Chrysler Sebring Convertible Top Buying Guide | TopsOnline Blog

Chrysler Sebring convertibles were released in three generations and each one had great success. Whether you have a first generation Sebring convertible top needing replacing, a second gen Sebring soft top that is past due on replacing, or a third generation Sebring convertible top that is finally worn out – we have the details you need to make sure your purchase of a new Sebring soft top is going to look the way you want it and work great for years to come!

Let’s start with a summary of the Sebring generations:

First Gen Chrysler Sebring Convertible Tops :: 1996-2000

Sebring convertibles came in JX, JXi and Limited editions in this first gen release (from 1996 to 2000) and instantly filled a niche in the convertible market with an accessible and attractive convertible.

First Gen Sebring Convertible Top Specifics

• Two Pieces - First Gen Sebring tops come as a two piece convertible top consisting of two pieces just like they were from the factory. This will be a top cover section that makes up the roof portion that matches up to a rear window curtain that contains the glass window.
• Best Deal and Recommendation - Although the two pieces of the top are sold individually also, it is recommended to replace the entire top for uniformity of color and wear. It will help create the best fit also because each piece has the same amount of wear.
• Convertible Top Kit - 1st Gen Sebring convertible tops are also sold by TopsOnline in kits that include convertible top pads, side tension cables, and tacking strips, which are the most common convertible top accessories that are needed when replacing your soft top.
• Convertible Top Section - If you have a relatively new convertible top that has been punctured or acutely damaged in some way, then you can just replace the material on the top section without replacing the rear window panel also.
• Heated Defroster Glass Windows - Factory original Sebring convertible tops were released with defroster heated glass windows. Plastic windows were not original to the Sebring and are not offered. New tops will have the wiring to plug into the heated defroster mechanism on your vehicle.
• Window Section Only - If your convertible top has been recently replaced but your window is damaged (cracks, scratches or delamination) then you can just replace the window section of your convertible top, since Sebring tops come in two pieces.
• Original Material - Sebring convertible tops were released with two different original materials, depending on the trim level:
  • JX - Originally released in Haartz Sailcloth material, which is an American-made vinyl with a canvas-mimicking pebble grain. TopsOnline offers this original material for First Gen Sebring tops in Black, Brown, Sandalwood, and Camel.
  • JXi and Limited - Originally released in Haartz Twillfast, a square wear canvas cloth, which TopsOnline offers in Black, Sandalwood, Camel, and Beige.
• Aftermarket Materials - Both Haartz Sailcloth vinyl and Haartz Twillfast cloth are available for Sebring First Gen convertible top replacements. You can choose either material option for your Sebring top, regardless of whether you have a JX, JXi or Limited edition.
• Convertible Top Accessories - In addition to replacement convertible tops for your Sebring, we also offer the following:
  • Convertible Top Pads - Can be re-used but often can be worn or torn and need replacing.
  • Side Tension Cables - Can be re-used, but if they are stretched or with metal exposed, then they should be replaced. Other signs that your cables need replacing are if your current soft top is sagging, not sitting flush to the side windows, or pulling to one side compared to the other.
  • Tacking Strips - Often replaced when installing a new convertible top
  • Headliner - Can be re-used if it is in good condition with attachment points in tact, but if snagged, soiled, torn in any way then it is a good idea to replace it when installing a new convertible top.
  • Installation DVD - If you are installing your Sebring convertible top yourself, then we offer a DVD installation video that you can reference for your project.

In summary, you have a lot of options for replacement tops for your 1st Gen Sebring convertible top project. You can replace the entire top for a fresh and complete top that will look consistent and last long, or if you are dealing with an acute damage, like a puncture or window glass crack, then you can just replace the top cover only or the window portion only. You can also get your Sebring top in a convertible top kit, which includes commonly replaced items, which are also sold separately with other Sebring top accessories.

Second Gen Chrysler Sebring Convertible Tops :: 2001-2006

This next generation of Sebring convertibles came in GTC, JR, LX, LXI & Limited editions for the 2001 to 2006 release years. With many consistencies with the previous generation, this gen mainly kept existing stylings with an updated front-end being the signature change.

