107 Soft Top Sources - Review/Comments
 

Anyone have any experience, good or bad, with any of the following softtop suppliers? I've included pricing on a top for a 560SL, current as of this posting. I'd like to get as much input as possible to make an informed choice.

I'd especially like to get input from those who did their own installation....but even if it was hired out, feel free to chime in....additions to the list welcomed too.

Internet Sites

Robbins www.robbinsautotopco.com (Do not sell direct)

GAHH www.gahh.com North Hollywood CA GER $717.00 SON $642.00

Rich and Famous Van Nuys CA www.richandfamousautotops.com (See EBay list)

Germanex Northridge CA www.germaneximportsinc.com GER $350.00 SDK $325.00

Electron Top Richmond Hill NY www.electrontop.com SON $900.00

EZ-On Iva SC www.ezonauto.com (no info on site)(sold by EBay seller Topsonline and Cabrioworld)

Kee auto Tops Charlotte NC www.keeautotop.com (no info on site)

Convertibletopguys South Kingstown RI www.convertibletopguys.com SON $560.00 SDK $445.00 STF $300.00

German auto tops (location ?) www.germanautotops.com (no site info)

Prestige auto tops UK www.prestigeautotrim.com GER $449.95

Cabrioworld Newark NJ www.cabrioworld.com GER $410.00 SON $365.00 (EZ-on distributor)

Duettomotors CA www.duettomotors.com GER $439.95 SON $359.95

World Upholstery Santa Paula CA www.worlduph.com GER $499.00 SON $425.00

Adsit Muncie IN www.adsitco.com GER $445.50

KHM Germany http://www.cabrio.de/Englisch/navi.htm GER 565 euros (added Jan29/08)

EBay Sellers

Diamondmall http://stores.ebay.ca/Diamond-Mall GER $299.99

Topsonline.com http://stores.ebay.ca/Topsonline GER $329.00

Richandfamousautotops http://stores.ebay.ca/Rich-and-Famous-Auto-Tops GER $350.00

Hindsightseeing http://stores.ebay.ca/Autotops-Net-Store GER $402.00

(And I'd like to credit forum poster laverda from Benzworld for the initial list of internet sources http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1226367-how-maintain-your-soft-top-5.html)

I have tried them all.... GAHH is the most consistent. Cabrioworld, (bill Hirsch) is just a distributor and sells easyon.I have 38 years experience and only sell GAHH!!!!!

I am going to buy a new top soon for my 380.

What exactly, or even sort of, do you get for your additional $218 if you buy GAHH instead or World Upholstery?

Thanks,

You may like to read my indepth review too http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-sl-discussion-forum/164867-r129-soft-top-manufacturers.html?highlight=soft albeit for R129s.

However in summary, KHM make R107 soft tops for Benz! That speaks for itself...

They also fir in their own factory :) In fact I'm off their in the summer...

Regards
Lea

European cars drive much faster than we do in the US. GAHH has a better and consistent fit and they back their product. I have tried them all wish they were cheaper..... Quality is very important to me!!!!

Lea, many kudos for your threads (I did read the entire UK site thread too!). I'm certainly not trying to start the soft-top discussion, but the focus here is more on the lesser priced variants out there, and I would think, for the same reason, available in the US.
I did add KHM to the list though. Right up there with Robbins and GAHH.
It appears that you get what you pay for, but as ctaylor738 noted, just what are we paying that extra for? What is missing on the $400.00 tops, and is it important enough to pay twice this to get it?
For the do-it-yself owner, like me, I'd like to hear from others if they encountered specific installation problems that could be related to the supplied product, things like poor sewing or pattern cutting....
Also, it appears that you are the expert in the subject of window plastics. I gathered from reading your threads that we can expect thinner with lesser $, but again, given modern materials, Ultralite eg., and proper care in folding etc., how big a deal is this for a $400.00 top that may flap more than original or $high-end at 125mph?

Hi

I understand your viewpoint, but is 1000 euros really that expensive, considering the car's value? Oh, and especially as the local MB will charge you 6500 euros!

My concerns have been confirmed by JJ's comments. Thanks again JJ.

Lea

But they don't use authentic material or do they supply Mercedes Benz? I'm confused.

Of course, I'm assuming MB only accept the highest authentic quality...maybe this isn't true anymore?

Lea

MB uses Wopavin plastic windows because it is a German product. The "German Canvas" company is now s subsidiary of Hartz a U.S. company.

damn-what is a euro? lol 6500 of them? for one top? OMG I am serious-My guy here just quaoted me total out the door taxes included 795.00 for a german canvas thick window, extra tough thread sticted top. Does that sound fair? I was told 1500 is average.

There is a symbol, like the MB star, but without the circle, on the left lower side of the plastic window on my '86 560SL top. Underneath it is:

Kal-Glas
VVV A-90
--- SL ---

G.A.H.H. inc
DOT 136ASGM148

I don't know if this is the original top or not. Probably very old, the plastic windows are toast, yellowed and pitted, but they are very thick. Does this look like G.A.H.H. was OEM at one time?

GAHH in not OEM and never was

New top finally on order
 

I made a decision this morning and ordered from Prestige in England. http://www.prestigeautotrim.com/usa/info/about.htm They had a 'sale' on EBay for $420.00, postal at $30.00. Not bad.The fabric is described as "Original Quality Mohair Fabric and feature Original Thickness 'Flexglas' windows." We shall see how it compares to the GAHH top on the car now.
I got a little uneasy when reviewing most of the tops priced under $500.00, because it is very difficult to establish the fabric quality. And I got tired of trying to figure out if the 'original' 'OEM' 'German' etc. labels really told me anything. And I was confused when I got into the whole Sonnenland Haartz fabric business discussion.
In the end, I think any top under $300.00 would be disappointing, with thin fabric and windows. Tops in the $400.00 - $500.00 range seem to be relatively good quality, and over $500.00, same quality but way too pricey. I won't know about the fit and finish until I actually get the top, and I sure wish I had more responses to this thread from owners experiences.
I intend to do a thread with pictures later when my buddy and I do the install. He has done several MG and Miata tops, so armed with my Robbins top installation video, we should be good to go.

