shops are much more likely to want your business (and maybe even give a bit of a discount) if they are supplying the parts/materials along with the labor. If you are supplying parts then the shop is only making profit on the labor portion so it stands to reason that they would rather do jobs where they supply as they make some markup on the parts/materials. This can get awkward when you can obtain the needed parts more cheaply or perhaps the shop cannot obtain your preferred brand, etc. (e.g. don't have an account with a supplier that carries your preference).

One thing to consider when the shop is supplying parts/materials is that the shop will deal with the supplier if issues arise with the parts/materials. If you supply it is not unreasonable for them to hand it back to you to deal with the supplier and you still owe them for their time up to that point. e.g. you may be sitting with a car with no top, a new top with problems in the box and an outstanding labor invoice with the shop.

On specialist work like this, I prefer to let the shop provide everything as they will stand behind their work and deal with their suppliers if problems arise with the parts. At least if you are dissatisfied with the result, you only have one party to deal with.

 

[Waylander]

try here

the guys in the USA say they are really good, but they are americans

https://www.germanautotops.com/

from 299 dollars up

 

[Chrishazle]

There was a thread on here where a 968 cab owner had obtained a new soft top from the outfit Waylander mentioned - had it fitted locally and was really happy. Hopefully the search function on here will find it - but don't be surprised if it does not, the search is often a chocolate teapot!

Edit - found it for you !

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.asp?m=878104

 

[Gordon Attar]

I would recommend these guys in Southend on Sea, they've done a few 964 and 993 hoods for me all in a day, I went to the sea side whilst they did it. Prices lower than everyone else as they are under the vat threshold.

http://hoodsgaloreuk.co.uk/

 

[biddybarfoot]

thanks a lot for your messages given me a lot to think about. So far have spoken to southbound trimmers, recommended by Pete, must say after talking on the phone the guy certainly seemed to know his stuff, very passionate about what he does and very informative. Not to mention fully booked up until May next year, give me time to save up!

 

[Chrishazle]

Another one to look at is Polyfacto in Hailsham. Haven't used them for some years, but they did an excellent job on my son's MG Midget, also did a full interior and hood on a friend's Model T Ford and made a superb job of it.

 

[924nutter]

opposite chessington world of adventure is the carhoodwarehouse which is where I took my Turbo Cab as Paul says. Very dedicated, the fitter started at 7:40 and continued until he had finished at 2:50 pm. £993 fitted Vry good job any one who saw it post fitting thought it looked magnificent. I'm guessing £90/hr labour. Prices have gone up a smidge for 2015 but remember I had mine done in June 2013 so £27 in two years isn't bad
1990-95 Porsche 944/968 Hood (Mohair) & Window £430 £1020