Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I buy from TopsandSeats.com?

To put it simply, Satisfaction! Whether you're restoring a classic or want to replace that worn top, seat or carpet you can be assured that you've come to the people who set the standard for the industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, and time tested and proven patterns and materials, you're sure to be satisfied.

2. Is my personal information and privacy secure?

We value your business and trust. All information we collect are strictly confidential and secure. The information you provide is only used to complete your order transaction. We will never sell, lease or give any of your personal information to any other third party.

3. What measures are taken to secure my online shopping?

Our top priority is to provide our customers a safe and secure environment when shopping online with us. We utilizes SSL encryption by GeoTrust®, one of the leading online security providers to ensure that your information is transferred securely. This means you can rest assured that communications between your browser and this site's web servers are private and secure. We have taken all necessary precautions to secure and safeguard all vital information. All information including your name, address and credit card numbers are encrypted to ensure its safety as it travels over the Internet.

4. Where are your products made?

Although most of the raw materials are imported all the cutting, sewing, assembly and manufacturing of the products we sell are done in the USA. We only rely on domestic labor and skill to ensure the quality and consistency of a US made product.

5. What materials are used for your products?

That depends on the product. But whatever the item, it is almost always made with first quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) materials. Over the years some older OEM materials have been discontinued but close, and as superior, reproductions have been produced and are widely used in the aftermarket industry.

6. What type of plastic window is used on your tops?

They are AS-6 DOT approved .040 gauge double pressed and polished plastic windows. They have the emblem stamped to ensure compliance. They are the same quality and thickness as the original OEM standard.

7. How are the seams on convertible tops sealed?

All vinyl and canvas top seams are di-electrically heat sealed to ensure proper bond and to prevent leaks.
In addition, all bow wrap listing are also heatsealed into the fabric to prevent against detachment when raising or lowering the top.

8. What type of zipper do you use?

Nylon coil or molded plastic zippers are utilized on rear windows, unless brass is specified on certain models. These zippers are more reliable and less likely to experience function failure.

9. Will your zipper match with the one on my headliner?

Yes. In addition, foreign car tops use metric and the side attached to our tops are compatible with the headliner side.

10. What type of thread is used?

Seams are sewn using matching bonded polyester thread. Its properties include high tensile strength and good resistance to abrasion. These threads are also designed to swell when wet in order to prevent leakage.

11. What does one piece top mean?

The top and rear window are attached. Most European convertible cars came this way. Although the trend to two piece has increased especially with later models by Mercedes and Porsche. Basically you'll have to replace the top and window together.

12. What does two piece top mean?

The top and the rear window section are separate pieces. Most domestic and some later European cars came this way. This style offers the flexibility to only replace the front top or rear window section separately.

13. What does top only mean?

Some European cars come with reusable hard glass windows that are detached from the old top and replaced on the new. Although they seem to resemble a one piece top, it is actually two pieces in that the rear hard glass window can be separated and reused.

14. Can I reuse my existing window with a new top?

Yes you can. If your front top is in good condition, then you can replace only the rear plastic or glass window assembly. Be sure to request the same color and material when ordering. Since they work as a unit, the canvas or vinyl material must match with the existing one.

15. Can I reuse my existing top with a new window assembly?

Yes you can. If your window section is in good condition, then you can replace only the front section. Be sure to request the same color and material when ordering. Since they work as a unit, the canvas or vinyl material must match with the existing one.

16. What if my plastic or glass window is damaged on a one piece top?

The only viable option is to replace the whole top and window together. Although some trim shops may replace the plastic window, the cost to remove the old top, sew the new plastic window and install the top again might exceed the cost of replacing the complete top. Glass windows are also replaceable, but again, the cost of labor and parts might exceed the cost of replacing the complete top.

17. Are canvas tops longer lasting than vinyl?

No, their wear out rate is about the same. The preference is up to you. Keeping it original, other color choices or cost considerations are few of the deciding factors.

18. How long should a replacement top last?

Generally tops last for up to five years in different levels of condition. The aging process can accelerate or slow down depending on certain factors; proper installation and functioning parts, indoor/outdoor parking, atmospheric conditions, usage and maintenance to name a few.

19. Do I need to change the headliner when replacing my top?

No. The headliner is a separate part and does not need to be changed if it is in good condition. Keep in mind that not all convertible cars came with headliners. If your car lacks a headliner, that just means the underside of the vinyl or canvas acts as the headliner.

20. Do I need to change side tension or rear cables?

Generally it is a good idea to replace or at the least check its condition. Improper or broken cables can cause irreversible damage to the top when operating the frame by raising or lowering it. If cables seem fine and not broken, you can always reuse them.

21. Do I need to change the top pads?

Generally it is a good idea to check their condition. Their purpose is to protect the inside of the convertible top as it rubs against the metal frame when the top is raised or lowered. If the top your changing is older than 5 years, it is recommended to change the pads also. Worn out, torn, missing or improper pads can cause damage to the top.

22. Do you sell hardtops or hardware?

No we don't. We only offer soft tops and interior trim. Many of the other replacement hardware parts are available from the dealer or at salvage yards for older vehicle.

23. Are seat inserts and pleats the same?

Yes they are. The inserts, or pleats, are the center portions of the cushion and backrest of a seat cover. They are either embossed or plain and often segmented into sections. They also can have vertical or horizontal stitched or heat sealed seams.

24. Are the inserts on the seat covers embossed?

Inserts, whether leather or vinyl, are embossed with original designs such as basketweave, rosette, diamond cut, hampton, euro, pinpoint and needle perforation patterns.

