Replace cabriolet top and install... $8k from the dealer?

Is this right? Just was quoted $8k from a NJ dealer...

I just noticed today that the top is separating from the rear window, near the bottom of the window - approximately three inch long separation. Whatever the material is that is affixed to the window, it’s still in place. The backing to the fabric top is as well. Does anyone know, or recommend, a sealant to use on this? Thanks! DRW

Thats crazy high. I would Buy the top and take it to a local convertible top place. Try Everlast in Linden,Nj. I had to get my rear plastic window changed and got quoted over $1,000 and he changed it for $350 with a new tinted black plastic window. Double stitched and everything. I'm sure he will change the top for $1000 or under being he had to take my top off anyway to replace the window. Send me a message if you need anymore info.

I had the same problem, tried various glues DYI and by body shop nothing worked, ended up replacing whole soft top at about 3500 (part only, at that time UK dealers were allowed to ship to USA), US dealer wanted 7000 for the part. Supposedly AM orlando tech has some kind of trick to fix it but i see you are in VA. You could still call them and ask them if they will help you. I think it would be worthwhile to have someone buy the canopy in uk for you form the dealer in London or even make a trip and buy it yourself. dealers here are rip off. I tweeted CEO of AM (Andy) about this rip off and told him that rather than preventing UK dealers form shipping to US they should ask US dealers to lower their profit, never heard back from him.

724 East Saint Georges Avenue Linden, NJ 07036 [email removed] Phone: [phone removed] Fax: [phone removed]

My regular repair shop took my Vantage Roadster to a glass service shop and they used some sort of glue or sealer to rebond the top. It worked like a charm for years until I recently traded it.

Thanks...yeah I think I am going to go to a local place...I'll keep that in mind.

If your handy you can try a diy from amazon, read the reviews that have a few pictures. Key is clean surface, good urethane adhesive for glass and 24-48hr cure time. Amazon Amazon

Thanks for the input. I went to a local place and cost is $1400 all in. Much better than $8k!

I have the same issue. I looked for a bunch of different top repair places - and all wanted to just replace the top at $7K+. While a new blue top would look really great instead of the black one I currently have, this would trash the maintenance budget I have set up for my DB9. I am going to go the 3M adhesive route and try that before I replace the top. There are numerous positive reviews on Amazon for the 3M adhesive and primer, and a lot of you tube videos on how to do it. I am going to try that first.

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Quote: And I'm sure the dealer have the same guy comes out and install it too. Dealer do that all the time, like tinting, detail, or event small ding. Talk about the power of infos from this forum!

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Quote: I had a PPI done on a vantage roadster that had this issue. as someone mentioned below, my dealer AM Orlando has a process they use that includes a clamping jig to facilitate the work. at the time (2017) it was about $1200 or so. they had done a few going back a few years with no trouble... as I recall, it included removing the fabric from the bow...

I had my top replaced, with the glass window upgrade. GAAH or GAHH or something like that. $2000 installed from an independent upholstery place near me (In so cal). 8K.... yikes.

I was going to be using the same sort of clamping and jig to repair the top. Using the 3M 086090 Urethane adhesive (or the 3M 08693 adhesive - but doesn't come with nozzle) and 3M 08682 single step primer plus some suction cup clamps, I should be good to go. I will be using a metal yard stick to clamp the clamps to the fabric to give it some support. I will probably use a couple of sleeping bags or rolled up towels to support the back window. I also intend to use a lot of painters tape and paper to prevent the adhesive from getting on everything. I plan to start when I get the nerve up to try it - it is a lot cheaper than a new top. For about $75, it is worth a try.

eric, How's the glass like from GAHH? From the pics on their website, it looks smaller than the plastic (but then again, my plastic has gotten to misty all I see are just shadows of cars).

Absolutely, I heard an inflatable mattress worked well also to fill out the inside for even pressure on the glass but the clamps should work.

Mhh... 8k... can always buy a new car for that money lol.

From my previously life where I worked extensively with adhesives, meticulous attention to surface preparation is critical to a good bond. Also, if adhesive is two part, strict compliance with mixing ratios is necessary. Thanks, JH

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Quote: I hear you. I was concerned about the size of the window and the quality of the canvas. I have had my new top for about two years, no complaints no regrets and I am pretty particular. I have a black top and the car is always garaged, out of the elements when home. Yes, the factory OEM plastic window is larger than the factory OEM glass window. And the OEM glass window is larger than the GAHH glass window. This was a concern when I saw the pictures on the GAHH website, reminded me of the small window bugs from the 50s. But its really not bad. Blind spot is increased from the plastic window but its fine and I think it looks really cool.. 89 911 speedster cool. I don't know the measurements re: differences between OEM glass and GAHH glass window, but I dont think its worth the $6K difference. Be sure to specify "German Canvas" I cant tell the difference between GAHH german canvas and the factory canvas, even with another 03 cab parked next to me. It was around $1,900 plus tax in 2009. I think I got a new headliner from gahh for that price too. Almost 100% sure. Go for it.

