Repairing Guides

how much to repair convertible top

by Elaina Bode Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How much does it cost to replace a convertible top?

How Much Does a Convertible Top Replacement Cost? The price of an aftermarket convertible top can go as low as $190 and as high as $830. Aside from its brand and warranty, other factors that can affect pricing are the part’s material, series, color or finish, and kit inclusions.

How hard is it to replace a convertible top?

Replacing A Convertible Top On A Budget

  • If you’re set on replacing the top, make sure to consider alternative materials. ...
  • Are you looking to cut costs? Try choosing a brand that targets the budget customers. ...
  • Whether you are repairing or replacing the top, you can reuse some hardware and/or accessories if they are still in good working order, including the top frame, pads, and cables.

Will insurance coverage take care of convertible top repair?

Convertible Top Replacement. Alfa Auto Glass also offers convertible top replacement. If the fabric on the top is frayed we can go ahead and file a claim with your insurance to get it taken care of without any cost to you – depending on your policy. Call one of our friendly representatives to ask about a free convertible top replacement.

How much to replace a convertible top?

What are the extra costs?

  • Audi S4 Convertible Top Motor – $360;
  • WayJun BMW Z4 Convertible Top Motor – $170;
  • Corvette Convertible Top Hydraulic Motor – $820;
  • Cheriezeng Convertible Top Hydraulic Roof Pump – $150;
  • ACP 94-04 for Ford Mustang – $220.

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How much does it cost to fix convertible top?

The Estimated Price For Replacing A Convertible Top Runs From $900 To $1500One replacement top (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive)A strip of windshield sealer (for those who own a vehicle with glass windows with rubber trim)Silicone spray.

Can a convertible top be repaired?

If you have noticed that there is a hole in your vinyl convertible top, you can patch it fairly easy with a repair kit and a little knowhow. Here is an easy guide to fixing a hole in a vinyl convertible top. The first step in the process of repairing your vinyl convertible top is closely inspecting the damage.

How often does a convertible top need to be replaced?

1. A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years.

How long does it take to fix a convertible top?

7-8 hoursReplacing a convertible top is not overly complicated, but it isn't easy either. It takes a professional 7-8 hours to correctly install and align a top, and that isn't taking into consideration the possible need for the restoration or maintenance of the top frame.

How do you refurbish a convertible top?

0:223:11How to Restore a Convertible Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step in the process is to clean the roof thoroughly. Take the fabric cleaner. And spotterMoreThe first step in the process is to clean the roof thoroughly. Take the fabric cleaner. And spotter and soak the area then agitate the material with the Tampico brush and allow to dwell for 10.

How do you fix a hole in a soft top?

0:151:32How To Seal Holes With Stormsure | Fix Soft Top Roof, Clothing, Tents Etc.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd some sticky tape put the tape on the side that you want to look at. Turn it over. And then applyMoreAnd some sticky tape put the tape on the side that you want to look at. Turn it over. And then apply the glue onto the fabric and covering over the hole and the sticky tape that you can see.

Do convertibles break easily?

Even though the convertible fabric is highly durable, if someone were to puncture it with a sharp object, they could cause significant damage and gain access to any valuables stored inside your vehicle. Another disadvantage is greater wind and road noise.

Are convertible cars worth it?

It costs more to buy, maintain, and insure. It isn't as roomy as an equivalent coupe, and it has safety and security issues. It might be a little noisier and a bit less comfortable as well. But the reason people still buy and own convertibles in the fact that they absolutely love the experience of driving them.

Should convertibles be garage kept?

Although a garage is ideal, convertibles can also be stored outside. In this case, you need to really consider a water-resistant yet breathable cover, one that is thicker for cars parked outside and a proper, snug fit.

How do you fix a leaking convertible top?

1:523:20Convertible Leaks: 2 ways to Fix and Prevent! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you own a convertible from new it's something you should probably do about once a year removeMoreAnd if you own a convertible from new it's something you should probably do about once a year remove any debris that you find covering the drain holes as well and the second way to fix.

Why won't my convertible top go up?

If a convertible top simply doesn't go up or down when you engage the switch, the cause may be a bad fuse, lift cylinder, or relay. When a convertible top gets stuck in the process, it is most likely caused by a lift cylinder or a broken cable.

Can I use Flex Seal on my convertible top?

0:000:39Fixing a Leaky Convertible Top | Flex Seal® Reviews - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI used a flex seal on the inside of my convertible top put it on top like a canvas top on myMoreI used a flex seal on the inside of my convertible top put it on top like a canvas top on my Kawasaki. Miu I've got an older van. And had problems with leaking around the top of the windshield.