25. What if I have plain inserts?

Some vehicle seats originally came with plain inserts.

26. Are seat cover inserts stuffed?

Yes they are. They are pre-stuffed with a tri-layer of high density felt and foam to ensure a smooth and comfortable feel.

27. What if I have heaters in my seats?

If your seats are equipped with heaters, the old covers must be sent to us in order to transfer and re-install the heating elements into the new covers. You can also choose to purchase the seats without the heaters.

28. Can I purchase an individual piece of a seat kit only?

Yes. You can purchase an armrest or headrest separately, or purchase a whole kit that includes everything you need to do a complete restoration.

29. Do leather seats last longer than vinyl?

No, both materials wear out at about the same rate. The main difference is that the leather is more breathable and of course more luxurious. Preference is usually associated with cost. Leather Glossary

30. Are the carpets bound and sewn?

Yes they are.

31. What is included in a carpet kit?

Carpet kits include every part of the interior that was originally covered with carpet material. Trunk carpet kits are sold separately and are not part of the interior kits.

32. Do you offer molded carpet kits?

At this time we do not offer any molded carpet kits. Some of the later produced European cars are equipped with molded carpets. In some cases we offer replacement cut and sewn kits.

33. Do carpet kits include the molded rubber insulating pads?

No they do not. The carpet kits are designed to be replaced over the existing insulating pads.

34. What do I do to replace the floor rubber mats?

We offer carpet supplement kits that cover the original rubber floors.

35. What is a chassis number or VIN?

The chassis number, or VIN as it is sometimes known, is a unique identification number for every car manufactured. Unlike the registration number, which can be changed over time, the VIN/chassis number is constant throughout the lifetime of the car. The VIN/chassis number is consistent to the make and model of a specific vehicle type and identifies body type, style and years of production.

36. Why is the chassis number so important?

During the span of a vehicle's production years many changes take place whether out of necessity or general improvement and introduction of new innovations. In addition, certain models might have the same name or number but appear totally different from its original form. The chassis number can assist in identifying the exact production and the correct components used in a particular model.

37. Where can I find the chassis number?

In most vehicles the chassis number can be found in the driver side door frame in the form of a sticker identifying the number as well as other relevant production information. In some older cars the chassis number can be located under the hood near the radiator. Typically it is stamped or engraved on a metal plate with a series of numerical as well as alphabetical characters. The prefix is usually sufficient when indicating the number.

38. Do you offer colors other than the original?

Yes we do. Every model of car comes with certain original color choices and materials. Depending on the years of production, seat embossed patterns also vary as well as carpet and other interior components.
All prices reflect original standard colors and materials; however, it is very common to request a color or material other than the original. You can always request an upgrade to a canvas top instead of the vinyl that originally came with the car. You can even choose a color that was not available at the time of your car's production year. The same applies for most other interior items. The important thing to remember is that these are all considered Special Orders and are non-returnable and non-exchangeable.

39. Why do I need to e-mail to get prices for some of the interior items?

As you can imagine, there are virtually thousands of combinations of models, styles, colors and materials to present. One vehicle make can have many different variations in patterns and shapes in a single model. Patterns can vary from vinyl to leather styles as well as sport to standard seats. In addition, something as simple as manual or automatic shift can alter the whole carpet kit structure. So in order to narrow down and focus on your particular model, we ask you to fill out a simple form that will ask the primary and important questions. This will enable us to gather all the facts and quote you the appropriate price.

40. Can I install the product myself?

We strongly recommend professional installation of your purchased items. Most items require some mechanical skills and patience. If you do decide to install it yourself, be sure to obtain an owner's manual to the particular model. You can also take notes and pay special attention to specific details when removing the old item. Again, we strongly recommend that you locate an installer near you with a quality reputation (see #45 below). They have had years of experience and the required tools to overcome any unforeseen frame or structure problems that might be encountered.

41. Do I need special tools to install any of the products?

Basic tools such as socket wrenches and screwdrivers are a must. In addition, you will need a heavy-duty air or electric staple gun and some high heat grade contact cement.

42. When will my order ship?

Our in stock products are shipped within 48 hours. However, many of the older and interior components are made to order. There are virtually thousands of patterns, color choices and materials that make up the products we sell. It would be unrealistic to stock or even foresee what would be needed at any one time. Of course many of the popular items are stocked and available, but some items maybe temporarily out of stock or are made to order and will require additional time. For this reason, there may be a 4-8 working day period before the item is prepared and shipped. Additionally, some glass window assemblies may require up to two weeks for preparation. Once your item is shipped you will receive email notification with UPS tracking and delivery date information.

43. Do you ship to P.O. Box addresses?

UPS does not deliver to PO Box or APO/FPO addresses, you must provide us a physical US street address.

44. Do you ship internationally?

We do not ship internationally, we only ship to US addresses in all 50 states. However, if you are an international customer, you can have the item shipped to a US address and then separately arrange the forwarding to its final destination. When placing an order, please provide the receiver's US street address, telephone number and contact name. Additional Info

45. Where can I find a shop that will install my product?

Your best source is your local yellow pages or one of the equivalent online services. Search under 'Auto Seat Covers, Tops & Upholstery'. Of course, you can always ask for a referral from other automotive services you frequent. If you are not able to locate a shop on your own, we may be able to help by accessing our extensive customer list to locate one close to you. Search For Installer

46. How can I be sure the shop is experienced?

Most shops provide picture catalogs of their past works. They might also have written commendations from previous satisfied customers. Ask to see projects that might still be in progress. And always remember to ask for written estimates for labor and other parts that might be required to complete your job.