Current soft top pricing

[green_comet]

The stayfast top on my old clubman cost me $400 delivered and it was perfectly fine, never once did I think it was a cheap top or low quality, its was actually a lot nicer than the standard Mazda vinyl top it was replacing. Don't knock it till you try it, pretty simple.

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[PaulF]

I ordered my Robbins top through Tops Online because it was the best price I found, and had no issues whatsoever. It was very well packed too.

[Mr Morlock]

Take it as given - sourcing based on just price is a short sighted for just about anything which has some degree of complexity. In professional organisations purchasing people always evaluate based on a number of aspects. The cheapest is often the product that fails first and does not do things as well. Cheaper materials may look the same but be as durable or even equivalent.

[green_comet]

"Blah blah blah" that's seriously all I see when you post. So many opinions on everything, even when you have no first hand experience.

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[YanMa YatTai]

Speaking of durable factory soft tops, I now have a 2nd top developing a small tear. I believe this is due to years of hardship in the sun and there are small fold like almost rips on the interior material that will likely turn into tears on the vinyl exterior. This is all at the b pillar position (just like last time).

Anyone know if an aftermarket cloth top would be more or less durable?

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[green_comet]

Cloth tops are hands down better than vinyl top (Morlock will tell you otherwise even those he has no first hand experience), they're more durable and look much nicer than a vinyl top. They only advantage a vinyl top has over a cloth top is that its cheaper to purchase and slightly easier to clean.

A cloth top will not crack and develop holes along the b pillar where if folds like the vinyl tops. They're well worth the extra cost over a vinyl top.

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[meanmx]

Cloth tops are hands down better than vinyl top (Morlock will tell you otherwise even those he has no first hand experience), they're more durable and look much nicer than a vinyl top. They only advantage a vinyl top has over a cloth top is that its cheaper to purchase and slightly easier to clean.

A cloth top will not crack and develop holes along the b pillar where if folds like the vinyl tops. They're well worth the extra cost over a vinyl top.

+1. Even about the whole Morlock rant

[Inksta]

PhilM:
I had exactly the same problem when I finished mine. It didn't require just a few hours in the sun, it required several 40-plus degree days and took 5 people to push far enough to latch. I also used some big zip ties attached to the hooks and latches to gradually tighten it.

Once it was latched, I left it for the rest of the day, and it has basically been fine since then.

So, basically, get it hot while summer is still here, and get some friends or family to help you push it closed.

[PhilM]

Thanks Inksta
There is no way mine can be closed in 32 C sun for a day still has 90mm to go before latches get near the screen seal.
I took it to the Robbins recommended installer in Newcastle - " no way that will shut - looks like it is off a different model"
I also took it it the Robbins Australian importer - Nolans, they cannot work out why it wont fit other than vinyl is too small, and are reporting back to Robbins.
The "Streamline " model 2919 roof is not brought in by them but they keep 2969 instock - I will probably buy one off them and have it fitted by the recommended installer while I negociate what to do with the roof that wont fit.

Watch this space!

[Mr Morlock]

if the top is not fit for purpose / wrong top etc you should not have any problem with getting a replacement- you would hope also that you do not get charged for freight.

[Snowmotion]

if the top is not fit for purpose / wrong top etc you should not have any problem with getting a replacement- you would hope also that you do not get charged for freight.

Not sure Australian law will help you much when purchased from overseas.
Australian distributor has no legal obligation to help either. It will be a matter of good will if they decide to help.

[khlmx5]

Hi guys i found this thread when i m trying to find a replacement soft top for my na6. In summary, does it mean the most wud recommend cloth top with glass window?

[aka_juffa]

Hi guys i found this thread when i m trying to find a replacement soft top for my na6. In summary, does it mean the most wud recommend cloth top with glass window?

I certainly would. Had a Robbins cloth soft top with glass window on my previous NA6. Note that the glass window, in most cases, cannot be unzipped. If you like the cooling effect of having the rear window down with the roof up then go the plastic window with zipper.

Also, if you do order one, make sure it is for the NA roof frame as the earlier frames need some extra bits to allow it to work with a glass window.

J

[sailaholic]

I prefer the zippered window for cooling (I have read that some glass ones can be unzipped.

I also prefer the plastic window because it's bigger.

Having said all of this, my car doesn't get parked in the sun daily so the ageing of plastic isn't a big concern for me.


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[PhilM]

An update on my hood- I ended up purchasing a vinyl glass window Robbins Hood from local Nolans office. It is still a tight fit but is getting better to close as it stretches in.
I put in a claim to Robbins - supplied photos and a report from Nolans and their installer.
Doug Robbins in USA was very good to deal with and sent a prompt refund. I had to destroy the hood and send the piece with the serial number tag to him.

I have a surplus rain rail that I can sell if anyone needs one.