How do you fix a leaking convertible top?

1:523:20Convertible Leaks: 2 ways to Fix and Prevent! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you own a convertible from new it's something you should probably do about once a year removeMoreAnd if you own a convertible from new it's something you should probably do about once a year remove any debris that you find covering the drain holes as well and the second way to fix.

Why won't my convertible top go up?

If a convertible top simply doesn't go up or down when you engage the switch, the cause may be a bad fuse, lift cylinder, or relay. When a convertible top gets stuck in the process, it is most likely caused by a lift cylinder or a broken cable.

How to reuse staples on a bow?

Ensure that you properly mark all screws and moldings. Lift the top, and then remove the roll strip. All the staples and screws need to be taken out and stored for reuse at the end of the process. Be sure to remove the screws from the middle bows, as well. Remove ALL staples.

How do I replace a convertible top?

Let’s take a look at how it’s done: Start by removing the lids from the rear of the car body. Then cover the deck lid. From here, remove the fasteners. Ensure that you properly mark all screws and moldings.

How to get a convertible window out of a car?

Getting the window out is probably the most challenging step, and you’ll need wide screwdrivers or plastic tools to perform this task. When possible, seek assistance from a second set of hands to ensure safe removal. Remove the convertible top from the frame. Be careful while peeling the vinyl off.

What happens if you don't replace a convertible top?

If it is not performed correctly, you can cause a fatal leak, damage to the interior, or even catastrophic failure.

How much does it cost to do a DIY car service?

In the case of a DIY application, you’ll spend roughly $300 in parts to get the job done. A professional will likely charge about $1,000 to perform this service, depending on your vehicle’s make and model and whether or not you have a soft-top or hardtop.

Is a convertible a soft top or a hard top?

A frequent dilemma faced by consumers who are considering purchasing a new convertible is whether to go with a soft-top or hardtop. Though both soft-top and hardtop convertibles have their pros and cons, they are two entirely different applications when it comes to maintenance.

Is a hardtop convertible better than a soft top?

A hardtop convertible relies on many moving parts to function correctly and requires more labor and expertise to service. With that said, the soft-top provides one great advantage - it can be detached.

Convertible Top Replacement Cost

According to various estimates online, you can expect to pay around $500 on average to replace a standard soft cloth convertible top. Lower end cars like a Miata will probably cost around $200 to $200, while a higher end model such as a Benz will most likely cost over $1,000 or more.

Soft Top vs Hard Top Costs

When it comes to soft tops vs hard tops, soft tops are the cheaper options. Hard tops usually run several hundreds of dollars more than soft tops, for obvious reasons.

Will My Insurance Cover a Convertible Top Replacement?

Whether or not your insurance company will cover your convertible top replacement will depend on the type of insurance you have and what event caused the need for replacement.

How Often Does a Convertible Top Need to Be Replaced?

Generally, a convertible should last approximately 10 years before it will need to be replaced again.

Roof Motor Replacement

Most of the time, you will have to replace your convertible roof motor at the same time you replace your top. The typical convertible roof motor will cost you anywhere between $150 to $300 for the partial, and between $100 to $200 for the labor.

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

Just like other parts, you can choose between OEM or aftermarket replacement tops. OEM parts are made by the original equipment manufacturer so they are designed specifically for particular models of cars in mind.

Is Replacing a Convertible Top Cost-Efficient?

There are a couple of reasons to replace a convertible top. First, you can get a few more years of life out of the car by replacing the top. Second, you can up the resale value of your car if you want to refurbish one and sell it.

What is the difference between OEM and Aftermarket convertible tops?

It is important to note the difference between the two. OEM convertible tops are constructed with supervision from the car manufacturers. Aftermarket convertible tops are made by a third-party manufacturer. There are some other things to note about the differences between these two convertible tops.

How many types of convertible tops are there?

The specifics of how your car functions are dependent on the make and model of your car. When you are looking to get a convertible top repair, you should understand that there are two different types of convertible tops. The two types are electrical and manual. A manual convertible top will require you to detach the latches before you can manually ...

How does the thickness of a convertible top affect how the entire top functions?

The thickness of a convertible top will affect how the entire top functions. The different convertible top models could have a different thickness to them. For example, if you have a convertible top that is too thick for the frame, it may not go down the way it is supposed to and it could end up crumpled.

What happens if the hydraulic pump is on?

This fluid will go to different motors throughout the system. If the pump is on, there will be fluid that flows through the system. This will spin the motors. If your fluid goes down the wrong path, it can cause the convertible top to malfunction.

