Q. I have a Ford Mustang convertible top and the strip of vinyl under the rear glass window is starting to come undone. Can it be repaired or do I need to replace the whole window?
A. Your Mustang problem can be repaired. The fix is inexpensive, but if you let it go too long you will need to replace the window assembly. This answer applies to Chrysler Sebrings and Mitsubishi Spider convertibles also.
Q. Our car was broken into last week and the convertible top was sliced open. What can we expect the insurance company to do for us?
A. If you have full coverage the insurance will pay to replace your convertible top, less your deductable. However a convertible top is considered a wear item, meaning that every year older the top is, it is worth less (prorated). If your car is near new you should expect the full cost of the
job be paid, less your deductable. If your top is six or seven years old don't expect much; it is considered at the end of its useful life.
Q. Does insurance cover my broken convertible top glass window?
A. The answer is the same as with the above sliced convertible top, with a twist. If you have zero deductable glass coverage the insurance company might pay in full to replace it, some will and some won't. Call your insurance agent and ask.
Q. I have a Miata with the plastic rear window, when its time to replace the top can I upgrade to a glass window and are the conversions any good?
A. There are a few cars that you can upgrade to glass, Mazda Miata and Porsche Boxster are the most common. The aftermarket convertible tops with glass windows are well built and thourly tested and still easy to use.
Q. Why would I spend the extra money for a convertible top with a glass window upgrade.?
A. A number of good reasons, you can always see through it, you will not need to repair the yellow scratched up window in a few years and you won't have to listen to yourself saying "I really wish I had a glass window".
Q. My Mazda Miata has a zippered window and the convertible topping has pulled away from the zipper can it be repaired?
A. Yes it can be re-sewn in some cases, most likely the the convertible top is old and in need of replacement. If you can stop in, we can take a quick look and give you a better evaluation.
Q. How long should a convertible top last?
A. It depends on the make and model of car you have, and the fabric or vinyl it is made of. On an average I would expect most convertibles to last about six years in Arizona.
Q. How can I make my convertible top last longer?
A. The first thing in Arizona is to reduce the time it spends under the scorching Tucson or Phoenix sun. Garages, carports and the occasional shade tree in the parking lot will help.
Secondly, don't over use your top. In some of the newer cars with power tops, they will open and close in as little as seven or eight seconds, making them very easy to use. Don't open and close your too many times a day, they can wear from the inside out .
Finally, keep it clean. Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents; a good rinse with soap free water and wiping it down dry is all that is really needed. It is always a good idea to check the owner's manual on the vehicle for manufacturer's recommendations regarding care of the top.
Q. I have a Mazda Miata and it's time to replace the clear vinyl window in the back. Can I have a tinted or darker window sewn in?
A. Yes, for sure, provided your convertible top is in good enough shape for the repair. The vinyl windows are available in a light green, smoke,
charcoal and limo tint. This answer applies to all convertibles that have a flexible window in the back: BMW Z3, 3 series, Mercedes Benz, Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000
Q. What, in your opinion, is the hardest part of replacing a convertible top?
A. The hardest part is for the customer, because dropping your car off for the day can be difficult.
We don't offer rides but most people use family or friends. Taxi cabs are used but a rental car at our corporate rates is often the best
value if you don't have a second car or an available friend.
Q. How long does it take to replace a convertible top, or how long will I be without my car?
A. In most cases only a day. Some vehicles take longer, but you will be informed before hand how long the vehicle will need to stay in the shop.
Q. My Mercedes 450SL driver's seat has a hole in it where I slide in and out. Can you repair it and what about matching the leather?
A. Yes we repair auto upholstery and we can match most German leathers and vinyls. Other European autos we can match include BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo.
Q. The headliner in my older Land Rover Discovery is starting to fall down. Is there some sort of glue to get it to stay up again?
A. There is no glue that will work, it will only make a sticky lumpy mess. It is time to replace the fabric. Most headliners are inexpensive to replace and can usually be done in a day.
Q. You did such a good job on my Mazda Miata convertible top and seat repair. My wife wants to know if you would re-upholster a sofa for us?
A. Not no, but heck no! Do you want your sofa to look like a rear bench seat from your dads old Buick?
