Lebaron Bonney Disappointment
- Thread starter Lona
- Start date
LopezCarguy
Senior Member
I know the majority of people like Labarron Bonney, I had terrible time with them, and still having trouble getting a couple small pieces of top material to trim out top...they never call back and you have to leave message with sales lady who does not know diddly...all in all for $2,300.00 I would have expected better customer support...
1931 flamingo
Well-known member
LONA: Is there a local auto top shop near you?? Perhaps they could make a house call? I know it's "fun" to do everything yourself BUT if you're up against a deadline.....................
Paul in CT
Paul in CT
I'm totally 100% surprised to read a complaint about LeBaron- Bonney! I installed one of their kits in my '29 roadster back in the early '70's, and have seen and spoken with many owners since then, and have dealt with them many times since. They are simply the best.
If you don't have enough experience to follow their instructions, then rather than whine and flame then about it, take it to a professional.
Finally, go to Amesbury and take a tour of their plant. I know you'll be impressed.
Ned
If you don't have enough experience to follow their instructions, then rather than whine and flame then about it, take it to a professional.
Finally, go to Amesbury and take a tour of their plant. I know you'll be impressed.
Ned
Brian T
Well-known member
The stories I heard years ago that some TJ upholstery shops packed the seats with sand instead of padding, so if you see a small hole develop that looks like an hour glass then you will know where it done.
Last edited:
Lona
Well-known member
Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I'm not the only one with complaints about LB instructions and customer service. Pulling both ways at the same time with pliers as suggested (carefully) is working out ok. I did not think of that.
When told by one of the LB staff that nobody in the office could answer installation questions, that the person who used to do this retired and has not been replaced, and that she would get one of the shop workers to call me back sometime the following day, to me reflected a serious lack of effective customer interest and support. Sorry if some think I overreacted but I was not asking a complicated question....just trying to get clarification on an installation point not adequately explained in their own instructions.
As I suspected they would, the forum responded quickly with suggestions and I thank you for your interest and support.
Glen
When told by one of the LB staff that nobody in the office could answer installation questions, that the person who used to do this retired and has not been replaced, and that she would get one of the shop workers to call me back sometime the following day, to me reflected a serious lack of effective customer interest and support. Sorry if some think I overreacted but I was not asking a complicated question....just trying to get clarification on an installation point not adequately explained in their own instructions.
As I suspected they would, the forum responded quickly with suggestions and I thank you for your interest and support.
Glen
2manycars
Well-known member
I was an authorized installer for many years when I ran my restoration shop. The product is superior, and the instuctions are poor. Doug not only answered tech questions, he was the IT guy as well, and was busy as a one armed paper hanger. He was there over 40 years, and was a top quality installer. I can understand his desire to retire, I did it myself. They never gave him the time to re write the instructions, which are really geared to experienced installers. They hired a kid to train under him, but the kid did not have the dedication, and they let him go.
If you think the installation is too difficult, take it to an installer. You would not rebuild your own engine by just buying a kit, would you? (well most of you).
If you think the installation is too difficult, take it to an installer. You would not rebuild your own engine by just buying a kit, would you? (well most of you).
Attachments
Jacksonlll
Well-known member
I did mine a few months ago and it came out OK. There is a big experience factor. Next one I do would be a lot better. On the corner, pull down hard like in the video. Chase any fold around the side and if you pull hard enough, you might not have a fold.
One big thing I messed up on is on the rear bow. Be sure, when you put on the top deck, that it overlaps the rear panel material. That means the staples and trim must be in the right place. The instructions led me to believe the staples are both lined up on the edge of the bow. Overlap to keep the rain out.
I assume you are using staples that won't rust. A Must !!!
Here is the link to a video I made when I was doing mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEa1tyxB-cg&list=PLhL36Rc6o5MI5gsZreCrIa0r_fFQcz4R0&index=37
One big thing I messed up on is on the rear bow. Be sure, when you put on the top deck, that it overlaps the rear panel material. That means the staples and trim must be in the right place. The instructions led me to believe the staples are both lined up on the edge of the bow. Overlap to keep the rain out.
I assume you are using staples that won't rust. A Must !!!
Here is the link to a video I made when I was doing mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEa1tyxB-cg&list=PLhL36Rc6o5MI5gsZreCrIa0r_fFQcz4R0&index=37
Last edited:
Jacksonlll
Well-known member
Jeff P. / MN
Senior Member
I have used all the major upholstery suppliers, LB, Classtique and Cartouche, on seven different Model A's and three Model T's, all with satisfactory results. Doug was especially helpful, sorry to see him retire. One needs to be a little self reliant when installing tops and interiors as instructions are very general. As Jacksonlll states, the experience factor really comes into play.