Re: Convertable top for caribbean 55

Posted by ewrecks On 2015/3/11 20:21:32

I have a similar problem. I bought a top from Gretchen Keppach for my 55 Caribbean because she was the only supplier of a top with the correct inner liner. I purchased the top early In the build and it remained boxed for nearly two years.
When I went to install the top last fall it appeared to me that the top would not fit since there was too much material above the rear window.
I should have returned the top for correction but since I have installed tops before, I am no expert. I contacted a local upholsterer who has installed a number of tops over the past 25 years. He looked the top over and thought that he could make it work. Unfortunately, her was wrong and said the top had to be returned to Keppach.....after he had run a number of staples into the top. He and Gretchen did not agree as to who was responsible but in the end, Gretchen announced that she and her husband were retiring from the business( John ran KlassKolections that produced exhaust systems previously discussed on the Forum) since the exhaust business had been sold.
She would not entertain making another top since work had been done to it- not a totally unreasonable position- but agreed to refund half the original $850 that I had paid.
I spoke to Bill Hirsch at Hershey and he will make a top in the correct vinyl for the car but he cannot offer the liner.
I am currently trying to find an upholsterer who will either make up a new top with a liner or install a liner in a Hirsch top. The outlook has not been promising. The proposed price to make up a top on the car is around $1500-2000 and the wait time will eat most of the Summer.
I think someone posted a possibility of having someone in Ohio willing to make up tops if he could be assured of at least 5 units. I cannot find the link but if anything has come of this, I am ready to sign on.
It is truly aggravating to be put behind the eight ball by a supplier and an installer but ......what can you do.
If anyone else needs a top and knows anything about the upholsterer in Ohio, please post the info and I will follow up.