9 Ways to Get Your Soft Top Ready for a New Convertible Top

Posted on 02/10/202302/10/2023 by Irena Kosturska

The saying goes that nothing good lasts forever, and this is true of soft top roofs, which require proper maintenance and care and then replacement when needed. When it comes to soft tops, it’s a fact that due to general wear and tear and the passage of time, your beloved car will need a new convertible top at some point in its lifetime. There are two options when it comes to this replacement, and those are professional installation or DIY, and both have their own virtues. This month’s article focuses on the information that you need to prepare your soft top for a DIY roof replacement. Plus, keep reading to discover our most important bonus tip. Hint: it’s all about the importance of finding a soft top professional to source your replacement roof.

1: Get Your Tools and Materials Together

When you set out to start any DIY project, it’s so important that you set yourself up for success by organising all the tools and materials that you will need. First, ensure that you have all the necessary equipment on hand, and if not, you will need to acquire them. There are some basic things that you will need for a soft top replacement, including pliers, a set of screwdrivers, and an appropriate adhesive or sealant. Most importantly, however, is a high-quality soft top replacement kit from an expert.

2: Set Up a Workspace for Yourself

When undertaking a roof replacement project, it is also important to find an appropriate space in which to work. The ideal space area is a garage or another covered area like a carport. This is so that both your soft top, its replacement roof, and your tools and materials are protected from the elements. You should also ensure that you have enough room to move and work comfortably around your vehicle. In addition, you should do your best to make sure that the space around your soft top is clean and tidy, and that the surface is level.

3: Remove the Original Soft Top

The next step is to remove the old soft top. You can start near the rear window, and then gently peel the roof away from the frame. Then, you can detach the old top from its frame, making sure that you do not damage the underlying structure. The key to this stage is patience, as you need to work carefully in order to unnecessarily damage the vehicle.

4: Inspect and Clean the Frame

After the old soft top is removed, you will be left with the roof frame. Now is the perfect time to inspect the frame and clean it, ready for its new roof. You will need to look out for rust, corrosion, and any potential damage to the frame that will need repairing before you can install the new roof. Next, clean the frame carefully by removing dirt, debris, or any remnants of the old roof.

5: Measure and Align

Next up, it’s time to measure. Ensure that the new roof fits and aligns correctly aligns with the mounting points of the frame. Taking time with this stage is crucial to avoid misalignment issues later on.

6: Test the New Top

Before you secure your new soft top, you should test that it functions correctly. This means operating the top, ensuring that it opens and closes smoothly, and securely latches. This step allows you to identify any potential functional issues with the top before you install it.

7: Apply the Sealant or Adhesive

After you are satisfied with the alignment and functionality of the new roof, you should apply the sealant or adhesive as directed by the manufacturer. Ensure that the bond between the top and the frame is secure and even, and also make sure that you follow expert advice regarding the correct adhesives and sealants.

8: Secure the Top

Next, secure the top to the frame using the appropriate hardware and fasteners. Ensure that you follow the manufacturers advice, and that you work from the rear of the vehicle to the front. Make sure that you tighten all fasteners securely, but do not over-tighten because this can damage the top or the frame.

9: Final Testing and Adjustments

After the roof is secured, it’s time to make the final adjustments. Test how the top operates, and ensure that it opens and closes smoothly and locks securely. Now is the time to check for any fasteners that may be loose, or other final areas that need additional attention.

Our Bonus Top-Tip:

The most important tip that we can give is to source your replacement roof from a soft top professional and reputable supplier. This is a critical step in the process, to ensure that you are not only getting the best value, but the best quality soft top roof replacement available.

Do You Need a New Convertible Top for Your Soft Top?

Look no further than Prestige Soft Tops for all your new convertible top needs. As experts in soft tops in Australia, we are proud to bring you the best in expertise and customer service. Plus, remember that if you don’t want to tackle a DIY replacement, you can always rely on the professional experience and training of our expert soft top installers.

If you need soft top experts, get in contact with us at sales@prestigetops.com.au, or fill out our online contact form and we will be happy to get back to you.

5 of the Most Popular Convertible Models in 2023

Posted on 28/07/202328/07/2023 by Irena Kosturska

As soft top convertible enthusiasts, we love to keep on top of all the latest trends and developments in soft top popularity. Whether you are in the market for a new convertible this year, or you are just as passionate about keeping up with soft top news are us, this list is for you. Below, we round up the most popular soft top models in 2023, and share with you the top features and specifications of each of these models. Keep reading for some soft top inspiration, and to find out exactly where to go when you need convertible roof replacement in Australia.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

This stunning convertible is designed with class and sportiness in mind. Sleek and understated on the outside, and luxurious and elegant on the inside, the Mercedes E-Class is a powerful and superior choice for a soft top convertible. Featuring a wide and roomy cockpit, a suite of assistance systems, (including Active Parking Assist, and Blind Spot Assist), and comfort features like ‘Keyless-Go’, this soft top has everything you could want from a new convertible.

