Pro-Rated Warranty Information
Rev. December 19, 2008

All Robbins convertible Tops, Glass and *Plastic Windows, Tonneau Covers, Headliners, Top Boots and related products are guaranteed to be free of defects in materials and workmanship at the time of shipment from our plant. We offer pro-rated warranties for our products of up to 3-years for Tops and Glass Windows and 1-year for Tonneau Covers, Top Boots and Headliners, based on the type of topping in which our product is made, and the length of time our product has been installed. We guarantee our workmanship and offer protection against failure in toppings such as cracking, delamination, severe discoloration (except lighter colors of GR German Cloth toppings for which no warranty is available) during the pro-rated warranty period. All warranty consideration is based on the date of original purchase and/or installation, except where otherwise specified. The warranty period does not extend upon installation of warranty replacement products. See the “Labor Warranty” segment below for labor warranty information.

Our Warranty does not cover damage caused to our products by failure to properly operate a convertible top and glass or plastic window by not following the procedures outlined in your owner’s manual. Our warranty furthermore does not cover any damage caused by abuse whether accidental or intentional, or damage which may occur during installation of our products; or caused by failure to use or replace pads, side cables, rain rails or other original components; or by use of improper cleaning techniques or cleaners. Warranty is void if sewn in tag with serial number is removed from the product.

Glass Windows

There is no warranty against breakage of glass windows since we have no control over the use and treatment of glass windows during or after installation. We do however offer a 3-year warranty (Robbins part only) against failure of the bond of the sport topping to the glass, and failure in the topping that would cause the glass window not to operate correctly. Folding Glass windows that use our Flex-Hinge, U.S. Patent 4,799,727 are also covered under our pro-rated warranty from the date of installation. See the “Labor Warranty” segment below for labor warranty information.

Notice: Application of window tint to glass windows in our convertible tops and glass window assemblies voids our warranty. Window tint (or the installation process) can damage heater defroster grid lines and cause other damage to the glass.

Plastic Windows (Including those manufactured into convertible tops)

We offer no warranty for scratches, cracking or degradation for Plastic Windows, because no clear flexible plastic is available to us which can withstand the harmful effects of UV light and the atmospheric chemicals found in smog, smoke, dust, fog, etc.; and we have no control over the use and treatment of plastic windows during or after installation. We do however offer a 1-year warranty (Robbins part only) against failure of the bond of the sport topping to the plastic, and failure in the topping that would cause the window not to operate correctly. Frequent cleaning however will prolong the service life of plastic windows. It is advised not to operate convertible tops with plastic windows in temperatures below 41°F (5°C) unless otherwise specified in your owner’s manual. Please consult our Tradition of Excellence Brochure for proper cleaning techniques for plastic windows. See the “Labor Warranty” segment below for labor warranty information. *Plastic Window Shelf Life: Products made with plastic windows cannot be returned or exchanged after one year following the date originally shipped from our plant. Warranty for plastic window products expires 1 year after the date shipped from our plant.

Headliners, Top Boots, Tonneau Covers

We offer a 1-Year Warranty for these products regardless of the type of topping or headlining material in which they are made, unless specified otherwise at time of purchase. We do not offer a labor warranty for these products.

Warning

Damage caused by failure to properly operate a Convertible Top, Tonneau Cover, etc. is the sole responsibility of the purchaser. Most damage of this nature occurs when convertibles are loaned to friends or relatives who are unfamiliar with convertibles. An example of this type of damage is when late MGB tops tear because the fasteners were not released before the top was lowered. The most common cause of Glass Window breakage is obstruction of the glass during raising or lowering. Before lowering any Convertible Top make sure the storage compartment is free of any foreign object such as beach towels, school books, toys, etc. In convertibles with soft wells (pouch type storage compartments) be sure nothing is underlying the well, and that everything in the trunk is secured. (Spare tires, tools, cartons, etc., can shift and cause problems the next time the top is lowered or raised.).

Other causes of glass breakage can be metal top frame components which are out of alignment. If you notice any irregular movement, stiffness, or other problem in lowering or raising your top, immediately take your convertible to an automotive Trim and Upholstery Shop, or if your convertible is still under new car warranty, to the dealer to have the frame mechanism inspected. One last cause of Glass Window breakage in late model convertibles is the poor design of rear seats. Over time in some new convertibles the rear seat backrest can be bent out of shape, and as a result Glass Window can snag on the rear seat backrest and shatter when the top is raised or lowered. We recommend strongly that you always watch carefully as you raise and lower your convertible top and glass rear window to avoid experiencing the sorts of problems described.

