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Frequently Asked Questions about Convertible Tops
| What's the difference between vinyl and cloth toppings? |
| A. Vinyl tops are made with a vinyl exterior and a cloth interior backing. Cloth toppings are a definite aesthetic upgrade to vinyl toppings, but they can be harder to keep clean. See Care and Cleaning. The vinyl and cloth toppings both carry a 3 year prorated warranty, (see Warranty). |
| What's the difference between "Sunfast" and "Sunfast G"? |
| A. The "Sunfast Cloth" is widely used on convertibles both domestic and foreign. The exterior side is the same on both "Sunfast" and "Sunfast G", while the "Sunfast "G" cloth is made to closely resemble the original German Cloth, with a "criss-cross" pattern on the interior side of the fabric, (Sunfast "G" is not necessary on convertibles with interior headliners). Both carry a 3 year prorated Warranty. Also see Care and Cleaning. |
| Can I replace my convertible top without changing out my rear window assembly? |
| A. Yes. Most of the time you don't need to replace your rear window assembly, unless you are changing colors or fabrics types. Click Here for Pictures. |
| Can I change out my rear window assembly without replacing my top assembly? |
| A. Most Domestic and many foreign convertibles are designed to for replacement of one or the other, or both at the same time. If your top and rear window assembly are at least 4 years old, you may consider replacing both. Click Here for Pictures |
| Tops and Window assemblies, which is which? |
| A. The top assembly is the exterior portion of the convertible top that extends from the front windshield to the rear body quarters. The rear window assembly, on most vehicles, is a completely separate assembly from the top itself. The rear window assembly consists of the plastic or glass window, and all the fabric surrounding it, and fastens to the convertible bows under the top assembly. If replacing the top and rear window assemblies, the rear window assembly is usually the first part re-installed. Click Here for Pictures |
| How do I know if my rear window assembly needs replacing? |
| A. If your plastic window in the back is cloudy and brown, you need a new rear window assembly. If the glass portion of your rear window assembly is pulling loose from the surrounding vinyl or cloth, you need a new rear window assembly. If the fabric surrounding the plastic or glass in the assembly is worn, torn or faded, you need a new window assembly. If you are changing the color or the fabric types, you will also need a new rear window assembly. |
| How do I know if I need new tension cables and or pads? |
| A. Most domestic convertibles use side tensioning cables. These cables run from front-to-back inside the top assembly (hidden) and keep the whole convertible assembly raising and lowering smoothly. If your top is not going up or down smoothly, and is binding, or if one side is getting ahead of the other, you may have a stretched of even broken tensioning cable. "Pads" go from front-to-back between the convertible bows and the top, preventing ware from abrasion. They also help to keep your bows spaced evenly. Sold in sets. |
| Do these tops come with installation instructions? |
| A. No. These tops have been the most asked for convertible tops by the professional installer since 1943. Unfortunately, they do not come with installation instructions. Most Domestic models are relatively simple installs. However, some of the foreign models require experience and craftsmanship. |
| How much do they cost to ship? |
| A. Top assemblies Cost $20.00 to ship via UPS Ground inside the continental U.S. Plastic window assemblies are $15.00 and Glass window assemblies are $35.00 to ship. We Do Not Export. |
| Can I install my top by myself? |
| A. Most Domestic models are relatively simple installs. However, some of the trickier foreign models require more experience and craftsmanship. If you have never installed a top before and are really uncomfortable about doing so, maybe you should contact your local Automobile Upholstery Shop. If you have pretty good experience working on cars, then you may want to tackle the job yourself. It is always recommended that for your first install, you use 2 people and work as a team. |
| How long is the warranty and how does it work? |
| A. See Warranty. |
| How long does it take to get a top once I've ordered it? |
| A. Your order is pulled from one of the largest inventories of Robbins tops in the mid-west. All tops and accessories are shipped via UPS Ground Service unless ordered otherwise. Most replacement tops and windows are stocked in factory colors and material types. Upon the event of a special order, your product could take up to 3 weeks to manufacture and drop ship to you. |
| Do I need special tools? |
| A. No. Most tops and windows can be installed using normal shop tools, staplers, knives, scissors, etc.. |
| How do I know which topping is right for my car? |
| A. We have provided samples online (Vinyl / Cloth). Each top and window assembly is listed with the original material recommended for replacement. Tops ordered in non-original vinyl or cloth are considered a "Special Order", and may take up to 3 weeks for production and delivery. |
| What if I need a "Boot" cover and you do not list one for my car? |
| A. If you do not see a specific part number for an item listed, we do not carry that product and it is most likely a dealer item. |
| Do you sell convertible top hardware? |
| A. NO. We do not sell any convertible top hardware other than what is listed with the convertible top. You must either contact the dealer of find other avenues of obtaining these parts. |
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