Porsche 718 Boxster

According to Porsche, the 718 cabriolet models were ‘made for the sport of it’, an appealing notion in many ways for passionate soft-top enthusiasts and potential buyers. If you are looking for a roadster that is reminiscent of the soft tops of yesterday, but has the handling, performance, and technology of the luxury vehicles of tomorrow, then this Porsche model may be for you. This vehicle is designed to be low and sleek in appearance, lending itself to the sportiness that it exudes. With a mid-engined layout and superior performance and handling, the 718 models are built with power and comfort in mind. The 718 Boxster has a top speed of 275 kilometres an hour, and an acceleration speed from 0-100km/h of 5.1s, you can expect this model to not only meet, but exceed all your sports car expectations.

Audi S-5 Cabriolet

If you are looking for a soft top convertible that balances tasteful style and sportiness with comfort and drive-ability, then the Audi S-5 Cabriolet may just be for you. With an elegant exterior design, the interior of the S-5 is exceptionally comfortable and accessorised with all the latest technology and equipment. You can also expect 360-degree cameras, Park Assist with parking-aid plus, and Audi active lane assist along with various other state of the art assistance features.

BMW 8 Series

The 8 Series from BMW is a class of soft top convertible that embodies pure luxury. Aesthetically beautiful and elegant, the 8 series is also sporty, dynamic, and comfortable and actually now comes with an M Sports Package as standard. With a highly efficient BMW TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder inline petrol engine and active steering, the 8 Series models are agile and have exceptional manoeuvrability. As with the other new models of soft top convertibles in 2023, the 8 Series is well equipped with the latest accessories and equipment, to allow you to combine your passion for soft tops, with the technology of today.

Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster

When it comes to soft top convertibles in Australia in particular, the Mazda MX-5 is indeed one of the most famous names. That’s why it is featured on our 2022 list of the most popular soft top models, and why it is still featured on this list in 2023! The MX-5 has remained a popular choice for convertible buyers since its first release in 1989. Subsequent developments in technology, performance, and handling have made the MX-5 into what it is today, which is nothing short of a soft top icon. Plus, when it comes to affordability in the Australian soft top market, you don’t have to look much further than this Mazda model – priced under $50,000 for the base grade G20 roadster, and under $60,000 for the higher grade G20 Roadster GT RS. With a maximum power of 135kW at 7,000rpm, and a maximum torque of 205Nm at 4,000rpm, this vehicle is a lightweight, agile choice for any soft top enthusiast.

Do You Need Convertible Roof Replacement?

Whether you own the sporty Audi S-5 Cabriolet, or the iconic Mazda MX-5 G20 Roadster, if you value the upkeep and maintenance of your vehicle, you will need convertible roof replacement. That’s where Prestige Soft Tops comes in! You won’t find anybody more passionate about your soft top convertible roof than us. As soft top experts in Australia, we bring you professional roof replacement and installation with a side of exceptional customer service. With 10 years of experience in the industry, we are able to offer you a nationwide network of professional and trained installers to assist with all of your soft top replacement needs.

If you need experts in soft top replacement and installation, please contact us at sales@prestigetops.com.au or fill out our online contact form and we will happily get back to you.

The Exhilaration of Soft Top Convertibles: 6 of the Most Exciting Features

Posted on 21/06/202321/06/2023 by Irena Kosturska

When it comes to luxury, freedom and exhilarating road experiences, there is no type of vehicle that better embodies these characteristics than soft top convertibles. There is undoubtedly something uniquely exciting and alluring about travelling down the open road in a luxurious top-down vehicle. The benefits of soft top vehicles are many, and freedom and flexibility are just two of them. Whether you are already a soft top owner, or an aspiring one, there are so many exhilarating features associated with soft top convertibles. From the excitement of the elements, to connecting with nature, this article will help you find even more to love about soft tops. Then, discover where to find experts in soft tops in Australia, to help with all your soft top needs.

Connecting With Nature

What could be a better way to connect with nature while in your car than driving a soft top convertible? Think of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you take in the sights of changing autumn leaves, or stunning trees or shrubbery in bloom. Regardless of the season, there is always a way to connect with nature when your soft top is down and you are cruising the open road.

