Universal Auto & Marine Upholstery

Like Ron said, John is very good at what he does. He really is a good craftsman and his work is of really good quality.

I had a seam tear on my Miata convertible top that I took to Universal for repair. The top is in great condition except for the small stitch tear. I was not thrilled about potentially having to buy a whole new top just because of a small seam tear. John Muntean, the owner, is obviously a master at his craft. He fixed the seam; saved me $ 100’s and the cost of repair was exceedingly reasonable. While in his shop I saw other projects he was performing. Truly a craftsman. When and if I have to replace my top, Mr. Mundean will be the craftsman of choice. Highly recommend this business.

Update: October 19, 2011 — My MetLife flaked and it wasn’t all the shop’s fault… so I updated their score to a 4, got a response to my email and John said the guy that tossed my warranty was a new guy and he gave me the serial number and apologized. THAT kind of a response is genuine and for that, and his honesty, I bumped him up to a 4… Thanks John!
I gave them 3 stars initially, because I’m not sure what really happened but the new top is on my vehicle and John was nice.
I happened across these guys on my way home from work one day after having filed an auto claim for being a dumb-​ass and taking my convertible through a car wash. It ripped the top where the rear window attached and I was going to use my auto shop, then found out they were going to have it sent somewhere else. I wanted to be able to go to ONE shop for my repair and warranty, not chase down numerous people for warranties.
I was originally going to AAA Auto Upholstery and the business was closed (Saturday morning) and one of the guys at the business next door pointed to this little shop across the drive and I went in, met John (assumed the owner) and arranged to have my top replaced. He was very nice and showed me several different types and colors — I had a tan top but decided to go black after speaking with other convertible owners. Evidently, black doesn’t water stain like tan does. I asked about a Warranty because spending this much on a top isn’t something I can really afford to keep doing. John said the manufacturer gives the warranty and all that comes with the paperwork. Ok, no problem.
So, I paid for it all then scheduled to come in a week later while I was going to be off work on a medical leave, making the most of my down-​time, I dropped the vehicle off on Monday and told them I’d pick it up on Wednesday. I go down to pick up my vehicle and ask about the warranty and he said he had to get it from the ‘guys’ — he walks outside and together they go to the TRASH CAN!
I get home and am filling out the paperwork for the warranty and need the part number. It’s required for the Warranty and should be on the receipt or packing slip. Nothing there so now I’ve emailed the owner asking for this information. The manufacturer gives me a 6-​year warranty but I have to register it. I was really upset that the guys just threw away the warranty paperwork, after paying so much for the top and installation, to throw the paperwork away felt like my business wasn’t really important to your company or the employees.
I saw a few Mercedes and BMWs in the parking lot and while I don’t know about most people that come in, but I don’t have a lot of money to throw around. I like to support the local companies instead of the big brand companies. I ask for Warranties and keep all of the paperwork on my vehicle. Seeing these guys dig through the trash to find my paperwork was really disappointing, especially when the warranty may be needed later.
Most businesses I’ve been to give the customer all of the paperwork and let them decide if they want to register the Warranty or not. This is a better business practice, I know I would feel a lot better and that my business mattered to the owner and the workers, after all, isn’t it people like me, keeping them in business with our retarded mistakes?
Anyway, then the insurance guy came down and was asking John questions and he told him to not ask him but to ask me. He was only supposed to be in there asking about weather stripping and I don’t know anything about that so I am not sure what happened but at least the top is on and looks good so I gave them 3 stars. I’m not sure I’ll go back since when I leave spending almost $ 1,400.00 I would like to know what happened and have clear communication.
The owner is nice, I’m left dazed & confused, I think they may have cleaned my vehicle, not sure, but at least the top is on.