Has It Been THAT Long?

Thanks to an unexpected infusion of capital, I was able to get a new soft top for the Jeep. The stitching on the current one has snapped. The stitching holes are cracking so having the top restitched would only mean it would rip along the stitch line. The driver's side half door zipper broke and to just have the zipper fixed was $250. Since it doesn't close, I duct tape it shut. The top itself has ripped along fold lines. Driving down the road at 65 mph is an exercise in wind management. Essentially, wear a hat and, in this weather, ear muffs, because it gets windy. In short, it's falling apart.

So, I went to the web site of the company where I got the first top, Quadratec.com. The sheer number of Jeep tops was a bit overwhelming but they had a service whereby I could talk to a customer service rep while in the catalogue. I really like that opportunity. You have the catalogue up in front of you. You can look at the item, ask the questions and get immediate feedback.

"Artie" helped me find the soft tops for my vehicle. I mentioned that I was replacing a top I had purchased from them many years ago. He located my original order and said, "Here's the link to the same top and a good quality top at a cheaper price. You ordered your current top in 2005."

What? It's been over 7 years since I replaced the original white top that came with the Jeep when I bought it! I paid about $600 for the top I'm replacing. I would say I got my money's worth.

So, I bought the good quality but cheaper priced top. If it lasts half as long as the current one, it's a good value. The problem now is finding people to help me swap tops. My brother will do it but he's in Iowa and I don't think my knees will let me drive that far. It's an easy swap as everything is velcro, but I can't do it myself.

I'm excited. This is just in time for winter, just in time to make that wind in your hair a thing of the past.

Beverage:  Huckleberry tea

Deb