top time
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 55
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From: Katy Texas
2004 clk500 cab
top time
My canvas is done it leaks glue is coming undone and it rains a lot here.
there are several places that will do a replacement which brings up several questions.
1. which canvas manufacturer is makes the best top replacement.
2 How much should I expect to pay for the top.
3. how much should I expect to pay for the removal and installation.
4. Silver Car, has black top should I consider a different color top, open to suggestions.
5. is canvas the only option, I test drove a 05 clk with what looked like a plastic fake leather top.
Thanks
there are several places that will do a replacement which brings up several questions.
1. which canvas manufacturer is makes the best top replacement.
2 How much should I expect to pay for the top.
3. how much should I expect to pay for the removal and installation.
4. Silver Car, has black top should I consider a different color top, open to suggestions.
5. is canvas the only option, I test drove a 05 clk with what looked like a plastic fake leather top.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 112
2008 CLK550 Cab
You might find a manufacturer who makes one in what is called pinpoint vinyl - what American convertibles in the 60s used. But I would not do it. It will make your car look cheap, and it won't last longer. As for color, I think the only other color that looks good with silver is navy blue. But only if you don't have the black interior.
As for cost, I'm not sure. I've been on the board 5 years and I don't recall anybody who has actually replaced their top. It will be coming soon as the cars age. You can look online for sellers. Get Haartz canvas. I'm guessing $600-800 if you just buy the canvas. You'd have to ask a trim shop how much to install. Our member Rodney is about to do his, but he is going to install it himself. I will too when the time comes. I've done about three tops on other cars, but by comparison this one is very complicated.
As for cost, I'm not sure. I've been on the board 5 years and I don't recall anybody who has actually replaced their top. It will be coming soon as the cars age. You can look online for sellers. Get Haartz canvas. I'm guessing $600-800 if you just buy the canvas. You'd have to ask a trim shop how much to install. Our member Rodney is about to do his, but he is going to install it himself. I will too when the time comes. I've done about three tops on other cars, but by comparison this one is very complicated.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Katy Texas
2004 clk500 cab
Those are the prices I'm hearing, Ill stick with black, blue just wont work for me.
I did the top on my Z3 but this one looks more complicated, Z had no lining and I don't have a shop to work in.
I did the top on my Z3 but this one looks more complicated, Z had no lining and I don't have a shop to work in.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
From what I have found, there are several grades of fabric available for these tops. The factory quality Hartz top is about $900 just for the canvas. There is a lower grade for just under $800. Both are fabric style, but the higher price gets you thicker, better layered material. As for the labor to do the job, WIS doesn't list book rates, but I'd guess about 8 to 10 hours. So, under $2K for the job, using the best quality fabric seems to be reasonable.
Yes, I am going to attempt this myself, probably after the first of the year (I'm just too busy now).
Yes, I am going to attempt this myself, probably after the first of the year (I'm just too busy now).
