Well, I did my “deep dive” into convertible tops for a replacement top.

Naturally, should anyone else have any better information or have had their convertible top replace please share their experiences.

Based on the 2013MY Brochure has the top color as “beige”.
While there is some conflicting information from site to site I believe that Tops On Line & EZON offer the best possible solutions.
Anyone have any expeiernces with these?
I have requested some info from Harrtz and Bass, but they haven’t got back with me
Choices are:
Harrtz is Twillfast RPC, but labeled as Pebble Beige.
See link: https://www.haartz.com/products/twillfast-rpc
GAHH is the German A5 labeled as Gray Beige. Some sites only offer in Black
EZON also has a plain Twillfast in Lt Oak and also seems to be a tight weave fabric.
Tops On Line
Offers GAHH Brand , Robbins, and a German A5
https://www.topsonline.com/model/Con...nvertible.html
EZON Convertible tops
https://ezonauto.com/convertible-top...vertible%20top
Offers the Twillfast RPC in Pebble Beige
German A5 in Cream
Robbins site offer this information which was helpful:
https://robbinsautotop.com/color-swatch-512#home
But their OEM page didn’t have a listing for any Jaguars past 2006, go figure!

We have 2 shops the local jaguar dealer recommends in my area that I plan to visit and see what the have to offer and probably choice which one I will have it done at.
Not really setup to take on this large of project.

All the sites researched:
https://robbinsautotop.com/about-us
https://gahh.com/
https://www.topsonline.com/
https://www.autotopsdirect.com/default.asp
https://www.haartz.com/
https://www.haartz.com/products/twillfast-rpc
https://ezonauto.com/
https://ezonauto.com/
https://www.basjaguartrim.com/

 

I had my top replaced at a local shop with a great 30 year reputation. The only one he would install was GAHH. It’s perfect.

 

If your issues are weave and color match, ask for material swatches that seem to most closely align with the color of your top. Any good shop/manufacturer should be glad to oblige. If one will not provide samples strike them from your list of potential suppliers.

 

I bought my convertible top off ebay for $625 and it was money well spent on the 2014 i traded for the 1 i have now.Maybe you can get in touch with the same seller on ebay i bought mine from if you trying to go with an authentic different color 1 or something if he still sells them.

 

Well it is almost 2 years now that I have glued the rear window with a couple of touch ups along the way.

Looks like I finally need to replace the complete top.

Got a local quote for total replacement and headliner for $5500, ouch.
Tops On Line replacement cost is running about $3000.


I have looked thru the forum to see if any one has done their own replacement but couldn't find any details.

I have read the manuals info and it actually doesn't sound too complex.
The big worry card would be if adjustment are need to make it fit and seal correctly.

Anyone with any experience?

Thanks.

 

After much procrastination, I decided to replace my top even though it still looks decent and my Rhino Glue repair is still keeping the glass attached. But the glue is too obvious even though I've done everything possible to hide it.



I shopped around and learned a lot. Bottom line is that you get what you pay for.

Several tops are available from eBay vendors at varying prices, with various fabrics from Haartz.
Haartz Convertible Top Fabrics

I decided to use the black Haartz Twillfast RPC fabric because it appears to be identical to the OEM top fabric.

One thing those cheap tops have in common is a rear glass window made by Fuyao America.



Sure, it's made in the USA, but I won't put it on my car. You can call me a snob, but China is no friend of the USA. I will Buy American unless there is no other choice.



I bought my new top from OEM+ Auto Tops. These are the features of my new top, and I will have it installed soon.



Stuart

 

Thanks Stuart, Looked at this site and unfortunately they only have black and i need the beige, FWIW 2016 did have black tops on cars but not my favorite.
I agree with the Hartz Twillfast RPC material choice.
Tops on Line actually has the same red (Italian Racing Red) veichele in the ordering
https://www.topsonline.com/Convertib...r-glass-window

Still trying to decide to take on the replacement my self. I've read thru the workshop manual and didn't see any thing alarming or daunting.

I was just tring to get an opinon of someone that may have actually did the replacement.

I too may just purchase it and look for an installer, as it goes one of the installers on the Tops On Line site is the shop I got a quote from which I thought was high.

FWIW I had a 2005 XK8 that I replace all the hydraluic hoses system with the upgraded ones, but was a lot younger then, im coming up on 73.
Thanks again

 

Dana,
I think you may have clicked on the wrong link in my Post #6, above. I bought my new top from OEM+ Auto Tops and they offer several shades of beige. Unfortunately, beige is more expensive than black. Click here: OEM+ 2013 XK Top Beige




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Stuart

 

According to #13 user 110reef has done it himself without problems:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...t-help-247592/

In Germany it`s very difficult to find an installer, if you do not want to buy a top from him. So I think myself about an own try with a help of a friend.

 

I followed Stuart's lead and had samples sent of the Haartz German A5 And Twillfast RPC. Called Haartz they recommended also the Twillfast RPC along with OEM Tops+ and then worked with a local installer here in Stuart, FL. Very pleased with the material and installation. Price installed was just under $3k. A couple of pics before and after. Hope this helps those in the market.

 

LOL @ Nutria Beige. Nutria are a hideously ugly member of the rodent family. They are so ugly that you can some times get paid to kill them.