Lebaron Bonney Disappointment

[Lona]

In spite of their past good reputation for products and service, I am very disappointed with Lebaron Bonney. The installation instruction that came with my new '31 Roadster top are very amateurish with hand sketches that are difficult to understand and descriptions that do not completely explain some of the important steps. I called them this morning for some advice on forming the top over the rounded corners at the front header but was told the person who used to answer technical questions recently retired. I was given the option of leaving my number so that one of the shop workers could call me back tomorrow but chose not to because, from experience, these messages usually go unanswered. Anyway, I am on a deadline to get this top finished and can't afford the gamble that someone might or might not call me back.

Please, if anyone has experience installing this top, I would really appreciate some advice. The problem is how to form and staple the top at the header corners without the fabric bunching up which happens if you follow their directions. Marco's site has some good photos of how it should look when finished but I can't find any photos of how it's done.

Glen

[Del in NE Ohio]

First, based on my experience with L/B, I would expect that you will get a return phone call. If you go to their website, they have a pretty good video of a top being installed on a 31 Deluxe Roadster.

[Lona]

Del,

Thanks for the quick reply. I have seen the video and they do show the corners being stapled with the fabric bunched up but don't show how the gathered or bunched up fabric is eliminated with the corners made smooth.
Glen

[1crosscut]

Lona I feel your pain in regards to their instructions. The kits that I have gotten from them have been very good but the instructions they send with them are pathetic.
Their illustrator must be from the 3rd grade class at the local school plus they must have lost the originals long ago and are making copies from 5th or 6th generation copies.
It amazes me that a company of this size and reputation gives such poor instructions with their kits.

Okay I'm getting off of my soap box now...

[C26Pinelake]

I personally would have left my number. What did you have to lose ? My experience is contrary to yours as LB has always and I repeat always returned calls when promised ! Wayne

[BlueSunoco]

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We have an L/B top on the Roadster and I really like it, I didn't put it on but whoever did, did a fine job.

Maybe call Car-Douche and ask them for a set of their instructions Just don't buy their product!

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by bluesunoco

we have an l/b top on the roadster and i really like it, i didn't put it on but whoever did, did a fine job.

Maybe call car-douche and ask them for a set of their instructions just don't buy their product!

lmao x2
GARBAGE

[burner31]

"Car-Douche"...that's hilarious.
Are they really that bad?
I'm nowhere near ready to start installing an interior, but it's nice to know which product to get when the time comes.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by burner31

"Car-Douche"...that's hilarious.
Are they really that bad?
I'm nowhere near ready to start installing an interior, but it's nice to know which product to get when the time comes.

YES i can prove it with pics of my interior

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

We have an L/B top on the Roadster and I really like it, I didn't put it on but whoever did, did a fine job.

Maybe call Car-Douche and ask them for a set of their instructions Just don't buy their product!

i think i am the originator of that term but u can use it
i did not patent it yet

[miff]

You have to work (pull fabric) towards the front and corner at the same time . Stay tacking the fabric close to the edge so that the hidden will cover any tack holes. It will take some time . I used a pliers be very careful .the top fabric doesn't have much give. It will conform to the shape of the corner. Again I caution you on using the pliers. You tear the top fabric and that will mess up a good day . Take your time.

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i think i am the originator of that term but u can use it
i did not patent it yet

You may well have if so, thanks for letting me use the term

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by miff

You have to work (pull fabric) towards the front and corner at the same time . Stay tacking the fabric close to the edge so that the hidden will cover any tack holes. It will take some time . I used a pliers be very careful .the top fabric doesn't have much give. It will conform to the shape of the corner. Again I caution you on using the pliers. You tear the top fabric and that will mess up a good day . Take your time.

miff..... seems like I saw a picture once of a guy with a special set of pliers for this job,,,, had a set of jaws about 4-5 inches across like a Hammerhead Shark like looking setup I could see where regular pliers would probably tear the fabric

[Bob/Kansas City]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

.....It amazes me that a company of this size and reputation gives such poor instructions with their kits....

