Shopping for
replacement convertible tops and parts can be a little overwhelming. Choosing a
convertible top depends largely on the type of vehicle you drive, your
particular needs and budget. The tricky part comes when trying to
determine what type of fabric your vehicle needs and comparing manufacturer
quality for product durability. How do you know that you are selecting the
right convertible top for your car and getting your money’s worth?
Sailcloth Vinyl
Sailcloth
Vinyl, which is also known as “single texture sailcloth” looks like grained
plastic. Typically, vinyl is one of the replacement convertible tops that is
not the most commonly used material. However, it is an excellent choice for replicating
the tops of surface-coated materials such as those found in vintage cars. It is
also one of the original materials used for a lot of older Jeeps such as
Wrangler Jeeps.
Product Details:
- two-ply composite with sail grain pattern in exterior facing
- polyester/cotton drill lining fabric
- seams are heat sealed to prevent leaks
- resistance to fading
- enhanced acoustic properties to lower noise levels at highway speeds
- superior strength and durability
- better performance characteristics than either earlier model Denim or Diamond vinyls and tend to last longer
British Bison and British Everflex Vinyl
British
Bison, also known as “colonial grain” or “leather grain”, is an American-made
crush grain vinyl that resembles the much more costly British Everflex Vinyl. Structurally,
it is very similar to Sailcloth Vinyl, but color selections can be limited. Although
British Bison is more economical than British Everflex Vinyl, it is not as
durable.
British
Everflex Vinyl is the original material used for a lot of classic British
convertible cars, such as Jaguar, Rolls Royce, and others. It is a supple
vinyl, with a very attractive appearance, and tends to last longer than other
types of vinyl.
Product Details:
- premium original British Everflex Vinyl, imported from Europe
- precision cutting with automated computer guided equipment
- stitched with matching colors using the finest bonded polyester threads
- heat-sealed seams for added strength and durability
- noticeable craftsmanship
- careful detailing
Stayfast
Stayfast,
which is one of the most popular choices for replacement convertible tops, is a
tightly woven cloth canvas. It is also a very common upgrade to vinyl
convertible tops because compared to vinyl, these tend to have increased
durability and are much more alluring. Stayfast is known to have excellent
weatherability, wrinkle resistance, and low temperature flexibility.
Product Details:
- standard replacement topping
- three-ply composite all with acrylic square weaving face fabrics
- rubber inner-layer
- cotton backing
- superior tailorability, wrinkle resistance, weatheability, durability, excellent cost/performance
Cars that are suitable for this type of replacement convertible top include: Toyota Celica, Pontiac Firebird, Dodge Viper, Chevy Camaro, Nissan 370Z, and Lotus Elise.
German A5
German A5,
often referred to as Sonnenland, is a premium canvas original to many
German-manufactured cars such as BMW and Mercedes. It is generally considered
to be one of the most expensive replacement convertible tops in the market due
to its rich quality. A lot of buyers interested in this type of material are
looking to have an “authentic dobby backing”.
Product Details:
- premium quality cloth imported from Haartz
- three-ply composite made of an acrylic twill weave outer
- rubber inner
- polyester dobby lining
- acoustically enhanced
- precision-cut using automated computer guided Gerber cutting equipment for perfect fit
- stitched w/ matching colors using the finest bonded 100% polyester
- heat-seal tape deck seams in the factory original
- guaranteed to fit perfectly out of the box
- noticeable craftsmanship and detailing
Twillfast
Twillfast, which is
an American-made canvas, is often a common substitution for the German A5
(Sonnenland) canvas due to the similarities yet lower cost. Twillfast is
composed of high quality material, resembles the elegance and durability of the
German A5, and is used for many high-end automobiles. This type of replacement
convertible top is recommended for drivers that are looking for something as
saavy and high-quality as the German A5 yet slightly more economical.Product Details:
- twill woven
- three-ply and five-ply
- acrylic twill weave outer
- acoustically
- polyester dobby
- coordinated UV resistant polyester thread
- precision cutting with automated computer guided Gerber cutting
- di-electrically welded (heat sealed) seams for strength
Cars that are suitable for this type of replacement convertible top
include: Mercedes, Beetles, Porsche, and BMW.
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