Another Cabriolet top question...

donagain1 · donagain1's Garage

I searched the forum but couldn't find a previous thread addressing this, so apologies if it's a repeat. I have an '85 Cab. I think that I remember (can't be sure, have had a Jack Daniels or two in my lifetime) seeing a one-piece replacement top that will fit the older frames, and provide the sleeker look of the later style, without compromising the ability to manually fold it down. Has anyone had any experience with this, or at least can confirm that it isn't my imagination?
Don

cashman · 03-21-2016, 10:57 AM

These are the guys. However, call them as the pictures aren't really matching the description. You want the 993 one piece top that fits an 85. Let me know how you make out. I will be ordering mine shortly to fit my 89.
GAHH Quality Convertible Tops

donagain1 · donagain1's Garage

Thanks, Cashman! That's the look that I want. A thousand bucks isn't in the budget just now, mainly because getting the sport seats reupholstered is a priority. Have you (or anyone else) had any experience with using the vinyl covers to replace the original leather? Interested if it's pennywise but pound foolish with respect to resale value as far as keeping things original... should put this question in a new thread with a different header.

Horch · 03-28-2016, 12:42 PM

Had mine done a couple of years ago ('83 SC). Wanted the better lines of the 993 top without modifying the construction. A company in Germany installed it for me. Costed about €1800 incl installation I think. Very happy with it!

Horch · 03-28-2016, 12:46 PM

cashman · 03-28-2016, 02:45 PM

I've been quoted $1,700 for the top installed. Not sure if that's a good price or not. I'm a DIY'r but not sure I want to tackle this. Probably worth the $800 install.

49willard · 03-28-2016, 02:54 PM

I am also very much a do it yourself guy. I just has a new top put on my 86 cab by a guy that has done many in the past. He did it in my shop so I was there much of the time. I would NOT do it myself. It is a complex top to install (original 2 piece top).

onevoice · 03-28-2016, 06:34 PM

Did mine myself. Took a while, but turned out great. If I ever do it again, I'm sure it could be done in less than a day.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by donagain1

Thanks, Cashman! That's the look that I want. A thousand bucks isn't in the budget just now, mainly because getting the sport seats reupholstered is a priority. Have you (or anyone else) had any experience with using the vinyl covers to replace the original leather? Interested if it's pennywise but pound foolish with respect to resale value as far as keeping things original... should put this question in a new thread with a different header.

I actually installed the vinyl covers myself. I think they look nice, a little stiff, but look nice. If you're worried about resale then I'd go leather. I didn't worry about resale since I will not be selling my car. Rothaus here in pelican has a nice thread on installing the top you're looking for Saving a 87 Carrera Cabrio

donagain1 · donagain1's Garage

Shoot, I wish the blog had a "Like" button like Facebook, I'd have given Rothaus' thread a couple of them. Thanks for the opinion on the vinyl/leather question.