I think the best way to solve this problem is to buy one of these
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/S...ts/500slc1.jpg

Seriously, i'm reading with interested as I just closed a deal on a 72 350sl

Yes the Nautic Blue/Grey is a very pleasing combo. Not as harsh as the Red/Black of my 113 but it also doesn't get attention like the red 113 either.

So far it is holding up well in the wind but don't know how much of that is the material, the installer, and/or time to stretch out??? I had the original top but I wasn't able to fee the new top before it was installed. So I'm guessing the original material is a bit heavier but that could also be from age causing stiffness.

We'll see how the quality holds up over time.

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!

Famous last words?

I bought a brand new GAHH "German canvas" top on eBay for $320, but haven't summoned the nerve to install it. It's certainly well made but doesn't seem worth the $700 GAHH ask for it.

I seem to recall it was not colour I needed.

I bid a while ago on a top that Bud's Benz had on eBay. I autobid to $206 and went to play golf - It went for $209.00! (As it turned out it was a top from German Auto Tops and I wouldn't have wanted it anyway after my carpet fiasco.)

I'll help you Duggie.
Yours will be perfect.

Let's not forget the research that Laverda and myself ( mostly Laverda) did narrowing it down to ARO of N.Y.

They too have a selection of materials....including Sonneland for, in my case, $525 U.S.
ARO was chosen for a variety of reasons....one being customer support.
Super friendly and helpful and upfront about materials used.
That can't be said for all suppliers.

That's a very kind offer Nobby.
I may take you up on it someday.

I have samples of Prestige's material and they have confirmed it's Sonnerland, however their window material is not authentic so for me they were out.

I'm hoping to head to KHM soon for replace and fit. In my opinion you can't beat going to someone who manufacture's the hood (using original material) and fits it themselves. I just want to have the correct material (as mine has lasted 15 years) and avoid the complications of the fitter making a poor job and blaming the hood manufacturer because it's not their 'normal' hood they fit - and of course I wouldn't have bought it from them if it wasn't KHMs.

I have my own R129 hood thread so if I finally get to Germany I'll update there too :)

Lea

I have nothing but good to say about Prestige. The top arrived in less than 2 weeks. They were real good about fielding email inquiries from me during the installation. At one point, I was in the garage, back to the house/computer with a question, and I had an answer in about the time it took to make a pot of coffee. They have an in-house 'fitter' that takes all the tough Q's, usually a reply the next day. Must be the British way, certainly not the 'F**k you after the sale is done' attitude that I usually get from north american suppliers, more often than not a barely literate call center ignoramus in India.
Their tops come with the side seals sewn on and the tensioning wires inside the seams. I've had the top on for 1 1/2 seasons now and the only issue is the small creases/wrinkles at the bottom corner of each (door glass) window. Still working on what happened here and how to remedy.

Can't argue with them, and the British way of sales obviously ;-) But shame they don't use the correct plastic... Glad you had an excellent experience though.

Lea

I am looking into a new top for my 93 sl500, and the guy that will do uses GAHH, he also said he would not touch EZtops. Thanks for your input too, I am thinking GAHH is the way to go.

bit the bullet
 

well I ordered from Gahh, after reading from some comments are here. Bottom line was $800 US$, and I can live with that. I was quoted as high as $2900 cdn plus $1100 to install ....for that I would go to the dealer !. My guy will install for $600 cash, so for $1500 all in, I am happy and that works out to $100/year....not bad for that kind of car in my opinion. Thanks to all those reseach gurus.

No takers for ARO?
http://www.aro2000.com/

I am just gona keep my hardtop on until I inheret some extra money...lol *Is there a way to fabricate some rear plastic windows on a top that had them exacto knifed out at the perfect edge of the canvas? Yes- Some Yahoo did that- and my top is original and in 99% perfect condition...Gosh...Why do normal earthlings mess with a car of this stature?? I am sick sick sick! Please help! :(