• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

How OEM+ Encourages Professional Installation of Convertible Tops

January 28, 2025 By Johnny Dekirmendjian

The Hog Ring - How OEM+ Encourages Professional Installation of Convertible Tops

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!

Related Stories:

  • OEM+ Auto Tops is Setting a High Standard in Aftermarket Tops
  • OEM+ Sponsors The Hog Ring!
  • Learn to Install Convertible Tops with this New Book

Johnny Dekirmendjian is Marketing & Customer Relations Manager at OEM+ Auto Tops

Filed Under: Archive, Site Sponsors Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Convertible Top, DIY Upholstery, OEM+ Auto Tops

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Hyde Leather
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Albright's Supply
  • Keyston Bros
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery News - Brent Parker Motor Trimming Door Panels

Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 3

Over the last few weeks, we’ve followed … [more] about Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 3

How to Sew Hexagon Pleats

Last month there was a lot of talk within our … [more] about How to Sew Hexagon Pleats

Top 10 Wacky Car Interiors

We auto upholsterers have seen it all - from … [more] about Top 10 Wacky Car Interiors

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Stitches Custom Auto Upholstery

Shop Profile: Stitches Custom Upholstery

Tony Miller of Stitches Custom Auto … [more] about Shop Profile: Stitches Custom Upholstery

The Hog Ring - Heres Where to Find Owners Manuals for Classic Cars

Where to Find the Owner’s Manual for a Classic Car

Are you restoring a classic car and need the … [more] about Where to Find the Owner’s Manual for a Classic Car

The Hog Ring - Watch Carlex Design Customize a Nissan GT-R

Watch Carlex Design Trim a Nissan GT-R

Mondays can be a drag — especially those that … [more] about Watch Carlex Design Trim a Nissan GT-R

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Hydes Leather Introduces Their 3D Mesh Spacer Fabric
  • Choosing the Right Grommet for Long Lasting Performance
  • Chinese Automaker Patents Slide Out Toilet for Drivers Who Can’t Hold It
  • The Foam and Adhesives Industry’s Biggest Event Returns in June
  • A Porsche Master Upholsterer is Retiring After 40 Years

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in