Convertible Top Replacement
If you’re considering replacing your convertible top, you’re likely wondering about what is needed, whether to keep certain parts or upgrade everything, and what options best suit your needs. Here’s some solutions to the questions, including material types, window options, and whether you need a full replacement or just select components.
What Parts Will You Need?
When replacing your classics convertible top, you might need more than just the top fabric. Here’s a checklist of parts that you may need to replace or reuse:
- New Convertible Top: The primary fabric or vinyl cover for your car. Some models feature a one-piece design, integrating the rear window and top into a single unit.
- New Back Window: Whether glass or vinyl, the rear window is often needed in full top replacements.
- Bow Pads: These padding strips sit between the frame bows and the top material, ensuring a snug fit.
- Side Cables: Keeps the sides of the top tight and prevent flapping.
- Tacking Strips: Used to secure the fabric or vinyl to the frame.
- Well Liner: This protects the area where the convertible top folds into when lowered.
- Rain Gutter: Some convertibles have built-in rain gutters that channel water into the quarter panels for drainage. Others require replaceable gutters made from various materials, which are essential if damaged or missing.
What Can You Reuse?
In some cases, parts like side cables, tacking strips, rain gutter and well liners can be reused if they’re still in good shape. However, an inspection during the replacement process will determine what needs to be replaced.
Choosing the Right Material:
Cloth Tops
- Stayfast: A durable cloth material, often used as an upgrade from vinyl. It provides a richer look with better sound insulation and resistance to wear.
- Twillfast: The premium version of cloth tops. With thicker, more luxurious textures and improved durability, it gives your vehicle an upscale appearance.
- Pros of Cloth: Sleeker aesthetic, Flexible Rubber Layer, Matte Finish
- Cons of Cloth: Higher cost and can require more maintenance compared to vinyl.
Vinyl Tops:
- Vinyl: The original standard for many vehicles, vinyl is a durable, cost-effective material that can replicate the OEM look of many classic convertibles.
- Pros of Vinyl: Affordable, easy to maintain, shiny finish and retains the classic convertible look.
- Cons of Vinyl: Less insulating, Fade or Cracking over time
Glass or Vinyl Back Window?
- Glass Back Window: Provides a clearer view, is more durable, and resists scratches better than vinyl. Most modern convertibles come with glass as standard, and it’s an excellent upgrade if you’re looking for longevity.
- Vinyl Back Window: Lightweight and flexible, vinyl windows can be a more affordable option, but are prone to discoloration and scratches over time.
- Vinyl Window with Added Valance: Ideal for convertibles without a glass option or split-glass such as a 1966 Cougar or Mustang, the added valance gives the appearance of a glass window with the same effect of vinyl featuring a custom fabric accent at the window’s base.
Convertible Top Replacement Packages explained:
For those seeking an OEM look with basic materials.
With the Blend In option, you’ll get exactly that—your new top will look just like the original. We supply and install all the necessary materials using standard vinyl or cloth, and we focus on restoring your convertible top to its former glory. This is the perfect option for someone who wants their car to blend in with the original aesthetic without any major upgrades.
For those looking to upgrade with premium materials and bold color choices.
The Head Turner option is for anyone who wants to elevate their convertible’s appearance. This includes:
- Upgrading from vinyl to Stayfast or from Stayfast to Twillfast.
- Color choices that go beyond the standard options, including custom colors like those
from the hotrod palette. - A frame alignment and full inspection of each pivot point to ensure smooth operation
and perfect top alignment.
For those who want the best of the best with attention to every detail.
The Show Stopper package offers the ultimate in convertible top restoration. It includes
everything in the Head Turner package, plus:
- Complete frame removal for sandblasting, priming, and painting, ensuring your frame looks and operates like new.
- Lubrication and replacement of all pivot points and bushings.
- The ultimate material choice—work closely with us to find the perfect match for your vision, including custom colors and specialty fabrics.
- A customized well liner with snaps for a fully tailored fit.
- Articulate attention to every last detail, making your convertible not just a head-turner but a true showstopper!
- Inspect, repair, or replace the convertible top motor, cylinders, and hoses.
