Can I install my Convertible Top by myself?
A. Convertible top installation can be an involved job to do and can require several hours of labor. The Domestic model tops are generally easier installs, while some of the trickier foreign models require more experience and craftsmanship. SUV Soft Tops require the least amount of work and experience. If you have never installed a top before and are uncomfortable about doing so, you should contact your local Automobile Upholstery or Trim 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. Please remember that the warranty becomes Void if the top is damaged by the installer.
SUV tops, in most cases, can be easily installed and come with instructions.
Can I install my Seat Upholstery by myself?
A. All of our seat upholstery kits come with Hog Rings, Hog Ring Pliers and Installation Instructions for the Do-It-Yourselfers. However, it does require several hours of labor including the removal of you existing seats and upholstery.
What is 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 and are more durable, however, they can be harder to keep clean.
What are the differences between the three cloth/canvas materials- Stayfast Cloth, Sonnedecke Cloth and German Cloth?
A. The Stayfast Cloth is a very good quality material. The Sonnedecke Cloth is Haartz' version of the German Cloth and is a very good match and very high quality. The Sonnedecke Cloth has the dobby criss-cross style backing as the German Cloth does- the Stayfast cloth does not have this. We would recommend the Sonnedecke cloth for any vehicle that came original with the German Cloth because both materials are comparable, and the Sonnedecke cloth is a fraction of the cost of the German cloth. The Stayfast cloth we would recommend for all others.
Westfalia tents are made in Cotton or Sumbrella and are Water & Mildew Resistant, both are high quality materials.
Can I replace my convertible top without changing out my rear window assembly?
A. Yes. If your rear window assembly is still in good condition you don't need to replace it, unless you are changing color or fabric types (also see answer to next question). Sometimes the cost of labor to change just the top comes close to the cost of an entire new top and window.
Can I change out my rear window assembly without replacing my top assembly?
A. Most Domestic and many foreign convertibles are designed 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. Sometimes the cost of labor to change just the window comes close to the cost of an entire new top and window.
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 or plastic 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.
Can I replace the Window/s Only on my SUV Top?
A. Yes, however, we will only sell the replacement windows for SUV tops if you have purchased your top from us previously as we cannot guarantee that the zippers will match.
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. Or if the area above your driver and passenger windows is loose and/or flapping you probably need new cables. Pads go from front-to-back between the convertible bows and the top, preventing wear from abrasion. They also help to keep your bows spaced evenly. They can be reused if they are still in good condition, but are usually not that expensive to replace along with the top. Sold in sets.
How long is the warranty and how does it work?
A. The warranty against defects in material and workmanship and proper fit on Acme Products is as follows: 5 Years on Convertible Tops. 3 Years on Convetible Top Boots, Well Liners & Pads. 3 Years on Cut & Sewn Headliners, Seat Upholstery, Door Panels, Sail Panels, & Sunvisors. 3 Years on Westfalia Tents, Curtains & Screens. Lifetime on Miata Rain Rails & ABS Plastic Headliners (1 Year on the ABS Foamback material used on the ABS Plastic Headliners). The warranty on all other manufacurers items will vary. All items will be prorated. Please email or call us for a full copy of the written warranty for any product.
How long does it take to get a part once I've ordered it?
A. Your order is pulled from our warehouse on the West Coast. All tops and accessories are shipped via UPS Ground Service or US Postal Service unless other arrangements have been made. Most parts will ship in 3 to 5 business days and up to 9 business days during our high peak season which runs March, April & May. 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 to install a convertible top?
A. Most tops and windows can be installed using normal shop tools.
What is a Rain Rail (for Miata's only) and how do I know if I need to replace mine?
A. The rain rail is a long rubber/plastic part that goes between the convertible top and the frame of the car on the back lower edge. This diverts water to the drainage holes. You can see it by lifting the carpeting on the inside of the car- if it is broken or cracked it should be replaced. If it is older than 10 years it is recommended that it be replaced. If you have any dampness in your trunk or water in your frame it needs to be replaced for sure. Many times the existing rain rail can be reused. If you order a top with a rain rail it will come attached to the top. If you reuse your existing rain rail then it will have to be transferred to the new top. Also our rain rails are manufactured using 100% polyurethane, unlike the factory rain rails, and they come with a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.
When will Shipping cost me more?
A. We have standard flat rate pricing for our shipping, however, if you want special or faster methods of shipping it will be calculated based on the method requested. If you are outside of the United States (the 48 Continental States) shipping will be more and will be calculated based on the least expensive shipping method that we use. We will only use methods that provide tracking numbers. When shipping by USPS there will be a handling fee added to the cost.
