2nd Gen(99) Eclipse soft top
#1
2nd Gen(99) Eclipse soft top
Ok, ever since I got my car, I've been trying to save up for a new top. Other expenses keep piling up from it, however, (tires, gas, oil, etc.). However, I'm still pinching my penny's and saving up for a new soft top since the one I currently have has a rip in it. I had enough money after Christmas (for a day), until I noticed the sidewalls on my tires were beginning to crack and thus had to replace them. During that time I called around and got many quotes, ranging from 1k-2k. The one I was going to go with was Nicks upholstery (in the Hampton Roads area). He seemed like a competent hard working guy and was one of the lowest bidders.
However, I did notice that another item which seemed to inflate the prices of many competitors. The ones who's quotes were closer to 2k, included a strap or something which they were going to replace also. They made this sound mandatory, and acted as though I needed to get it done.
I want to make sure that when I go to one of the places that offered the low price without the strap that
A: They can use the one I have
B: I'm not going to get there and they tack on an extra $500 for the strap.
Also, any good suggestions for places to look into getting my top replaced?
Thank you for your time,
Joseph
However, I did notice that another item which seemed to inflate the prices of many competitors. The ones who's quotes were closer to 2k, included a strap or something which they were going to replace also. They made this sound mandatory, and acted as though I needed to get it done.
I want to make sure that when I go to one of the places that offered the low price without the strap that
A: They can use the one I have
B: I'm not going to get there and they tack on an extra $500 for the strap.
Also, any good suggestions for places to look into getting my top replaced?
Thank you for your time,
Joseph
#6
Re: 2nd Gen(99) Eclipse soft top
have you priced a new top at all to compare what it would cost ??? it might be worth just goin that route....
They charge double labor if I bring in my own top which makes it cheaper to use the one they buy.
They can't just repair the tear?
Apparently the only option is to get a patch, which will prevent a lot of the leaking, but not all. The patch will still look tacky however. The back window also leaks a little (which I put silicon around the seal to prevent).
This is why I would prefer to just get an entirely new soft top.
So the question I still am trying to figure out is the strap they were talking about and do I need it? I don't want to get a new top and it not last because the entire job wasn't done.
Last edited by white_spider; 02-16-2009 at 12:33 PM.
#8
Re: 2nd Gen(99) Eclipse soft top
#9
Re: 2nd Gen(99) Eclipse soft top
I'm not sure as I don't know much about upholstery/tops. I know there would still be a big stitch, and there would be a large colored spot from all the glue used for the current patch which is of a substantial size.
Though putting the patch under the top sounds like it would have been a better plan to start from.
Though putting the patch under the top sounds like it would have been a better plan to start from.
#10
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Re: 2nd Gen(99) Eclipse soft top
If money is tight I'd try reading up on exactly what it would take to replace the top yourself. You might be surprised at how little actual work is required. Or maybe it is a lot of work, but you still should see exactly what goes into it before paying nearly double the price of the top alone.
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