I was wondering if anyone has any experience with aftermarket replacement tops. I see that a couple of companies make tops for the R52 that are $800 to $1000 less than a OEM replacement, and claim to be made out of the same material. There's the Convertible Top Guys:
http://convertibletopguys.com/conver...-Cooper-Type-S
and there's Auto Tops Direct:
http://www.autotopsdirect.com/Mini-C...ops-s/7895.htm

Anyone use these tops on a MINI or any other convertible?


Thanks,
Steve

 

don't know those names

but ROBBINS is well know in the Miata community and they do make BMW & MINI replacement tops

http://www.robbinsautotopco.com/minicooper.php

 

Are they thought to be as good as the original tops? I was actually hoping for something better than OEM, I'm on my second top now and they seem to get wear marks really fast.

 

for the Miata I'd say, as good or better (altho they have multiple 'grades' for the Miata too)

however, did you look at the page?

The MINI listing carries this footnote:

CAUTION: The design of the top and frame assembly may cause abrasion damage to the topping over time; that in extreme cases could result in cuts or holes in tops. Robbins cannot be held responsible for any damage to our products caused by the problems described above.

This is not a warning seen for many other tops Robbins makes so 'twould appear there are design issues with MINI 'verts that can't be avoided. When I sold my Miata at 12 years and 140,000 miles, the original top was just beginning to show some cracks & wear and the buyer replaced with a Robbins about 2 years later. I did have a hardtop for winter use.

 

Had my top replaced a few months ago from a wreck. It whistles like crazy because the material is too thin. I think the thickness of the original top was perfectly made for the car. Unfortunately I made the mistake of going $800 cheaper and buying an aftermarket. If you can bare the mini air gaps that cause it to whistle while you're on the freeway then pocket the extra dough, otherwise just stick to the OEM top.