convertible repair recommendations in DC/Maryland area? Options

[ajsnow]

Hi all,

Does anyone here have a trusted rec for someone who repairs convertible 6GCs in the DC/Maryland area? I just got my '96 a couple months ago and I love the car, but one of the top motors failed and the opposite side's frame rail broke right in half from the extra/unbalanced weight.

Thanks in advance for any recs ...

[dgbldr]

I have motors, but not the rail part he needs.

Here's the scoop on shops: Most good upholstery/trim shops do convertible tops. There are only a handful of top-only shops in the country. The shops get the mechanical parts from the dealer. You can by a whole rail from the dealer for about $800. They don't sell parts of it. You can try junkyards but it's a long shot.

[ajsnow]

Thanks dgbldr (again). The advice is much appreciated.

I've been to one local upholstery guy; he's careful but doesn't seem to know a lot about Celicas, and he doesn't appear to shop around (e.g., quoted me $950 on an OEM rail; I've found a few places that sell it for $700-$750).

I'll poke around and see if anyone else is nearby.