LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

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-   Convertible Vehicles (https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertible-vehicles-84/)
-   -   Best Brand Replacement Top (https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertible-vehicles/1890268-best-brand-replacement-top.html)

RONIN LSX 01-24-2018 07:47 AM

Best Brand Replacement Top
 
I am in need of a new top, due to vandalism, but I am concerned about proper fitment. I read kenp thread (see below) and this worries me. That's a lot of money to put out, come to find out, the top you received was not cut or doesn't fit correctly.

Save for dropping $6k on a full custom top, does anyone know of a top that properly fits?


https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...ing-top-2.html

HoustonSS 01-28-2018 10:08 AM

I'm interested myself. My wife's convertible needs the top replaced, and I want to know that the one that I purchase will be OEM in quality (or better) and fit.

RONIN LSX 02-08-2018 07:19 AM

Don't all post at the same time now...

hrlyhnx 02-08-2018 11:54 AM

I bought the Haartz Stayfast top to save some money three years ago and i got a puncture hole that looks like from rubbing. not a slice or cut but maybe moving the top up and down. Looking back I should have bought the OEM and not the one that is "like" OEM.
that is my advice; when i replace mine AGAIN i will pony up for the "real OEM"
good luck

RONIN LSX 04-03-2018 11:15 AM

Is there anything better than oem? Who has the best prices?

RONIN LSX 04-06-2018 03:39 PM

Any time now guys

pdxmotorhead 04-06-2018 04:25 PM

Boat top shops are the best at installs for what I've seen. they are used to the heavier materials. I had one do a MG a few years ago and it came out great of fit and lack of flop..

70 camaro 04-06-2018 04:37 PM

topsonline.com did mine myself. great fit looks oem:D

RONIN LSX 04-07-2018 05:25 PM


Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead (Post 19870705)
Boat top shops are the best at installs for what I've seen. they are used to the heavier materials. I had one do a MG a few years ago and it came out great of fit and lack of flop..


I'm looking for the best brand top and who has the best prices, not an installer, but I appreciate the help :thumb:

RONIN LSX 04-07-2018 05:26 PM


Originally Posted by 70 camaro (Post 19870715)
topsonline.com did mine myself. great fit looks oem:D

I'll look them up! What brand did you go with?

70 camaro 04-09-2018 03:41 PM

EZ on tops fit was real nice. Robbins were the one that made the tops for Chevy.

locobird 12-24-2018 10:38 AM

needing a top for a 00 trans am. did you find a good dealer?

RONIN LSX 02-10-2019 12:17 AM

I need one for my CETA. I guess Robbins is the one to get, but I'm going to check with having one custom made.

hrlyhnx 01-05-2021 10:35 AM

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...45cd3143fc.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...7f3e251c5c.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...7f1bc454dd.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...3bd56a8c5a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...54ba12a319.jpg
1998 Z28 factory 6-spd. bought with 145K on the clock(flew to Detroit drove it back to Chicago [6yrs ago]), now has 225k just put on dyno three months ago bolt-ons only pulled 342 rwhp/364 tq. engine purrrz like a lion

smokeshow72 08-01-2022 04:10 PM

I am going to throw a bump at this thread; anyone making good replacement tops currently? Heard some horror stories and would love not to get hosed on a purchase. Rear glass is separating from the top and leaking, so I would like to change it out.

C

RONIN LSX 08-01-2022 05:27 PM

I got the Robbin (4/2019), suppose to be the best on the market. Within 2 years (7/21) , the glass came unglued (not all the defog lines worked). I missed the labor reimbursement by 3 months; they wouldn't bother to reconsider. I did get "lucky" that I bought it right before they dropped their lifetime warranty... that should tell you something about the quality, if they dropped the lifetime. As for the top, I literally just made a claim, because the binding threading ripped. So in 3 years, I'm replacing the entire top.

Unless there's something new, that's hit the market, within the last 3 years, sadly Robbins is the "best".



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...dadf380f91.jpg
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https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...7cab7ff6bb.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...1c53b50cfd.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...ab48d969b0.jpg

NC01TA 08-02-2022 07:48 AM

^^^ You probably have answered this before but is your car kept in a garage or is it left outside??

RONIN LSX 08-02-2022 09:12 PM


Originally Posted by NC01TA (Post 20448501)
^^^ You probably have answered this before but is your car kept in a garage or is it left outside??


I'm assuming that you're directing that question to me. It's a bit of both, but even if it was a full time, outside car, I expect to get better than 3 years out of the top, especially when it's being properly taken care of... and granted, I'm in Florida, but still, 3 years is pathetic.

NC01TA 08-03-2022 03:43 PM


Originally Posted by RONIN LSX (Post 20448636)
I'm assuming that you're directing that question to me. It's a bit of both, but even if it was a full time, outside car, I expect to get better than 3 years out of the top, especially when it's being properly taken care of... and granted, I'm in Florida, but still, 3 years is pathetic.

Yes, Thanks! I don't know about that interval personally but.I know if I left my 'vert outside here in NC during the cold winters and wet humid summers, especially during the night, there would be 'issues' for sure. When I lived in FL during my young and working years, there were times I did not have a garage so I never owned a 'vert for that very reason. The monsoon rains and high humidity followed by baking temps in the summer sun is asking a lot for any top, especially an aftermarket one. I would hazard a guess and say an original new car factory top would only last 5 - 7 years if left outside. As much as I follow a 'care' routine on my 'verts, the elements would just overpower everything. I know this doesn't help you at all but life with a 'vert and no garage is a tough road to master.

RONIN LSX 08-09-2022 09:34 AM


Originally Posted by NC01TA (Post 20448751)
Yes, Thanks! I don't know about that interval personally but.I know if I left my 'vert outside here in NC during the cold winters and wet humid summers, especially during the night, there would be 'issues' for sure. When I lived in FL during my young and working years, there were times I did not have a garage so I never owned a 'vert for that very reason. The monsoon rains and high humidity followed by baking temps in the summer sun is asking a lot for any top, especially an aftermarket one. I would hazard a guess and say an original new car factory top would only last 5 - 7 years if left outside. As much as I follow a 'care' routine on my 'verts, the elements would just overpower everything. I know this doesn't help you at all but life with a 'vert and no garage is a tough road to master.

Unless you live in Djibouti, in or out, a quality top, let alone, "the best", should last longer than 3 years, in 2022; especially when it's maintained.




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