Author Topic: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?  (Read 5362 times)

sdkar

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Hey guys,

Well, I am looking at the offerings for boot covers for my convertible, and they all look great in the photos, but which one will fit the best?  I see some for about a hundred bucks and some for over two hundred.  I don't mind spending the money, but I have learned that sometimes the most expensive is not better...it's just more expensive.  I have the clips from my original boot, so I don't care if the boot I buy comes with them or not.  I see TMI makes one, PUI makes one, and I read that PUI is better and then somewhere else someone says PUI stinks. 

So, has anyone actually bought a boot and is happy with the way it fits?  Would you recommend it or say pass?  Let me know.

Thanks,

Steve

sdkar

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2017, 04:25:26 PM »
Okay, from what I am finding out, there are three manufacturers.  PUI, TMI and Distinctive Industries.  I called D&R Classics, Ricks, and Classic, and despite my asking for the person most qualified to answer questions about the quality of convertible top boots, I seem to only get people whose knowledge extends to reading me the same description they have on their website.  I asked about if the welt piping is extruded nylon or twisted paper, the thickness of the material, the padding, etc. and I might have well spoken latin, as they had no clue and could refer me to no one else who might know. 

I have to wonder.  Do these supposed specialists in selling Camaro parts not have any clue as to what they are selling.  I mean, I am sure at one point, they made a decision to sell a certain brand over the other, and was that choice made by who offered the greatest profit margin or best quality for the customer.  Don't answer that...I know the answer.  Anyway, if there is someone at these places that has touched, felt, tested, and compared one over the others, I am unable to reach them. 

Another odd thing I have found is that D&R sells three different boots for the 69 Camaro convertible.  They are the following. 

1.  CG0013-Orange - Boot Convertible Top, with Clips, Orange 69
https://www.drclassic.com/catalog/Camaro/Convertible/CG0013-ORANGE.html

2.  CG0017-ORN - Boot, Convertible Top, with Clips, Orange 69
https://www.drclassic.com/catalog/Camaro/Convertible/CG0017-ORN.html

3.  CG0020-ORANGE - Boot Convertible Top, OE Style, Orange 67-69
https://www.drclassic.com/catalog/Camaro/Convertible/CG0020-ORANGE.html

Yet when I call them to ask the difference, they state that the 3rd one which sells for $159.95, is OE Style and does not have clips.  They said the other two come with clips, but the difference they believe is in the thickness.  They also stated that all three are PUI brand only and they do NOT sell any other manufacturer.  Yet, when I called PUI directly, they stated that they only sell one type of boot cover.  There is no OE style, there is no thickness difference, and if the boot is from PUI, it is the same as any other boot from PUI from any other retailer.  I tried to clarify this with D&R, but anything I could say was lost on them, and they would only repeat the wording from the website that I could read for myself. 

So many choices, so many wildly differences in price, and no one seems to know what they are selling. 

So, the first person who has something nice to say about any manufacturers boot that they have purchased, and liked the way it fit and so on, that is the one I will buy.  And if anyone who has anything to add about this topic, or is in the know, or is from any of the manufacturers or suppliers or retailers that has important info to pass on, it would be greatly appreciated. 

Steve



 





sdkar

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2017, 05:39:11 PM »
So, here is the latest on my endeavor to purchase a new convertible top boot for my 69 Pace car.  I didn't order the most expensive one that was advertised as "OE Style", as again, PUI stated that they only make one boot cover and all are of good quality.  PUI could not tell me of any difference between their boot covers, as they sell only one. 

The boot cover I ordered from the list above was the bottom one, as I could not see spending the extra money for what D&R says is a slightly thicker boot cover, when PUI says that all boot covers they make are equal.  I ordered the boot cover that said it included clips, which was important since my original cover had several broken clips. 

The boot comes in the mail, and at first, looked okay, but two things were of issue.  First, the foam on the back side is an absolute joke.  I still have my factory original boot, and the foam underneath is about an inch thick on each end where the cover goes over the frame rails and latches.  The center portion that covers only the top, the underside foam is about half an inch thick.  Well, the new boot cover isn't even 1/8" thick throughout the entire underside of the boot.  It looks like the material you would find on a cheap disposable diaper, and I am being very generous by saying it's even 1/8" thick, if that.  It is so thin, that when installed, you can see every pressure point and the latches look like they are going to poke thru in no time.  It looked bad.  After seeing this, I am willing to bet that the OE style boot they sell, is the exact same boot cover as PUI claims, but somewhere along the way, installed is a much thicker foam backing. 

In any case, a trip to Joann Fabrics, and I now have the exact same foam as my OE cover, for under $5.  I used my original boot cover as a template, cut to fit, some spray glue, and I now have an perfectly matched OE style boot cover, that is the proper thickness, and looks and fits much better.