Exclusions From Limited Warranty

Knots and Minor Blemishes, Direction of Weave in Cloth Toppings: Small knots and blemishes can occur in all cloth toppings due to limitations in the capabilities of the looms which weave the cloth. We cut our tops to obtain optimum stretch for decks, quarters and reinforcements to insure the best fit and long service life. However when we cut cloth toppings with directional weaves such as the twill weaves used in our Sun-Fast "G", Twillfast, or German Cloth toppings, decks and quarters may have weaves cut in different directions to obtain the best fit for our products.

Normal Color Fading and Shrinkage: All sport toppings, vinyl or cloth, will experience some color fading and normal shrinkage over time. Robbins cannot be held responsible for this unavoidable "aging" process.

Damage Caused by Worn or Defective Top Frames, Flawed Design of Tops and Top Frames by OEM Manufacturers: Robbins is not responsible for damage to our products, or to the convertibles on which they are installed, resulting from worn, bent or otherwise defective top frames; or defective or missing straps, pads, cables, deep well liner, or other components. Examples: 1997-02 Porsche Boxster, 1987-95 LeBaron, 1989 Mustang, 2005-09 Mustang, 1987-95 BMW 3-Series, 1990-94 Capri, 1990-2002 Mercedes SL, and many other convertibles may have problems which are inherent in the basic design, for which we cannot be held responsible. Vehicle manufacturers generally release TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) outlining inherent problems with vehicles and recommend solutions. TSB's may be obtained from an authorized dealer or third party source such as AllData.com.

Damage Caused by failure to install side cables or other components, or Incorrect Installation: Robbins cannot be held responsible for damage to our products, or to the top frame, interior, body, or other area of the convertible; caused by failure to use, correctly install or replace side or rear cables, weatherseals, rain rails, top and quarter pads, straps, rain rails, fasteners or other components installed as original equipment by the convertible manufacturer. Robbins furthermore is not responsible for damage to our products or the convertible on which they are installed caused by use of incorrect tools or improper installation procedures.

Improper Cleaning or Abuse: Any damage to our products caused by improper cleaning techniques, or use of inappropriate cleaning solutions or solvents; or damage caused by customer abuse whether accidental or intentional, is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Zippers, Fasteners and other Hardware: Always treat zippers and fasteners with care since No Warranty is available from zipper or fastener manufacturers. Always unlatch top at front before unzipping, or zipping window closed on any convertible top, glass or plastic window, unless instructed differently in an Owners Manual or Installation Guide such as for our Miata tops with glass windows. We can guarantee only that zippers, fasteners and other hardware are free of defects at the time of shipment, since we have no control over the use of these items during or after installation.

Thread: Threads currently offered do not offer the color fastness of vinyls, Robbins Sun-Fast, Sun-Fast "G", or Haartz Twillfast cloth sport toppings; and will fade over time. Our black thread offers the highest resistance to fading over any black thread in use, but may fade slightly over time.

Additional Terms and Conditions

Any alteration, modification, substitution of components, etc. that in any manner alters the appearance or the way in which our products function, automatically voids our Warranty protection. Robbins limited warranty applies to the original purchaser of our products. Any sale or transfer of the vehicle to another party may void our warranty. The warranty card included with the product should be completed and returned to Robbins Auto Top Company. For the Limited Warranty to be valid you must retain a copy of the retail receipt from the automotive trim and upholstery shop clearly indicating the ROBBINS product which was installed on your vehicle. The receipt must be submitted with any warranty claim. Warranty is void if sewn in tag with serial number is removed from the product.
Robbins cannot be held responsible for damage caused by Acts of God such as flooding, hail storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. There are no additional warranties or guarantees expressed or implied, beyond what is described above. We furthermore do not authorize others to make any claims of merchantability, warranty, fitness, etc., of our products other than what is described herein.

To help ensure proper fit and finish, and protect the convertible owner’s investment, Robbins products should be installed by Professional Installers only. Our warranty does not cover damage or improper fit resulting from incorrect installation, failure to re-install necessary components, or failure to replace worn or damaged components (cables, straps, pads, brackets, etc.) in order for the top to function properly.

Professional Installers have the tools, skills, adhesives, knowledge and experience to install our products correctly. The Installation Guidelines supplied with some of our products are not complete step by step instructions—they alert professional installers to special steps that are required when installing specific products. Installation Guidelines are not offered for all products. Technical Support is offered only for Distributors and Professional Installers. Technical Support does not offer step by step installation guidance. Robbins Auto Top Company cannot be held liable for any damage or injury sustained while installing our products. To find a Preferred Installer near you visit www.robbinsautotop.com and click on the “Installers” link.

Convertible Owner Warranty Claim Procedures

Our policy is that any warranty adjustment made will be pro-rated based on the length of time our product has been installed (from the date of installation to the date the claim is submitted to Robbins). Claims cannot be made retroactive. Should a defect be found in our product, the convertible owner must immediately submit a warranty claim to the automotive trim and upholstery shop or automotive specialist where our product was installed and/or purchased. The trim shop will in turn contact the distributor from which they purchased our product, which will immediately forward the request to us.