I talked with Steel Wings this morning regarding my top. Apparently there is a DB9 service bulletin out regarding repair of the roof where the rear window has become detached. They indicated they could repair it. Although a blue roof would look excellent with the silver car and light grey interior, it just isn't cost effective.

Cheers...that's good info. I've changed my hood once in my 8 years of ownership and with the proper Porsche replacement, it wasn't cheap (Not as much as adammich's dealer's quote though!!) But that silly OEM plastic window just doesn't last long. I could use it properly as a rear window for less than a year and after that it just gets misty/cloudy quick. Thanks again.

My friend's DB9V rear window was doing the same thing as yours, he took it to AM Summit and they were able to fix it. The top has been holding strong for over a year. Not sure how far NJ is from you?

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I clean mine with Plastex every time I wash the car and it remains clear for years. Quote:

I am having the same issue with my 2008 DB9 Volante and am exploring options. I live close to Summit (in Connecticut) and would be interested in more details about your friend's experience in NJ. Who he worked with at AM Summit, price, etc. Any information is greatly appreciated. Also does anyone has more detail about the AM service bulletin on the issue..

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Quote: No problem. But there are techniques and products out there to address "cloudiness" or "yellowing" in plastic windows. If that is your only issue, I would try these inexpensive solutions before a new top. I replaced mine only because of a tear that was really bad and growing. My plastic window, at the time of replacement was about 10 years old and completely clear because of maintenance. Also, if you can wait a few weeks, I can take pictures from inside and outside the car. Let me know. Sorry for the thread hijack.

Hi Sliderule 01... I have total faith in Steel Wings...Jon re-builts Astons of all years...He purchased an Aston Martin software reader recently. He has worked on my car a couple of times. Recently he held the first AMOC event at his place that featured the designer of the V12 engine..when Ford owned AM. Very interesting...he had a huge turnout and was allowed to have non AMOC people attend. I would believe the most Aston Martins I have ever seen in one location. More then Rich in Florida when I attended his Tech Day...lol Next is Summit ..great people and service...I try to avoid the guy by the bridge but a few members are happy with him as one guy had a bad engine and they did get Aston in England to replace for free.. Good luck and I hope you get your car repaired properly and within budget. Regards... ​​

Just wondering if Adamclutz got his Top replaced and for how much. I was just quoted 2150 for replacing the top. What should I be looking for to ensure that the upholsterer is buying the best quality top, and the material and back window quality and stiching looks like OEM? Any info on the best top supplier etc and what towards out for would be very helpful.

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Quote: I second Steel Wings. Jon is amongst the best in the business and as honest as they come. Good luck with your top fix.

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Quote: You can always buy the top yourself from somewhere you trust and have your place install it. This way you know it's a quality top.

Based on my conversations with him I am looking forward to working with him. We had a nice discussion regarding the service records I had, and what service I should be getting. I am scheduling to get my top repaired in December when I have some vacation time. I really wanted to go to the AMOC event at Steel Wings but just was not able to make it. I guess I should really join AMOC - but not sure how active they are in the area. Thank you for all the assistance.

My 2001 c4 cab plastic was starting to separate so I decided to update my top. I decided to go with the glass. The smaller glass window makes little to no difference. So I went with it. Ordered from eBay. Actually I called the company. They had their number posted. I called them in Cali. Auto top factory. They had all different colours. My original colour was grey. They offered me 2013 grey. I opted for the original. Liza was awesome. Great communication with them. It was 579$ plus shipping to Canada for the glass. Had it installed locally in Toronto. Took the guy 4 hours maybe. Paid 500 for labour. Went back later for my bothers wife's miata. Paid 200 labour to install that top. Now he knows me. All in all I'm very happy with my top.

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Quote: Hartz is the material that Porsche utilizes on all ragtop cabrios. Make sure your trim shop or you orders a Hartz Cloth top. Good luck!

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Quote: Hartz is a brand. They sell different types and qualities of tops. The material that Porsche uses is German A5 canvas which is also sold by GAHH.

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Quote: i stand corrected and should have said that Haartz cuts ragtops from German A5 canvas - it fit my 997 C4S perfectly. Porsche utilizes A5 Canvas.

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Quote: hi adam, i live in westchester and need my 2014 911 changed. Any suggestions? Thank you alessandro

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Quote: I think any auto upholstery shop should be able to do it for around $2,000. Make sure to get one with German A5 canvas as that what Porsche uses. I had mine done in Lynbrook (Long Island) a few years ago for about $1800 including tax. Edit: I just noticed you said "2014 911". You need to ask in the 991 forum, but I'm guessing the answers would be about the same.

Great shop in Bell's Auto Interior, 15 Edgewood Ave Greenwich, CT, [phone removed]. Had him replace the left rear seat cushion on my '01 Carrera Cabriolet. Stitching was impecable. Saw him working on installing a replacement Boxster convertible top.

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Quote: Thank you very much