Decided to go with the GAHH top! Question about defroster.

[AUDIOGUY]

Well, after my back window was damaged, I decided to go with the GAHH replacement top. I am excited about the glass rear window. Just a few questions...
What should I treat the top with when it is installed to preserve and protect it from new. Secondly, is it difficult to install and or connect the heater element. Thirdly, how much less view will I have from the drivers seat.

By the way, $1500.00 installed is my price... is this average. I am confident the shop I am using is excellent. Moorestown Upholstery in NJ has been doing work for my company for years and I have had nothing but excellent results.

I will get some pix next week after it is finished!

[gmboxster]

Sorry I have no advice for you but please let us know how you like the new top. I've been wanting to replace my top for a rear glass window for awhile now. Keep putting it off. Hope all goes well.

[Tool Pants]

Peter Serbanica

new top with glass

[Boxtaboy]

Congrats, and please keep us updated on the reliability of the top. I'll probably be getting the GAHH in Spring.

[ddb]

AUDIOGUY:

I believe the tops are already treated when they arrive new. Maybe GAHH can confirm this. Most like a cleaner and protectant called RaggTopp. I need to clean and treat my top BTW.

It is very easy to connect the defroster. You just connect the ends of the harness to the tabs on each side of the window and connect the other end to the terminal in the car on the drivers side.

I can't quantify it but the smaller view is definitely noticeable at first. After driving for a couple of days you just get used to the new view and it isn't a problem.

Best of luck.

ddb

[E Kaplan]

I purchased a GAHH top for my 2000 about one month ago. I think the tops are treated. I was very pleased with the fit and finish. Even though the back window is smaller, I find the shape easier to see out of. The defroster is a simple plug and play.

Just to let you know, I used a GAHH approved installer in Tampa, Florida and had them purchase the top. Total cost, including installation was only $1,150.00. You may want to negotiate a better price.

Eric

[AUDIOGUY]

Kap,

I know I am paying all the money for the job. GAHH sells the tops for over a grand on their site. With install at 500.00, I dont mind paying 1500.00 at all. The shop I am using is one of the best Top shops I have dealt with. You do get what you pay for in most cases. Thanks for looking out for my wallet!

[peakpro]

Originally Posted by AUDIOGUY

Kap,

I know I am paying all the money for the job. GAHH sells the tops for over a grand on their site. With install at 500.00, I dont mind paying 1500.00 at all. The shop I am using is one of the best Top shops I have dealt with. You do get what you pay for in most cases. Thanks for looking out for my wallet!

Joe,

Can you give some details on the installation timeframe.

thanks

[Chills]

I had a GAHH top installed last spring after tearing the plastic window during the winter.

It is the best upgrade I've done to the car. I love it.

As for your questions:

I treated the top about a month after buying it; when it was definitely stretched and ready for normal use. I use Raggtop.

I don't know how hard the defrost harness is to install, I haven't done it yet. But looking at the way it goes I don't think it'll be difficult at all.

The visibility out the back is cut in half by the smaller window. But that is a small price to pay for having glass and a defroster, IMO.

[mmontfort]

Installed my own top about 18 months ago. Took about 6 hours to install and instructions were very easy to understand. Probably only saved about 500 bucks insatlling it myself but if anything goes wrong with it I can fix it myself.

[TimAustinW]

I think I've had my Robbins Top with the retro fit glass for about six months and it still looks and works great. Other than a readjustment a couple weeks after installation I've had no issues or problems. I use RaggTop products to clean and protect it.

[dja1980]

Originally Posted by E Kaplan

I purchased a GAHH top for my 2000 about one month ago. I think the tops are treated. I was very pleased with the fit and finish. Even though the back window is smaller, I find the shape easier to see out of. The defroster is a simple plug and play.

Just to let you know, I used a GAHH approved installer in Tampa, Florida and had them purchase the top. Total cost, including installation was only $1,150.00. You may want to negotiate a better price.

Eric

Man, I don't know how you guys got such good deals on these installs. I called GAHH and got a list of 7 different installers in my area (Chicagoland). I told every one of them that I had seen guys on the boards getting these tops installed for around $1,200, but no one could seem to touch that price.

I got quotes ranging from $1,422 to $1,790. The guy that quoted $1,790 did come down to $1,550 when I told him about my quote for $1,422, but that was the best I could do. I eventually called the $1,422 guy back and asked him if he would do "out the door" for $1,400, and he agreed. I have an apointment for next week.

For the guys who have gotten these tops installed for around $1,200, did this include the German Canvas with the defroster wire harness? I know GAHH is throwing the harness in for free right now.

[AUDIOGUY]

Update!!

My top is getting installed tomorrow. I will post some post-top pix when I get it back.

Cheers!