In recent years, the DIY approach to replacement convertible top installation has become popular. With YouTube tutorials at everyone’s fingertips, many car owners have tried to replace their soft tops themselves — often with disastrous outcomes.
The Rise of DIY Installation and Its Challenges
Without the proper expertise and tools, these attempts result in damaged materials, voided warranties, and costly repairs. By the time these DIY enthusiasts turn to professionals, the damage is often so extensive that it ends up being more expensive than a professional installation would have been from the start.
“At OEM+ Auto Tops, we’ve seen an increasing number of these scenarios over the past five years,” says Garo “Gary” Dekirmendjian, founder of OEM+ Auto Tops. “It’s a trend that not only affects car owners but also impacts the reputation and workload of auto upholstery shops.”
Supporting Upholstery Professionals
OEM+ Auto Tops is committed to educating both consumers and the upholstery community on why they should have their tops professionally installed. We do this by:
1. Educating Consumers
Through blogs, social media, and educational campaigns, we emphasize the risks and hidden costs of DIY projects to help car owners make informed decisions.
2. Protecting Warranties
You may ask, “Can a DIY installation void my car’s warranty?.” Unfortunately, yes, it can. We encourage professional installations to ensure that warranties remain valid, which protects consumers and reduces disputes.
3. Upholding Industry Standards
By promoting expert craftsmanship, we help strengthen the reputation of the upholstery community and create trust among consumers.
4. Publishing a Local Installers List
We’ve created a list of local installers we share with customers so they know who to contact for professional installation. The list is vetted and only consists of shops with experience with our products. To register for it, contact OEM+.
A Call to Action for the Community
We’re doing our part to inform car owners about the value of professional installation, but we can’t do it alone. That’s why we urge everyone in the upholstery community to join us in this effort. Use your platforms to:
- Share the risks of DIY installations.
- Educate consumers on the benefits of professional services.
- Promote high industry standards to build trust with clients.
Together, we can minimize the frequency of damaged tops, enhance the quality of installations, and strengthen consumer relationships.
Why Choose OEM+ Auto Tops?
OEM+ Auto Tops specializes in manufacturing premium convertible tops for modern cars, from Mustangs to Ferraris. We’re known for:
- Experienced Craftsmanship: Our professionals have years of experience and access to a thorough convertible top installation guide for precision and efficiency.
- Unparalleled Customer Support: We provide a 5-year warranty and offer the highest labor compensation policy in the industry, paying trim shops $75 per hour.
- Commitment to Excellence: We prioritize quality, ensuring every top meets our high standards.
To learn more about our products or register for our local installers list, visit oemplusautotops.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, tips, and insights.
Let’s work together to protect car owners’ investments while raising the standards of the auto upholstery community!
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Johnny Dekirmendjian is Marketing & Customer Relations Manager at OEM+ Auto Tops
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