Checking out eBay, there appear to be several choices not mentioned in the original list. Here are current listings:

Tops 4 Less $249 - Stayfast $359.99 original? includes wind seals
jandttops $255 - Stayfast $318 original? includes seals
Accelerated Supply - $390 Stayfast $430 Sonnendecke
Rich&famous $300 budget (Stayfast?), $325 Sonnendecke, $350 German original
Josephina tops $345 (material?)
Diamond Mall $259 Stayfast, $315 Original. includes seals

I don't list qualitytoppsandinteriors (German Auto Tops) because of personal bad experience with them but they are priced a bit higher than some of those above.

Germanex appears to be a manufacturer but does sell from their website. Most others appear to be resellers. Priced a bit higher than eBay sellers. I notice that they are in Northridge and so is Diamond Mall - perhaps Diamond Mall sell their products?

If I was smart, I would buy from Word Upholstery. But $375 for Stayfast seems a bit steep. I will probably be sorry! Top end suppliers like GAHH are out of my range and if I self install, I don't want to ruin an expensive top!

For those who have bought from low end suppliers, do they finish the edges like the original - fabric wrapped around to form edges?

Regarding materials, it seems like all use the same three 3-ply fabrics. It appears like the Stayfast may wear more because of the weave pattern, but Sonnendecke and German original are not much different. It also seem like Stayfast does not have the criss cross pattern on the inside lining.

My existing top is not that bad, but I think I will go the budget route for a top and self install - If Nobby and John can do it, I don't see why I can't, especially after reading all their good stuff on Benzworld!

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5