Now, my second issue.  The boot sent to me, came without any clips.  When I checked back to D&R's website, the words "with clips" had been removed from the boot cover I purchased.  Luckily, I had taken a screen shot of it at the time I placed my order.  When I looked at my copy of the exact same part, it had the words "with clips" right there, in the title, in big bold black lettering.  Same exact part number, same price, everything the same, only now the words, "with clips" removed.  Someone changed the website. 

So, I called and spoke to Dottie and told her what I have discovered.  Sadly, I was not met with concern or sympathy, but instead, a cold uncaring statement telling me that the website was incorrect, it has since been corrected, and that it was too bad for me.  I stated that I did not think this fair, in which I was quickly reminded that there is a disclaimer in small print stating that prices may change with out notice.  - "The price quoted here is subject to change without notice." 

I responded by saying that I understand pricing changes, but it was not the price I took issue with, but instead, the item, being changed from one that included clips to one that no longer included clips.  The price did not change, the item they sent me did.  Furthermore, they made this change AFTER I placed my order, and never told me what they were doing. 

Dottie insisted that this change was proper, and that I did not deserve clips.  She even accused me of trying to take advantage of her by stating I should have known that the price I paid would not include clips. 

Anyway, in the spirit of trying to be fair and settle this quickly, I asked what it would cost for her to send me a set of clips.  I was told it would be the difference between the boot cover I bought and the price of the next boot cover up, less 10% website discount.  So, in the name of fairness, I offered to pay this and asked what the total charge would come out to.  I did my own quick calculations, and came up with somewhere between $25 and $30.  (109.95 - 79.00 = 30.95 at 10% off = $27.85. 

Yet, when a price was quoted back to me, I was told it would be almost $40 plus additional shipping on top of that, which would be another $15 or so.  This comes to about $50+ dollar or so, which is a far cry from what I had calculated.  I stated that this seemed quite high and not what I had expected.  Dottie stated she may be able to do something with the shipping, but reminded me that the website had now been corrected and that is what I must go by, despite my objections that when I bought the item, the website showed clips included.  I was again reminded that they can change prices at any time the want, and owe me nothing when they do so. 

Also, bear in mind, as shown in my post above, I called D&R PRIOR to making my purchase, and had asked specifically about each part number, and what I could expect from each one.  I was not told that the boot cover I ordered would not include clips.  In fact, I was told that the most expensive cover, the one they sell for $159.95 does not include clips, but is a higher quality boot cover than the lower two.  I was told that the two lesser expensive covers included clips, and was even referred to website, as they both stated “with clips”.  At no time during my questioning, was I told that the boot cover I ended up buying would not come with clips. 

So, it came down to my having two options, pay the extra $50 or so dollars for them to send me a set of clips, or return the item.  I told Dottie I would simply return the cover.  While discussing this, I was told that I would not only have to pay for the return shipping, but that I would not be reimbursed for this cost, nor would I receive a refund for the initial shipping I paid to have the item shipped to me.  This alone comes to over $40.  Also, as shown in their policy, I would be subject to a 20% restocking fee.  So, in order to return this boot cover, it was going to cost me approximately $57, give or take a buck.  A big hit if you ask me, and for something where I did nothing wrong. 

I told Dottie I did not think I was being treated fairly at all, to which she reminded me that she has the right to change the price, and not reimburse me for shipping charges, and all of this was properly outlined in their policies, to which I should have been familiar with.  Her attitude was anything but pleasant, and in fact, she seemed annoyed by my concern and her having to deal with me. 

At this point, I became upset over being treated so poorly, and informed Dottie that I had a copy of the website page showing the boot cover, and that it did indeed show it would include clips.  I stated that I did nothing wrong, and that if I was going to be forced to either pay $50 or so for a set of clips, or almost $58in order to return the boot back to them, that I would instead choose a third option.  This option would be to dispute the charges with my credit card company, send them a copy of the webpage showing the boot with a title stating “with Clips”, along with my story as to what happened, as let them make the determination over what is proper and who deserves what. 

Dottie became even more irate, and stated that I was trying to take advantage and get something for free.  I responded by stating very matter of factly, I was not trying to get anything for free, but simply what I bargained for.  She said the website stating "with clips" was a mistake and it has since been fixed, to which I replied that I did not think it fair I should have to pay for THEIR mistake.  The only thing I did was select a boot cover that said it came with clips, put it in my shopping cart, and checked out.  Where could anyone point out, that I made a mistake?  What did I do wrong that warranted me having to pay $50 or more dollars in order to correct or return their mistake?  I then reiterated that it was up to Dottie what I did next, but in no way was I going to take that kind of hit when I did absolutely nothing wrong. 

At this point, Dottie snidely remarked that she would send out clips to me.  She said nothing more, and hung up the phone.  I said Thank you, but I have no idea if she heard it, as I heard no response, and after a while, my phone indicated that the call had been disconnected. 