X 2 on that !! They really need to work on their instruction sheets. I've bought two kits from them so far and am always left frustrated with the lack of specific details. If Doug - the tech help guy - has retired I hope they will replace him with someone as helpful !

[rowens55]

Sheet metal workers use flat jawed pliers about 3 1/2" wide. Made by Wiss. You can get em at Home Depot. Like 12 bucks......

[Dan Ewing]

I purchased a 31 top kit from LB and also agonized over the instructions. I looked at their video many times (terrible background music) and went back over the instructions several times. I also called them and had a good chat with their installer who I felt did the best he could at answering my questions. However, in the end I did not have a clear enough understanding of the tricks and traps that goes with this task to dive into the effort and risk the possibility of buying another top after I total screwed this one up.

I have done all my own work with my roadster which I've had going on 11 years but sheet metal work and upholstery are not my strong points.

So, what I wound up doing was checking with LB for a shop that was on their recommended list for their kit installation. I have decided to go with someone experienced with this and familiar with LB kits instead of on-the-job training at my expense.

[Mitch//pa]

i once called a local shop that was listed on the LB web site as a certified installer... it turns out its a one bay garage at a house and he would need the car a month as it was not his full time gig.. no i dont think so leaving a freshly built car there.... be very careful as it seems anyone can get approved and listed on the site

oh and to top it off he only did a couple A's

i just looked and its still listed the only one in PA lol just great

[BlueSunoco]

I asked a fellow in SoCal years ago for a recommendation on a paint and body shop for a Mustang. He told me 'Take it down to Mexico they do outstanding work and for a LOT lot less than a shop up here. Gave me a name and address of a shop near Tijuana.

I'm sure a number of Mexicans could do very good work, they are pretty good in upholstery and such too BUT who would want to take the chance that your car 'disappeared' never to be seen again especially in one piece!

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

I asked a fellow in SoCal years ago for a recommendation on a paint and body shop for a Mustang. He told me 'Take it down to Mexico they do outstanding work and for a LOT lot less than a shop up here. Gave me a name and address of a shop near Tijuana.

I'm sure a number of Mexicans could do very good work, they are pretty good in upholstery and such too BUT who would want to take the chance that your car 'disappeared' never to be seen again especially in one piece!

FORGET the car you may disappear...

[miff]

BlueSonoco, they are called webbing /canvas stretchers the jaw sizes are 3.1/8and 1/1.2if that is any help . Some times warning or steaming the fabric helps. But be very careful not to burn the fabric. If you use a steam iron hold the iron up off the canvas and let the steam blown down on the canvas. Be careful not to touch any painted surfaces . The steam will soften the paint. OJust keep pulling the fabric over the corner. Work one side and then the other . Contine to work back and forth (side to side) till you get where you want it. It takes effort . Also be sure the top bows are sure cured and in the right place on the car . Leave it sure cured until you are finished with the corners. I hope this has been helpful.

[CarlG]

I'm pretty sure that the interior of my PU was done in TJ. It looks beautiful, it's just that the dimensions aren't quite right, it sits way too high, and the seat is as hard as bricks (or so my wife tells me).

[LopezCarguy]

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]

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

[neds29]

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

[Brian T]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I'm pretty sure that the interior of my PU was done in TJ. It looks beautiful, it's just that the dimensions aren't quite right, it sits way too high, and the seat is as hard as bricks (or so my wife tells me).

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.

[Lona]

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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

[Henry1953]

I installed my LB interior in the 90's and didn't have any troubles. I know my coupe top was an easier install than some but everything fit properly. I don't remember having any issues with the instructions.

[2manycars]

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).

[Jacksonlll]

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=yEa1...cz4R0&index=37

[Jacksonlll]

Sorry guys. Put the wrong link up.
Here is the link to the top video.
http://youtu.be/yEa1tyxB-cg

[Jeff P. / MN]

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.