Convertible top replacement
 

It's time for a new top on my 2001 TT. The window fell out.

I tried to mend it with silicon sealer adhesive. It looks like the first time I put the top down the window will come loose.

I had to replace the comfort control module because of water damage.

I made a few phone calls and got quotes of $1700.00 to $2500.00 to install a new top. The dealer wants $3500.00 for just the top!!!!!!

I looked at Robbins Convertible Tops website. They say their tops take about 7 hours to install.

Tops Online sells tops for about $500.00.

I would think $700 for labor and $750 for the top from a local upholstery shop would be a fair price.

I would like to hear the comments of anyone who replaced their top.

Not much info out there
 

I called 4 top shops today. One guy said he never replaced a top on a TT so I didn't ask for a quote. The other 3 quotes were $2150, $1900, and $1600. They all used tops manufactured by GAHH in California. Made in the USA believe it or not.

All guaranteed their work for one year and the tops for 5 years. One shop said that GAHH guarantees the rear window for life.

This is turning into a blog
 

I went to the upholstery shop on Friday and paid the $800.00 deposit for the new top. It must be ordered from Ca. In about a week when the top arrives he will call to set an appointment.

He just received a new top for a Porsche Boxter. He says he does lots of German cars. It's a father - son operation and they do the work themselves. The shop looks as if they can make custom tops and interiors.

TT Rear Window Replacement vs New Top
 

The rear window fell out of my '01 TT after about 8 yrs. Top was in great shape and, of course, a new top "complete" was $$$. I went to a convertible and interior specialist and they sewed a great plastic window in the top for me. Cost $350 or so. Of course, no more rear window defroster, but minor issue.

I've heard of that before but I'm committed. How did they sew the in new window? Did they do it with the top on or take it off?

Does it leak?

They must have done it with the top on if it only cost $350.00

TT Rear Window Replaced
 

To the best of my knowledge they did the work without taking the canvas off the car. They removed the glass and cleaned the canvas. then sewed the plastic in. The window does not leak and has not fogged with age; still very clear. I have a leak on the back seal but not from the window.

Replaced top on '02 in '09
 

I replaced my top in '09 because the rear window seal was broken and I had water damage to the CCM which cost about $900 to replace. I bought my top on-line for $520 incl shipping from TOPSONLINE.COM out of Panorama City, Ca. and it was made by EZ ON Auto Tops, inc. Has a 5 yr warranty. I had a local trim shop install it for $450. Top is OEM quality and installer did a great job. He said it took about 8 hrs. Hope this helps. ps, I also had quotes of $1800 and $2000+ from other top shops with them furnishing the top. I figured they would get the top from Topsonline also. My installer didn't blink when I told him that I would be providing the top and it is obvious that he didn't try to gouge me on the install labor.

whitr, I'm glad it worked out for you and you saved some money.

I decided to go the turnkey way, and pay a bit more, to avoid any warranty issues and buck passing. I've been burned in the past.

I did get the top changed - $1600 + tax and it looks like the original. It seems to be high quality.

It seems that convertible tops last about 7-8 years. And when the rear window starts to leak the CCM module WILL GET DAMAGED. It's about $900.00 repair.

My dealer suggested I contact my insurance carrier and see if it's covered because it's water damage.

My comprehensive coverage covered the entire repair (About $850.00) It might be a good idea to take a look at your insurance policy. A few dollars more for insurance may save you a bundle later. It did for me.

Or at the very least try prevent any water from getting to the CMM.

Glad you got it replaced. Now start saving for the next $1mm repair.

Replacing the canvas
 

I am replacing the canvas on my 2001 audi tt quattro. The window fell out a while back and I used 3m window weld to hold it in, which worked pretty good, but I got crap all over the top in the process like an idiot. It looked pretty bad so I ordered a new top. Here's the kicker...I am installing it myself. I know it sounds cheap, but I wanted to see how hard it would be to take it on myself. I am almost finished with the job and was wondering if anyone had any pointers or tips?

I am looking into replacing the top on my 03 audi tt and doing it myself, as well. (due to a Renovo color job that went horribly wrong) Have you finished the job and are there
any problems I should look out for?

Things to know in preparation
 

There are a few things you will need to get a hold of to do this job. First, you will need to order two new stopper sets for the bottom bow. You can find them online for $20 per set. The set includes a new black plastic stopper and 2 giant pop rivets. That said, you will need a giant pop rivet gun that can handle 1/4 inch pop rivets ( usually not found at Home Depot). You can gate a regular pop rivet gun at Home Depot, or wherever, and expect to use 1/8 inch pop rivets on the smaller areas of the bow that has them. Another thing to get is double sided adhesive trim tape for hooking the top to the bows before replacing the brackets that screw into the bow. When replacing the brackets on the middle bows, try not to over stretch them or it will create dimples in the top. Another thing to think about while doing this is removing the entire bow structure from the car. I kept it on the car thinking it would have been easier, but it was a giant pain in the ass. Removing the bow structure also helps you get to the hard to reach angles better while protecting the glass window. There are some diagrams out there online that can help and a procedure in the Bentley manual that shows how to remove the top, but if you go slow and document your progress, it shouldn't be too hard. Hope this helps.

DIY top replacement
 

It seems your project worked out well. Congrats!
Thanks so much 4 the info. I've been looking all over the internet but can't find a diagram. If u can, please post any link that might help.
Thanks again.

Link
 

This is a link to a parts store for a dealership that I found. 2003 Audi TT CONVERTIBLE/SOFT TOP Frame & components Strut assy Audi Henderson Parts

It isn't much, but I was able to use this diagram and the one in the Bentley manual to get the job finished. I hope this helps. Good Luck.

That's more than I was able to find. I appreciate it. I'll also check the Bentley.
Thanks so much.

I find it odd we are all suffering from the same problem, but no one is speaking to the root cause. Audi and VW convertible tops are of inferior quality, the glass falls out. If you purchase the factory replacement top, plan on this failure reoccurring after 5 years of regular use. The aftermarket tops appears to last longer than the oem original. Interesting symptom don't you think.

Hey Nick I Pm'd you and thanks a bunch for the insightful post. There is little info about this and this was much more than expected. Cheers

my insurance company covered it, i just came out one day and the glass had fallen out ( into the car ) it was super hot though,,,,, i claimed vandalism, and insurance paid.....

Clinke...I see you haven't been on in a few years, but I'm hoping you get an email of this.

Where was the shop you had sew the new rear window on? I just bought a 2002, and got it for a steal because the seem around the rear window is giving way. Don't want to drop $1,500 or more on a full replacement.

Thank you,

Youtube Video on How to Remove Audi TT Top
 

Hey guys I'm new to the forum but I just thought I'd add this link to a youtube video on how to remove the top for anyone considering DIY.

I just recently installed a new top on my 04' TT and it was hard to find information online on how to remove and install.

Here's the link
Also, I did find one company that sells the top with instructions and I called to buy the instructions only (because I already had my top)...they declined the offer.

Hope this link helps someone out!