Seasonal Freedom

An important and alluring feature of soft top convertibles is indeed their convertible nature. The flexibility and changeability that soft tops provide is unparalleled, and one of the major draw-cards of owning a convertible. When the weather is warm and the skies are clear, you can easily enjoy the sunshine with the top down. If the weather turns during the day, you can effortlessly put the top up and keep going on your way. Then, during the colder, rainier winter months, you can enjoy the protection of your soft top roof, and rely on it to help keep you warm and dry. The great thing about convertibles is the freedom they provide throughout the seasons, and the ease and flexibility with which they convert from one mode to another.

Opportunities for Bonding

Soft top convertibles provide so many chances for you to bond with your passengers through travelling the open road. From day trips in your vehicle to simply getting from A to B, these cars present unique opportunities to enjoy to experience the excitement of the top-down experience. When it comes to spending time together on the road, what better way to do it than in a soft top?

Iconography from Films

When it comes to automotive iconography, is there anything more exciting than seeing the cars you love in famous films, television shows, or advertisements? Soft top convertibles have played a role in many iconic films, from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), to the infamous role of the convertible in 1991’s Thelma and Louise. The soft tops in these films embody the spirit of the convertible: luxury, excitement, glamour and of course, freedom. When you own a soft top, you can experience all of these things, and sit in the driver’s seat which has been filled by so many famous characters from film and other media.

Embracing the Elements

One of the best and most exhilarating features of a soft top is the top-down experience that allows you to really immerse yourself in the natural elements. This experience is really like no other, providing you and your passengers with the thrilling excitement of the wind in your hair, and the sights and sounds of the open road all around you. Driving in the country becomes a stunning experience surrounded by rolling hills and green pastures, while cruising down coastal roads is immersive thanks to the smell of salt wafting from the ocean. Wherever you drive, your soft top has the ability to help you to really embrace these experiences in a way that a standard car just doesn’t provide. That’s part of the beauty of the top-down experience.

The Aesthetics

Another part of the appeal of the soft top is the aesthetics. When it comes to luxury and elegance, is there anything that fits the bill more than a soft top convertible? Sleek and eye-catching, soft tops are synonymous with classic luxury and class. Whether you prefer the timelessness of vintage convertible models, or the stunning aesthetics of modern soft tops, there is no doubt that these vehicles turn heads wherever they go.

Looking for Experts in Soft Tops in Australia?

Look no further than Prestige Soft Tops. We are just as passionate about soft top convertibles as you are, and we are here to help with all your convertible top replacement needs. As experts in soft tops in Australia, we pride ourselves on being leaders in professional soft top replacement and installation. Backed by 10 years of industry experience, we can offer you a nationwide network of professional installers to help with all your soft top needs.

When you need soft top expertise, get in touch with use at sales@prestigetops.com.au or fill out our online contact form, and we will be happy to get back to you.

4 Tips For Buying a Soft Top Convertible

Posted on 24/05/202324/05/2023 by Irena Kosturska

For many people, owning a convertible, soft top or hard top, is a long-held dream. There are so many reasons to love soft top convertibles – from the allure of the open road, the wind and the sun in your hair, to the innate elegance and luxury of the convertible car. It’s no surprise that so many people aspire to become soft top owners. When finally making this dream a reality, it is important to note that there are many things to consider before taking the leap. From practicality, to being aware of essential maintenance like soft top replacement, keep reading to get some soft top buying tips.

Consider Practicality

When thinking about buying a soft top, it is important to consider practicality. In general, convertibles can be smaller in size than your average car, and this difference in size could be particularly noticeable if you are making the change from large SUV to a convertible. A question to ask yourself is, will this soft top be your primary vehicle? Or is it to be a secondary vehicle? Considering that convertibles typically have less space overall, this is an important question to ask. If your dream soft top is going to be a secondary, or a leisure vehicle, then reduced boot space or smaller rear seats may not worry you at all. In fact, depending on a number of circumstances, the smaller size of a convertible may even be preferable.

Consider Security

Another important consideration is security for a soft top, which is different in some ways than thinking of security for a standard car. Keeping a soft top secure means taking into consideration the need for secure storage and parking. It also means keeping the convertible safe from the elements as well, which can involve many things, including considering where you park, and preparing and protecting your soft top roof for the different seasons, such as autumn and winter.

Another security consideration is ensuring that you can make it safe to leave your parked in public spaces. This can be done by getting a secure lock box, which can be attached to secure points in your car and are a safe place to leave valuables when your car is parked. Whether you do want to be able to leave your top down or not, a secure lock box can help to increase the security of your valuable belongings, even in the event of a break-in.