What are the two parts of a convertible top?

The two-part convertible tops are divided into two sections. You have the main top and the rear window. This allows more flexibility with the convertible top and it makes it easier to lower the fabric. You will notice that the unitary tops have a partial seam between the main top and the rear window.

How much does it cost to fix a convertible top?

Typically you will spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000 on a convertible top repair. Some of the other factors that will affect the cost are the extent of the damage, the make and model of the car, the year of the car, and the location that you live in.

What is the safety feature of a convertible top?

The frame of a convertible top gives the car some structural support. Additionally, there are fixed roll bars that attach behind the seats. This is another safety feature since there is no actual roof to provide extra support. This also means that the doors are stronger to reduce the car from flexing.

How much does it cost to replace a convertible soft top?

The price for replacing your car’s convertible soft top will vary depending on the application. However, you can look forward to paying around $900 to $1,500 for the complete process, according to JD Power.

When will convertible cars be available in 2021?

on July 8, 2021. If you’re into convertible cars, then you know the great feeling of driving with the top down during the Summer months. The feeling of the warm air flying through the cabin and your connection with the outside world is most likely the reason that you bought a convertible in the first place. But if your car’s convertible is ...

Can you fix a convertible soft top?

Depending on its overall condition, fixing the soft top can be a much more affordable option. If you decide to fix the top instead of replacing it, then you can find many different convertible repair kits on sites like Amazon. And when it comes to doing it yourself, there are plenty of instructions to be found online.

Does Stayfast Canvas have a cotton backing?

There is also the option of Stayfast canvas material with a cotton backing, which could cost a little less as well. Additionally, there are certain sites like Auto Tops Direct and Tops Online that have budget-friendly prices and can even save you up to $200 over other sites.

What does it mean when a convertible top is taut?

Years of moving the convertible top up and down, making the top taut then loose, changing temperatures from hot to cold, in wet and dry conditions means your convertible top material has been put through extreme contrasts. Quality convertible tops have material that is made to hold up to that stress, but it has limits.

What happens when you take the top off a convertible?

When you take the top off the frame and start handling it for a repair, you push those limits. One of the most common things that we hear from convertible owners is that when they take their old top off the vehicle, they see that it was in much worse shape than they realized.

Can you use duct tape on a convertible top?

First things first, there are no conventional adhesives which will hold patches on vinyl or clothing convertible top materials. So that’s one of the reasons you see convertible tops with duct tape instead of patches -- there just isn’t an adhesive that does the job well. So you’ll need to use something to seal your tear and hold ...

Do you need to use a patch to seal a tear?

So you’ll need to use something to seal your tear and hold the patch and that’s why people use stitching. Stitching, of course, presents issues with waterproofing, so any stitches done will need to be sealed, so you don’t get water through the repair. If you need to use a patch, you’re going to need to remove the top from ...

Can you tear a convertible top?

Also, it’s very common to tear the top when you try to get the glued sleeve off -- after all, it’s glued. When you carefully remove the glued sleeves, you will still be dealing with the fact that convertible topping material can lose its integrity when it’s being handled beyond its normal routine.

How to hide tear lines on canvas?

Use a caulk gun to apply sealant on the tear line. Trim the canvas cloth to collect a pile of short-cut fibers and put them on the tear line to hide it. Apply more sealant on the trimmed fabrics and spread them evenly with a paintbrush. Wait for a while for the sealant to dry up.

How to cover a tear in canvas?

Cut a Patch. With scissors, cut the canvas cloth into an oval or circular shape, as long as it is large enough to cover the tear or hole. If it’s a long tear, a rectangular shape covering the whole length of the tear will be a more practical choice.

How to fix a convertible top without sewing?

Apply glass cleaner on the fixed area and its surroundings and then wipe off with a squeegee. Wait for a day or two to let everything dry up properly. Well, this is how to repair convertible top without sewing and breaking a sweat.

How long does it take for glue to dry on a patch?

Apply a layer of adhesive on the outlined area and one side of the patch. Wait for some time, around 10 to 15 minutes, for the glue to dry up.

How to fix a car that has a tear?

Before starting the fixing process, you will need to prepare the damaged area by cleaning it thoroughly. Move the car to a shaded place and remove the dust and dirt surrounding the tear. You have to clean the area from both outside and inside. Wait for it to dry up before moving to the repair part.

Can a convertible top tear?

A convertible’s top has to endure considerable tension all the time. If there is a tiny rip or hole, it will tear across the top in no time because of that huge tension. Here’s an easy DIY method to repair a convertible top.

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