107 Soft Top Sources - Review/Comments

[donbryce]

miked56, your blue SL looks just like mine (only probably without the bad paint and road rash). I love that color combo. If you had an original top, or a high quality one, how does the Stayfast compare in weight/stretchiness? Is it noticeably lighter and flap more in the wind?
I note that your installer had praised the quality, presumably of the fit and sewing? If it is as good as GAHH, then I think you did well. Price-wise, I also think you did well, and that would support my theory of lighter material (Stayfast) = lighter price.
Thank you for making a contribution to this thread.

[miked56]

Originally Posted by donbryce

miked56, your blue SL looks just like mine (only probably without the bad paint and road rash). I love that color combo.

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.

If you had an original top, or a high quality one, how does the Stayfast compare in weight/stretchiness? Is it noticeably lighter and flap more in the wind?

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.

I note that your installer had praised the quality, presumably of the fit and sewing? If it is as good as GAHH, then I think you did well. Price-wise, I also think you did well, and that would support my theory of lighter material (Stayfast) = lighter price.
Thank you for making a contribution to this thread.

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

[Graham]

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!

[dugald]

Originally Posted by Graham

If Nobby and John can do it, I don't see why I can't

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.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by dugald

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.)

[nobby]

Originally Posted by dugald

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.

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

[nobby]

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.

[dugald]

Originally Posted by nobby

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

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

[Graham]

Originally Posted by dugald

Famous last words?

Dugald - It is almost done!

Just have a few wrinkles to iron out

I bought my top on eBay from Diamond Mall. Apparently the DM tops are actually made by Germanex. They had three qualities - Vinyl, Stayfast and Original German (Sonnenland). I bought the latter - $315.00. Also bought a set of Uro seals from FCP Groton for $66.00. Otherwise one can of spray adhesive and one tube of trim adhesive.

I must say the top was very well made and needed minimal trimming during install.

The instructions (same as ones from World Upholstery) and even the ones in the shop manual leave something to be desired and in fact conflict in places.

But this is job that a DIYer can do. The pictures that Nobby and Roncallo posted in another forum certainly helped. I took a million photos, so will probably post them on my own website sooner or later.