SMB Pop-Top Install - 2014 E350 - Page 2

mk216v · 10-03-2018, 02:17 PM

2x4!? in the second picture?!
Lift arms already bending?!
Random holes and jagged metal?!
Why are those switches on top of each other?

regis101 · 10-03-2018, 08:54 PM

In my industry, we refer to this level of work as being done by, Hacks.
Sometimes, extra word enhancers are used , front and/or back.
Damn shame.

Wanderer-RRORC · 10-03-2018, 09:13 PM

Every time I see one of these tops hacked together I wanna open a shop here in Ohio and just do suspension upgrades like the RIP kit and put well built pop tops in..

Mine wasn't even built as retail grade and its better than the 10k tops people have installed...

REF · 10-03-2018, 09:30 PM

Ya.....that’s just pure crap🤦🏻*♂️
IDK, I’d reconsider your upcoming apt with SMBW and maybe take a look at CCV’s mid top. There has certainly been more and more recent builds coming out of SMBW that have been brought to our attention with some serious issues going on. I’d hate to go in with that knowledge, explain your concerns when you drop it off, only to find much of the same issues on your install when you pick it up!

You would then find out the real meaning of “Boofed”....and I’ll give you a hint, it doesn’t have anything to do with passing gas🤥

arctictraveller · 10-03-2018, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

We took the trim out so we could do our own upholstery and then took a bunch of pictures of the top installation they did. This is typical of the SMB tops I've seen.

Certainly, some of those issues are cosmetic and will be covered by the trim, but the big picture tells me that there is a lot of pressure in the shop to have as many projects out the door by Friday as possible. That can easily lead to a lack of quality control and cut corners. It's very sad to see and makes me wonder if the installers are paid a flat rate for each top, rather than by the hour.

mikracer · 10-04-2018, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

Certainly, some of those issues are cosmetic and will be covered by the trim, but the big picture tells me that there is a lot of pressure in the shop to have as many projects out the door by Friday as possible. That can easily lead to a lack of quality control and cut corners. It's very sad to see and makes me wonder if the installers are paid a flat rate for each top, rather than by the hour.

When I called SMBW a few years ago about getting a top installed, they said a manual top can be installed in 1 day and power tops were 2 days. Seems like they should take an extra day on each install so they aren't rushed or pressured to get it in and out. I'm sure the customers would appreciate it too.

Some people will never see some of the stuff MG exposed, but the switches and other superficial stuff would be pretty irritating after spending $12k on a top.

boywonder · 10-04-2018, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenJJ

wow... Makes me feel much better about the hole I cut in my roof

Yup...me too......

lavolpe79 · 10-04-2018, 01:38 PM

You guys are making me want to install the top myself! Ha!

Flux · 10-04-2018, 01:46 PM

I had a good experience getting my 2013 pop top put on at SMBW. I have not removed the fabric and exposed the cut though. My top fits nice, works well. No issues. But I expect some of what you see in MGM's pics under the fabric. But for now all is great.

lavolpe79 · 10-04-2018, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flux

I had a good experience getting my 2013 pop top put on at SMBW. I have not removed the fabric and exposed the cut though. My top fits nice, works well. No issues. But I expect some of what you see in MGM's pics under the fabric. But for now all is great.

When did you get yours done? My fear is the quality control may have tapered off in the last few years (since the e-series is no longer built).