Test it Out with a Test Drive

When buying any car, it is always a great idea to consider taking potential models for a test drive. This helps you to become familiar with how the car drives and handles, with all its features and technology. What better way to know if a car is right for you, than sitting in the driver’s seat and actually taking a convertible for a spin? Whether you are struggling to choose between a couple of different models, or you are needing to ensure that your dream car really is your dream car, a test drive can be a great help.

Take Maintenance into Account

When it comes to considering buying a soft top, it is important to be aware of the regular soft top care and maintenance. Making yourself aware of all the required maintenance before purchasing your dream vehicle means that you will understand what you are undertaking, and avoid disappointment afterward.

When it comes to soft top roofs, there is care and protection, as well as soft top replacement to consider. Soft tops need regular care, cleaning, and protection with the appropriate products. This means choosing the care or cleaning product that suits the particular material of your roof, whether it is fabric, vinyl, or leather.

Further, it is also necessary to be aware that your soft top roof will need to be replaced from time to time. While your soft top may last several years, there are cases in which it may need to be replaced sooner. For instance, if there is wear and tear in the material of the soft top, like if the fabric is pulling at the seams. Alternatively, when there are problems with the raising or lowering of the roof, that is also a sign to replace your convertible roof.

Do You Need Soft Top Replacement?

We are as passionate about your dream soft top as you are, so if you have made your dream a reality, look no further than Prestige Soft Tops. When you need your soft top roof replaced, we are here to help with professional replacement and installation expertise. Backed by 10 years of industry experience, we offer a nationwide network of installers who are ready to help you with all your soft top needs.

If you need soft top replacement, make sure to get in touch with us here at Prestige Soft Tops. Email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au, or fill out our online contact form with your enquiry and we will be happy to get back to you.

3 Tips for Owning a Soft Top Convertible in Autumn and Winter

Posted on 24/04/202324/04/2023 by Irena Kosturska

As a proud convertible owner, we know that you want to keep your soft top in tip-top shape throughout the entire year. What you might not know, is that as the seasons change, as the temperature starts to drop, and winter approaches, there are some important things you should know about convertible ownership. That’s right, as we go through autumn into winter, it is essential to note that there are steps you can take as a soft top owner to help your convertible through the colder months. That’s why we have put together this list of tips for you this month, as the change of seasons rapidly approaches. Keep reading to find out our tips for the chillier seasons, from preparation and protection, to convertible top replacement. This advice will be sure to help you keep your soft top looking and performing its best throughout this autumn, winter and beyond.

Make Sure to Prepare for the Colder Months

You can prepare for the colder temperatures in several ways, and similar to most things in life, when it comes to soft tops and winter, preparation is key. One important way to protect your convertible car is by giving it proper soft top care with good cleaning and condition using a high-quality product designed for such a purpose. The Bowden’s Own cleaning range is full of premium products that are made for use on soft tops. Take fabratection – designed specifically to protect your fabric roof, or Vinyl Revival, which protects and restores vinyl soft tops. Giving your soft top a thorough once-over with the relevant product will help to condition and protect your convertible roof from the rain, as well as any icy mornings, or even any snow you might encounter.

Another way to prepare for winter is to get your hands on a top-quality car cover. This is a smart investment, because a quality car cover can help to protect your convertible from rain during winter, and from the sun during the hot Aussie summer. Remember: a car cover is likely to be a bit of a financial investment because what you’re looking for is a quality, breathable cover that will protect your car.

Careful Parking

During autumn and winter, it’s important to be aware of where you park your convertible, both at home, and when you are out and about. Ideally, you will keep your convertible parked under a carport or in a garage during the winter months in order to protect it from the elements. However, not everyone has the luxury of a garage or a carport, so it is important to remember to park carefully. For instance, try to avoid parking under trees that could be damaged by storms and end up damaging your convertible. When out of the house, consider trying to park under cover, to further protect your soft top from damage.

Replace Your Soft Top When Necessary

The ultimate protection for your convertible car is to keep up with maintaining your soft top, which means replacing it when necessary. There are multiple signs that can tell you that it’s time for a soft top replacement, for instance, if the soft top fabric is pulling at the seams. This can indicate that a rip in the material is imminent, which leads to the need for replacement.

More signs that you may need to replace your soft top include any discolouration of the fabric, vinyl, or canvas roof, as well as the presence of a hole. Further, your roof could need replacing if there are any issues with it when it is being raised or lowered.

If you think that your convertible roof may need replacing, it is important to call in the experts. When your soft top roof is compromised in any of the ways listed above, this can compromise the overall health and performance of your car, especially in winter. That’s why roof replacement could just be the key to protecting your convertible in the winter months.

