ATD vs GAHH

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by drjoe

couple of local installers work with gahh, but don't use atd. one of them claimed that the atd ones don't fit corrected, cause problems, and despite the return guarantee atd doesn't honor it after the installer's worked with it.

based on information here, i'm pretty convinced they are the same product and same company (sounds like robbins and gahh are now co-owned, and that sierra may be owned in gaff), but i have a few questions:

1. folks here talk about the guarantee being different, but it appears atd does have a lifetime guarantee on the glass seal, not just 5 years.

2. does anyone have experience with the a5-ds with the upgraded high level acoustic coating (that only comes in the black top)? does it really add anything like the haartz site claims?

3. is the defroster wire harness kit compatible with 1st gen pre-2003 boxsters?

When I bought mine, it showed a lifetime guarantee as well. I didn't get the upgraded cloth since mine is blue. The defroster wire plugged right into my 2001 so you should be good to go! I am very satisfied with the fit and finish of my ATD top.

[Skrapmot]

All right, pulled the gun on the ATD German A5 top with glass window. Out the door at $629.00 shipped with tax, about $200 dollars cheaper than the GAHH top. Ordered it on Monday and got it on Wed.

The installer was more than a little annoyed by GAHH, as his cost for the GAHH top is $9 more than what I paid for the ATD, even though the top is clearly the same, and shipped from the same N. Hollywood address. The longer warranty is nice, but not $200 nicer.

I post some before and after pics after its done. All these upholstery places have a long waiting list for work and probably won't get it squeezed for a week or 2.

[BruceH]

Good to hear! I need to talk to the installer that I spoke to, to see if he will do the ATD top. Glad to hear it is the same as the GAHH. What are they charging? The installer I spoke to wants $550 to do the GAHH. I am looking forward to your pics.

[Skrapmot]

My installer would only install a Robbins or GAHH top, so I did as much research as I could a took a little bit of risk ordering from ATD in hopes that everyone was right about them ATD and GAHH being the same.
The installer took a look at it, and with the exception of a big sticker on the front of the box saying "Sierra tops" (covering up a GAHH logo?) he said they were identical, right down to the packaging. He's gonna charge 600 bucks, which is about 200 less than every other installer in a 20 miles radius.

[Skrapmot]

Ok, got the top installed last Thurs, installer did a decent job. I noticed the defroster is much less prominent than on the older versions. Haven't put the top down as of yet per the one week wait time as instructed, which sucks as the weather has been in the 70's all week.

[BruceH]

So what do you think of the quality of the top? It looks great!

[Skrapmot]

I got the A5, so the material is OEM, and the new glass window is awesome. I forgot what it's like to use the rear window when parallel parking!
It came with the wiring harness and no longer has the weird defroster lines on the side visible like the older versions. The defroster is super efficient and defrosted my window in just over a minute the other night.
I also didn't realize how faded old top was, as the new one is super black compared to my old one.

.

[BruceH]

Thanks. I plan to get the A5 material in Metropol Blue.

[Meir]

would you be kind and post the link to the place you bought it?
i found this one, but its $50 more then what you paid.
Boxster Glass Window Upgrades

thanks.

[BruceH]

That's where I was planning to get mine.

[boxster6354]

here is one link: 1997 thru 2002 Porsche Boxster & Boxster S (986)

[laphan]

if ATD is actually GAHH product, this means GAHH controls almost all 1997-2002 986 glass window replacement top.
They acquired Robbins in 2011. So EZ On is the only one that is not owned by GAHH?

News: January 24, 2011 – Argenta Partners

[Skrapmot]

They are one and the same. Google the address, they are the same, and my installer who deals only in GAHH or Robbins, said the ATD was exactly the same (although $200 cheaper).

[drjoe]

Originally Posted by Skrapmot

They are one and the same. Google the address, they are the same, and my installer who deals only in GAHH or Robbins, said the ATD was exactly the same (although $200 cheaper).

yeah, strange then that several installers don't work with ATD, and strange that my guy here who's been doing this for 30 years claims they're inferior. i wonder if the increased cost is passed onto them by working with GAHH or Robbins. i've found someone else to do the job.

still wondering if anyone can vouch for the acoustic superiority of the A5-DS product.

anyway, i'll be ordering mine soon.

[texomawaves]

Which tops are best for reduced wind noise? Thanks

[texomawaves]

In addition to my noise question. Is the Haartz A5 that much better than the Stayfast? I'm finding the A5 is $359 and the Stayfast is $299 on Ebay. Thanks!