Need Convertible Top Installer New York
10-13-2018, 08:18 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Need Convertible Top Installer New York
I need to have a new convertible top put on my 2004 CLK 500. Can anyone recommend a good installer in the Long Island or NYC area in New York?
Thanks!
Thanks!
10-13-2018, 10:09 PM
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
10-14-2018, 11:04 AM
#4
MBworld Guru
Yeah, I just checked and it looks like they are having SQL server issues with their website. When I needed mine replaced, my research led me to Robbin's as being the best aftermarket option for the canvas and I found a local installer through their site. That shop was going to charge me $2500 (including the canvas). That was actually discounted from $3200 because it's a shop my BIL used over the years as the manager at various car dealerships around town. That shop did tell me that Robbin's is THE canvas to use. I ended up doing ti myself. It cost my around $1000 for the canvas and other various parts (rear glass seal, rivets, etc.). I did it over a weekend. It was not easy, but there is NO WAY that an experienced installer should charge $1500 (much less $2200) labor for this. I could do it again in probably a day now that I know what I am doing. It's just one of those jobs that they charge a lot for because they can.
10-18-2018, 02:06 PM
#6
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Cheaper is not always the answer. Look at the quality of work they do. These CLK Soft tops are a pain in the a$$ if not done right. You also want to make sure you are using a OEM Soft top as well.
10-18-2018, 03:24 PM
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
The guy did my brother’s Jaguar top a few years ago and it came out great. The cheaper price is partly because of a connection to a friend of mine. He’s using the German A5 fabric. He hasn’t done a Clk top yet, but his work is meticulous. The whole car is only worth between 4 to 5 grand, so it just doesn’t make sense to me to put too much money into it.
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10-18-2018, 04:31 PM
#8
MBworld Guru
OE canvas for the W209 is aver $4,000 at MSRP - just for the canvas. The Robbin's Haartz Sonnenladn A5 canvas is just under $1,000. That is the same material used int he OE . canvas, but is manufactured by Robbin's. The rear seam is much better, being glued and sewn on the Robbin's. The zippers are a bit more difficult to work with than OE, and the plastic panels that attach at the rear C-pillars and the rubber "water bag" material is not quite as substantial as OE. Otherwise, the Robbin's is as good as it gets without spending 3x-4x on OE.
If you can get an installer to do this for $1800 total - including the A5 canvas - that's a bargain.
If you can get an installer to do this for $1800 total - including the A5 canvas - that's a bargain.