Do You Need Convertible Top Replacement?

If you are thinking of your own prized convertible now, you might be considering convertible top replacement or installation. When you need your soft top replaced, look no further than Prestige Soft Tops. We are just as passionate about your soft top as you are, which is why we are proud to provide professional soft top replacement and installation expertise. Backed by 10 years of industry experience, we offer a nationwide network of expert installers, who will be able to assist you with all of your soft top roof needs. From vinyl to fabric, we are the soft top convertible experts, and we are here to help.

If you are looking to get the most out of your convertible by replacing your soft top roof, make sure to get in touch with us here at Prestige Soft Tops. Email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au, or fill out our online contact form with your enquiry and we will be happy to get back to you.

5 Soft Top Care Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on 14/11/202214/11/2022 by AWD Digital

Here at Prestige Soft Tops, we are passionate about convertibles, especially soft tops! If you are a convertible owner, and particularly if your car has a vinyl or fabric roof, you probably understand the importance of caring for and maintaining your convertible roof. But, doing so is not exactly as simple as you might initially think.

Convertibles cannot be maintained in the same way as a regular car, and your particular roof needs special care and attention regularly, in order to preserve both its appearance and its functionality. This involves not only choosing the right products for your roof but also applying the right cleaning methods, as well as taking other measures to protect your pride and joy.

At Prestige Soft Tops, we love talking all things convertibles and convertible roof replacement, so we are happy to share these cleaning and care dos and don’ts with you.

Do: Clean your Roof Properly

This means choosing the best products to work with the material of your roof and applying and using them correctly when it comes to cleaning. For everything, you will need to clean your convertible roof, check out our range of recommended cleaning products.

For vinyl roofs, you need to use a great vinyl, fabric, and canvas cleaner, and all you need to do is gently brush the solution onto your roof with a soft-bristled brush. Take a look at this Wikipedia page about vinyl roofs, for more information about vinyl.

The same Bowden’s Own solution can be used for fabric roofs, though a brush with slightly firmer bristles would be handy.

Important: NEVER use a solvent-based cleaner on either your vinyl or fabric soft top.

Don’t: Use an automatic car wash

In order to be safe when you own a soft top convertible, it is best to stick to handwashing only. When you hand wash your vinyl or fabric roof, you can ensure that you apply the correct amount of pressure during cleaning, whether you use a hose, a high-pressure sprayer on a lower-pressure setting, or a brush.

In contrast, an automatic car wash may be too harsh for your roof and use water pressures that could be harmful to your roof. While the official word from some manufacturers may be that automatic car washes are okay for these roofs, we recommend hand washing at all times to be on the safe side.

Do: Protect Your Vinyl or Fabric Roof

Just as prevention is key to maintaining anything valuable, protection is key as well when it comes to your roof maintenance. A vinyl or fabric protectant is an essential step after cleaning and is designed to act as a sort of sunscreen, protecting your roof from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

At Prestige Soft Tops, we recommend this vinyl restorer and protector for vinyl roofs, and this fabric protector for fabric roofs. Remember to always use the correct product on your roof – that is, the one that corresponds with the particular material of your soft top.

Important note: you must make sure that your roof is totally dry before applying the protectant.

Don’t: Leave your Convertible Roof Down Overnight

It is important that you don’t leave your roof down overnight or for an extended period of time, for more than one reason. Leaving your roof retracted for long periods can expose the interior to the elements, such as rain, wind, and the harshness of the sun.

In addition, when you leave a vinyl or fabric roof retracted, (or folded down), there is the potential for folds or creases to appear in the material of the roof. It is even possible for cracks to form over a very long time, and in this case, it is possible that the only way to fix these imperfections is to replace the entire roof. So, our tip is when leaving your convertible, always remember to put the roof up!

Do: Replace your Soft Top When Necessary

All these tips and tricks will help to preserve and extend the life of your vinyl or fabric roof, but at the end of the day, after a number of years, your roof will need replacing. Check out our FAQ’s about convertible top replacement to understand more, and then choose experts in convertible roof replacement, and that means contacting Prestige Soft Tops.

Need Soft Top Replacement?

Don’t look any further than Prestige Soft Tops. We are experts in professionally installing and fitting soft tops, backed by 10 years of industry experience, and a true passion for convertibles. With a nationwide network of expert installers, we can help you with all your vinyl or fabric roof needs. Get in touch by emailing sales@prestigetops.com.au or alternatively, by filling out our contact form, and we will take care of your inquiry.