Well you asked for user input so here goes

I just purchased a top from Germanex. Germanex called their material German. Now I know, at least as much as my Alzheimer's will allow, when I called him he said it was the original German material. But now, because of the info from another user on MBWorld, I called and he said they carry two "German" materials, classic and A5 (never heard this nomenclature before) but don't have any classic left, in my color of Blue/Tan. According to the installer what I got was Stayfast. According to him the quality of the build was good, at least as good as the GAHH he orders normally, and the price of 350 shipped was good as well so just be careful.

Did I get taken? Don't know. To Germanex's credit he did offer to have UPS pick it up and returned at his expense but by the time I got the installer it was already on the car. Maybe I was less than completely clear in my request but I think I should have been told that there were two options on material and told the difference and offered a choice.

So bottom line is I think Germanex should be avoided due to his less than complete answering. I won't call it deceit but I do feel a bit snookered.

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.

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! :(

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.

Soft top sources
 

I just replaced my top on my 1991 300sl with a top from Robbins. I selected them based on threads in this formum and discussions with upholstery shops. I selected the top supplier and then paid an install fee. It was very helpful to talk to Robbins customer service gal. She was very knowledgeable and gave me great advice. The top I selected was a stayfast with german design backing. It is a very high quality top and installed perfect by a shop who had never installed a mercedes top.
I would not advise letting an upholsterer select the top unless they are using Robbins or Gahh or have a good explanation why they are selecting a lower cost top. This is an area that you need top quality. The installer cannot improve the quality of the top. My job was perfect and done by Corona in Turlock, CA at a total cost under $1400. Their number is 209-669-7792

Tom

I just got one from germanex.They had the best prices I could find and were very helpful on the phone. It looks good, but I still have not put it on yet. I also got new leather seat upholstery from them. It looks great, fit great and also had a great price.

When you come to install, read the thread (in sticky) over on benzworld. My top was bought from Diamond mall on eBay but apparently made by Germanex.

A few more learnings that I had:

- Set the rear wire to 17.5" and adjust strap length if necessary. Do a trial fit to make sure the listings will line up - actually they should be about 1/8" forward so they will line up when top is stretched. (My original wire was 17", so I split difference and set it at 17.25" - I think 17.5" may have been better)

- When you attach the vertical flap behind the door windows, make sure you get the reinforced pull piece as low as you can and make sure the flap is completely around the vertical frame so the the piping is vertical and in line with the edge of the frame. You may have to do this with back of top released because it is hard to pull that tab down and forward.

- Check that the listings on the inside are no wider that the space between the straps - On my top, I had to trim them, partly because I used wider seatbelting straps and because the straps seem closer together at back.

- When you attach the listings on the inside, start in middle and pull outwards as you bring the two surfaces together, so that there is less chance of wrinkles forming in the flat top sections. I have slight waviness in back section - I am told they will go away if left in sun? Not Yet :(

- Only time I needed help, was at beginning when attaching the rear flap. If I ever did this again, I would only apply adhesive to the middle section of top of the frame and the corresponding upper mating part of the top (The Germanex top had slits cut to show extent. The lower part and the side sections can be glued once you get the top positioned.

Thanks for the tips.

I've not bought a new top yet, but I did get my interior on the '79 redone by German Auto Tops in North Hollywood, and I am extremely pleased with their work. All the materials they used are original quality, and since I was there for the day I had a good look at their shop and computerized fabric cutting table, where they cut the material for the tops. I took away samples of three different fabric colors, and have about decided on the color I want. They actually make the tops for several other vendors listed.

That is the same company that sells on eBay under name qualitytopsand interiors. Owners John or Armen Oganesyan.

I bought a carpet set direct from them (not via eBay) - It could not have been worse. I had to cut many of the pieces to make them fit. The drivers side heel pad had huge bubbles. If you do a search on Benzworld, you will find pictures of the problems I had. Received no satisfaction from them.

Based on my experience, I would not buy anything from them. There are better suppliers out there.

That's very odd - I got new leather seats and complete carpeting for the interior of my '79, and it's all perfect, and all original material. I could not be happier! After talking to both the owner and his wife, I came away feeling that they are very concerned about having a top quality product.

Have a look at the pics on this thread. I still have my old driver's side carpet over top of the one those guys sent just to hide it!

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1382031-installing-carpets-2.html#post2937337

Keep scrolling down there are several pictures throughout that thread.

Would you go back to a company that supplied such a poorly fitting product? I worked my way around the many problems, but wanted them to replace the driver's side carpet - but they would not.

Those pictures look terrible. Plus, that carpet material isn't factory either. I cannot believe those products came from the same place! When I was there, they didn't even have that material in the shop! They have computerized patterns for all the various SL's, and they also own an SL, so I cannot believe that what you are showing is what they made.

Believe me, the carpets came from them!

John & Armen Oganesyan. eBay name qualitytops&interiors but same company German Tops. They convinced me that I would get carpets quicker if I bought direct rather than through eBay - I guess that is how they avoid negative feedback.

I post this info just so other SL owners don't have the same bad experience that I did.

I bought seat covers from World Upholstery - No problems - excellent product and company.

I bought top from Diamond Mall - eBay name selling Germanex product. No problems.