Products in which a defect is found will be repaired or replaced at our discretion. While this is not required in all instances, Robbins reserves the right to require that any item for which a warranty claim is filed be returned to us for inspection before any warranty adjustment is allowed. A copy of your retail receipt from the automotive trim and upholstery shop which installed our product on your convertible, or receipt from the automotive specialist from which it was purchased, clearly stating the sale/installation of the Robbins product reported, and it’s serial number (packaged with product, and located on sewn in tag and barcode label), must be submitted with your Warranty Claim. Warranty is void if sewn in tag with serial number is removed from the product. We stand behind our products, and while we must protect against abuse and negligence, customer satisfaction is the number one priority of our warranty policy.

NoDIY

NOTICE: To help ensure proper fit and finish, and protect the convertible owner’s investment, Robbins products should be installed by Professional Installers only. Our warranty does not cover damage or improper fit resulting from incorrect installation, failure to re-install necessary components, or failure to replace worn or damaged components (cables, straps, pads, brackets, etc.) in order for the top to function properly.

Upholstery and Trim Shop Warranty Claim and Return Procedures

  1. Each Robbins manufactured product has a Serial Number on a barcode label and/or a sewn in product label. Please peel the barcode label from the product and attach it to the customer’s receipt, or clearly write the number located on the back of the sewn in tag, on the receipt.
  2. Should a defect be found in one of our products, immediately contact the Distributor from which our product was purchased and provide them with a detailed description of the problem, the serial number (found on the sewn in tag and barcode label), part number, material type and color, date of installation, copy of invoice/receipt of purchase, and year-make-model of vehicle on which the product was installed. While this is not necessary in all instances, Robbins reserves the right to inspect products in which a defect has been reported before credit can be issued.
  3. Your distributor will contact Robbins and provide us with a completed Warranty Request Form containing the information you provided them with, along with the name, address, telephone number of your shop, and their invoice/receipt of purchase. Robbins will review the information immediately and take appropriate action. If the product is to be returned and/or replaced a Return Authorization Number will be issued to the distributor to relay to your shop.
  4. 4. Robbins pays for UPS ground shipping, or equivalent, for shipment of replacement products within the USA only. Replacement products we ship within the USA's 48 contiguous states *will include a UPS Return Label on or in the box, to expedite the return of products for inspection and subsequent credit. The Return Authorization Number must be clearly written on the box and on all related paperwork sent with returned item *UPS Return Labels are not issued for returns where Robbins is not at fault (ordered wrong, etc.). The customer is responsible for product return, and credit is dependant upon inspection of the returned product.
  5. To obtain credit, Trim Shops must provide a copy of the invoice/receipt from the Distributor from which they purchased the product of claim, a copy of the retail receipt to the convertible owner, to substantiate the date our product was installed; and return the product to Robbins with the RA number written on the box. Failure to provide a copy of the invoice or receipt can result in no credit being issued. Photographs may be required to substantiate claims upon requests for RA numbers and before issuing credit.
  6. Our product must be folded carefully and returned in the original or Robbins provided box, in the same manner in which it was received. Special attention must be given to tops with plastic windows, and plastic rear window assemblies. Always pack with tissue covering both sides of window, and fold without creasing window.
  7. All fasteners, parts and other hardware must be returned with our product.
  8. Glass windows must be carefully packed with bubble pack and returned in original or Robbins provided box to avoid breakage during shipment.
  9. All returned products are inspected before any credit is issued, and may be subject to a minimum 10% restocking charge.
  10. Items which we sell fewer than 10 (ten) of per year, and items made in non-original colors and toppings, are non-returnable.
  11. Items which are past their warranty period are non-returnable.
  12. Manufacturer reserves the right to void all warranties unless product is received in original or Robbins provided box, and distributor invoices/receipts and retail customer receipts indicating date of installation of Robbins products are submitted.
  13. Robbins will not accept delivery of items shipped to us without a Return Authorization (RA) Number, or items shipped to us C.O.D.

Labor Warranty

Labor Credit will be issued for warranty claims filed within the first twelve months after installation of our product, after the item has been returned to Robbins for inspection and the warranty claim validated. No Labor Credit will be issued for warranty claims filed after the twelfth month following the date of installation of the originally purchased product. It is the Trim Shop’s responsibility to claim any labor credit. Labor Credits must be taken within six months after the date we receive the warranty claim, after which time the claim will be closed. Returning the warranty card packaged with a warranty replacement product does not establish a new warranty. Labor credit is not offered for replacement of products which were not originally installed by a professional trim shop. All Labor Credits will be issued to the automotive trim and upholstery shop performing the warranty replacement. All Labor Credits are issued in the form of products, usually a convertible top made in vinyl, of our choice.