Second Gen Sebring Convertible Top Specifics

• Two Pieces - Second Gen Sebring tops also come as a two piece convertible top consisting of two pieces just like they were from the factory. This will be a top cover section that makes up the roof portion that matches up to a rear window curtain that contains the glass window.
• Best Deal and Recommendation - Although the two pieces of the top are sold individually also, we almost always recommended to replace the entire top for uniformity of color and wear so the top maintains the best fit.
• Convertible Top Kit - 2nd Gen Sebring convertible tops are available in kits also, which include convertible top pads, side tension cables, and tacking strips, which are the most common convertible top accessories that are needed when replacing your soft top.
• Convertible Top Section - If you have a relatively new convertible top that has been punctured or acutely damaged in some way, then you can just replace the material on the top section without replacing the rear window panel also.
• Heated Defroster Glass Windows - Factory original Sebring convertible tops were released with defroster heated glass windows. Plastic windows were not original to the Sebring and are not offered. The heated defroster mechanism on your vehicle will match up to the wiring, pre-installed on your new TopsOnline Sebring convertible top.
• Window Section Only - In cases where your convertible top has been recently replaced but your window is damaged (cracks, scratches or delamination) then you can just replace the window section of your convertible top, since Sebring tops come in two pieces. However, if your glass de-laminated from wear and time, then we highly suggest you replace the top cover also at the same time so the top has the best fit.
• Original Material - Sebring convertible tops were released with two different original materials, depending on the trim level:
  • LX and GTC - Originally released in Haartz Sailcloth material, which is an American-made vinyl with a canvas-mimicking pebble grain. TopsOnline offers this original material for Second Gen Sebring tops in Black and Sandalwood.
  • Limited - Originally released in Haartz Twillfast, a square wear canvas cloth, which TopsOnline offers in Black, Sandalwood, and Dark Blue.
• Aftermarket Materials - Both Haartz Sailcloth vinyl and Haartz Twillfast cloth are available for 2nd Gen Sebring replacement convertible tops. Regardless of the trim Sebring convertible you have, either replacement top (Sailcloth or Twillfast) will work for your Sebring convertible top.
• Convertible Top Accessories - In addition to replacement convertible tops for your Sebring, we also offer the following:
  • Convertible Top Pads - Can be re-used but often can be worn or torn and need replacing.
  • Side Tension Cables - Can be re-used, but if they are stretched or with metal exposed, then they should be replaced. Other signs that your cables need replacing are if your current soft top is sagging, not sitting flush to the side windows, or pulling to one side compared to the other.
  • Tacking Strips - Often replaced when installing a new convertible top
  • Headliner - Black or Dark Blue replacement convertible headliners are offered for 2nd Gen Sebring convertible tops and include sewn-in extrusions and straps that will attach to bows and side rails. If your convertible top headliner is in good condition then it can be re-used and not replaced.

TopsOnline has all the replacement convertible tops that you need for your Second Generation Sebring top and even offers more options that originally were from the factory, with aftermarket colors and materials offered for all Sebring trim levels. You can replace your entire Sebring convertible top or if your pieces are in good condition, but punctured or other type damage, you can replace just the convertible top panel only or the window panel only. We also offer convertible top replacement kits with the most commonly replaced accessories or you can purchase just the top and accessories that you need for your project.

Third Gen Chrysler Sebring Convertible Tops :: 2007-2010

Third Generation Sebring convertibles came in LX, Touring, and Limited editions from 2008 to 2010 and no convertible model was explicitly released for 2007, with the leftover 2006 models carrying forward. This generation of Sebring convertible was offered with a soft top and also came with a retractable hard top option.

Third Gen Sebring Convertible Top Specifics

• Re-Use Existing Glass - For all 3rd Gen Sebring convertible tops, you must re-use your existing back window glass. It will stay on the vehicle and attaches to the new convertible top material.
• Replacement Convertible Top - Your new convertible top comes with pre-installed, original style extrusions and molded plastic retainers that will secure to your convertible top frame.
• Original Material - 3rd Gen Sebring convertible tops were released with two different original materials, depending on the trim level:
  • LX - Originally released in Haartz Sailcloth vinyl material, which is American-made and has a canvas-mimicking pebble grain. It is offered in Black and Parchment and can be installed on other trim levels for this generation Sebring.
  • Touring and Limited - Originally released in Haartz Twillfast RPC, an acoustically enhanced canvas cloth, which TopsOnline offers in Black and Pebble Beige.
• Aftermarket Materials - In addition to the original Haartz Sailcloth vinyl and Haartz Twillfast cloth which are available for Sebring 3rd Gen convertible top replacements, Haartz Stayfast cloth is offered as an aftermarket option and is available in Black. You can choose among all three materials (Sailcloth vinyl, Twillfast RPC cloth, or Stayfast cloth) and do not have to keep the same material when replacing your Sebring convertible top.
• Convertible Top Accessories - In addition to replacement convertible tops for your Sebring, we also offer the following:
  • Side Tension Cables - Can be re-used, but if they are stretched or with metal exposed, then they should be replaced. Other signs that your cables need replacing are if your current soft top is sagging, not sitting flush to the side windows, or pulling to one side compared to the other.
  • Headliner - Replacement foam-backed cloth headliners are offered for 3rd Gen Sebring convertible tops. If your existing headliner is in great condition, then you can re-use it. We recommend replacement if your headliner is snagged, soiled, torn in any way.

To summarize, TopsOnline has all the replacement parts you need for your 3rd Gen Sebring convertible top replacement project. You will re-use your glass and can choose from one of three materials (vinyl or cloth) for the soft top portion. There are also convertible top accessories that you may need when finishing out your project.