Now I have to wonder if I will indeed get the clips promised or not.  I was not given any confirmation o any response whatsoever that indicated that the promise to send them would be fulfilled…just a dial tone.  I have to ask.  Did I do anything wrong here.  Should I have paid the money requested for the clips?  Should I have made the return and took the $50+ dollar or so hit?  Should I have to go through an ordeal like this in order to do business with someone when it they who made the mistake?  Is this a common occurrence?  I understand that service is all but dead these days, and mistakes happen…but this really seems insane. 

Still, I wonder, am I allowed to purchase anything from D&R ever again, or have I been black listed?  In any case, I will update this and let everyone know if I ever received the clips or not. 

vtfb68

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2017, 06:59:59 PM »
Steve,
 You did nothing wrong, I have been following your quest as I am going to be there soon myself. I would have asked for a supervisor or owner after the second rejection.
    I will not even consider giving them my business with that kind of " customer service. Sorry for your problems, thank you for your advice and sharing your experience.
         Victor
68 05C LA RS/SS U2 712 L34 M21 BR
68 08E LA RS Y2 749 L30 M35
67 11B LA  RS/SS M-1 797-Z L48 M21  Convertible

BillG

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2017, 01:58:47 AM »
D&R will not get business from me as well as as many others as I can convince the same.  Every company has competition.
Bill Garrett

sdkar

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2017, 02:28:00 AM »
And yet again more update on the journey that is my convertible boot cover.  Well, today I received the boot clips.  Kudos to D&R for doing the right thing finally.  I am going to quote Winston Churchill on a famous quote he made about America.  "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else". 

So, I am proud to say everything with my purchase worked out for the best in the end.  I just wish I didn't have to go through the nonsense I had to with D&R.  Had I not insisted and followed thru with this issue, I would not have the completed top I have now.  Many thanks to D&R.  I still have to wonder if I am allowed to shop there still.


Which brings me to my next issue.  After killing my hands pulling and snapping these god awful clips in place, and getting the cover to hold in nicely, I have to ask...WHAT THE HECK DO YOU DO WITH THAT FLAP THING ABOVE THE REAR SEAT!?   Seriously, what they hell was GM thinking?  First, the snaps were insane to install.  It took half an hour to get them lined up and then pulling and pressing and stretching and pulling and pressing until I could hear that satisfying "SNAP!!!" and it is in place. 

I had a 73 Mustang Convertible many many years ago and the boot cover was awesome.  It installed basically like a front bottom seat cover...it had that heavy flexible plastic strip that folded around and slid into a groove that existed between the chrome and the body.  The part that went over the rear seat, slid into a "U" channel that was installed at the rear top of the seat.  It was a perfect seal, and was always straight, no buckling or anything...and it only took about 2 minutes by yourself. 

Whereas, there is this "flap" that doesn't seem to tuck completely behind the rear seat, doesn't seem to fold up under the covertible top, and if left how it is, looks like it becomes a big wind catcher while driving along.  I could not find any videos or anything.  So, any ideas, I am open to any suggestions.  I will say this.  I have seen a few (not many, but a few), first gen Camaro convertibles with the boot cover on them, and almost everyone looked like crap.  They buckled and looked like they would fall off without any trouble.  Mine is the best fitting I have ever seen.  I guess it is due to making sure EVERY SINGLE CLIP was snapped into place.  Also, my extra foam addition seemed to help tremendously in making it look nice, with nothing trying to poke thru. 

So, any suggestions on the flappy thing, I am listening. 

KurtS

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2017, 03:37:03 AM »
Pictures? Of both the extra foam and the flap.
Thx!
Kurt S
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169INDY

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2017, 03:56:24 AM »
You must put AN extra fold in the top when putting it down, which creates space between the folded top and back seat to tuck the flap.
I rarely do it as it makes the top sit higher which in turn make it harder to put the boot on (Catch 22)

Jim
Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS

169INDY

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2017, 04:00:14 AM »
That is a problem for most conv owners.
Mine is just a nice driver quality w/ GM Boot.
I do not sweat the boot, if you keep the speed reasonable it does not catch much air.
Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS

Mike S

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2018, 07:54:18 PM »
 I know this is an old thread but I came across this when searching the topic of boots.
The picture attached is the original boot on my 67. As you can see it tucks in easily behind the rear seat for a neat look and no need to worry about air lifting it up. 

Mike
67 04B LOS SS/RS L35 Hardtop - Original w/UOIT
67 05B NOR SS/RS L35 Convertible - Restored

169INDY

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Re: Convertible Boot - Feedback on which one is decent. PUI? TMI?
« Reply #10 on: September 24, 2018, 09:35:18 PM »
I see that, can you post a picture w/o boot so I can see your folding pattern?

Thanks,

JIM
Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS