Convertible Top Replacement

If you’re considering replacing your convertible top, you’re likely wondering about the best materials, 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.

Choosing the Right Material: Cloth or Vinyl?
Cloth Tops
  1. 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.
  2. Twillfast: The premium version of cloth tops. With thicker, more luxurious textures and improved durability, it gives your vehicle an upscale appearance.
  3. Pros of Cloth: Sleeker aesthetic, Flexible Rubber Layer, Matte Finish
  4. Cons of Cloth: Higher cost and can require more maintenance compared to vinyl
Vinyl Tops:
  1. Vinyl: The original standard for many vehicles, vinyl is a durable, cost-effective material that can replicate the OEM look of many classic convertibles.
  2. Pros of Vinyl: Affordable, easy to maintain, shiny finish and retains the classic convertible look.
  3. Cons of Vinyl: Less insulating, Fade or Cracking over time
Glass or Vinyl Back Window?
  1. 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.
  2. Vinyl Back Window: Lightweight and flexible, vinyl windows can be a more affordable option, but are prone to discoloration and scratches over time.
  3. Vinyl Window with Added Valance: Ideal for convertibles without a glass option, the added valance gives the appearance of a glass window with the same effect of vinyl window featuring a custom fabric accent at the window’s base.
What Parts Will You Need?

When replacing your 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:

  1. New Convertible Top: The main fabric or vinyl covering for your car.
  2. New Back Window: Whether glass or vinyl, the rear window is often included in full top replacements.
  3. Bow Pads: These padding strips sit between the frame bows and the top material, ensuring a snug fit.
  4. Side Cables: These keep the sides of the top tight and prevent flapping.
  5. Tacking Strips: Used to secure the fabric or vinyl to the frame.
  6. Well Liner: This protects the area where the convertible top folds into when lowered.
Choosing the Right Material: Cloth or Vinyl?
Vinyl convertible tops offer a wide range of styles, each unique to certain vehicle brands and models. Here are some of the top vinyl options available:
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.
Cabrio Vinyl

Originally designed for the VW Cabriolet and Rabbit, Cabrio vinyl offers a smooth, sleek appearance that blends well with European convertibles. It’s a durable option that’s great for restoring these iconic models to their original look.

Glass or Vinyl Back Window?
  1. 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.
  2. Vinyl Back Window: Lightweight and flexible, vinyl windows can be a more affordable option, but are prone to discoloration and scratches over time.
  3. Vinyl Window with Added Valance: Ideal for convertibles without a glass option, the added valance gives the appearance of a glass window with the same effect of vinyl window featuring a custom fabric accent at the window’s base.
What Parts Will You Need?

When replacing your 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:

  1. New Convertible Top: The main fabric or vinyl covering for your car.
  2. New Back Window: Whether glass or vinyl, the rear window is often included in full top replacements.
  3. Bow Pads: These padding strips sit between the frame bows and the top material, ensuring a snug fit.
  4. Side Cables: These keep the sides of the top tight and prevent flapping.
  5. Tacking Strips: Used to secure the fabric or vinyl to the frame.
  6. Well Liner: This protects the area where the convertible top folds into when lowered.
Sailcloth Vinyl
Sailcloth vinyl was a popular option for Mustangs from 1994 to 2004. It has a subtle textured finish and offers a combination of durability and classic styling. This vinyl is very forgiving with wrinkles and is perfect for anyone looking to restore their Mustang to its former glory.
Replacement Packages
We offer three levels of convertible top replacements, each tailored to different needs and desires
1. Blend In

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.

2. Head Turner

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.
Show Stopper
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.
  • he 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.
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