Convertible top

[geospider]

restarting a common thread. Most info is older. Looking for a new top. Thinking of going with the canvas.
have looked at: The Convertible Top Guys and Topsonline.

Thoughts??

Geo

[focodave]

My 2 cents:

I recently put a new top on mine, from Topsonline.
They initially said it would take about 2 weeks for my top to arrive after receipt of order.
It actually took 5 weeks to arrive.
This would not have been a big deal under normal circumstances, but I had planned my installation day around the arrival of the top. It does take the better part of a day to install correctly, if you have never done one before.

I was pretty happy with the fit, although the front of the top was fabricated a bit narrower (side-to-side) than I feel it should be, at the front bow.
Other than that, I was pleased.

[geospider]

Thanks, Which did you get from them. I know they carry Robbins that people have talked about.

[focodave]

Robbins -- vinyl, yes vinyl.
I previously had a canvas top and I was not able to keep it clean to my standards. The vinyl is way easier for me to keep looking very clean and tidy. Oh, and I went with a color change from tan to black.

[geospider]

That looks great. Love the color.
Love the luggage rack too. where did that come from?

my car is red with tan interior and currently a torn up tan top. I did paint the hood a satin black since the hood was a totally different red. (went faux Abarth) with that, I could go black.



thoughts?

Geo

[spidernut]

I have a vinyl top from World Upholstery. It is now 16 years old and just starting to reach the point that I'm thinking about replacing it. It still looks good, fits well and just started to leak last year at one of the seams. That's the first leak. Even the window looks quite good and is not yellowed.

The best fitting top that I've ever installed was a Germanex top. http://www.germanexinc.com/fiat-cs1-196 ... fcb5491d25 They don't sell retail, so you'd have to call them to see who sells them retail.

I'm not a fan of CarUpholsteryGuys - it took waaaaaaaaaay too long to get my product from them. They responded quickly to calls and e-mails, but it still took forever for them to deliver. Quality was average.

[focodave]

That looks great. Love the color.
Love the luggage rack too. where did that come from?

Thanks for the kind words, Geo. The color is factory original -- Grigio Fumo Met. -- gets lots of positive comments.
The luggage rack was on the car when I bought it. It is the one that is most commonly seen on MGB roadsters.

That's a fine looking car you have there.
Love the red -- who doesn't? -- with the tan -- Classic Italian color combo.
I think the red cars look great with either a tan or black top.

[geospider]

spidernut.,
You're right up the hill from me (Concord). Got a buddy in Loomis. One of these days this spring will head up your way.
I did get my Upholstery from those Upholsteryguys and it came pretty quick and was great quality' and they sent the back seat covers when I never ordered them.
think I will go with the tan Robbins canvas from Topsonline . Although when I think about it., the top is down probably 80% of the time.

I am sure I will need more assistance once I start this project. yes, I will wait for warmer weather (installs better I'm told)

Geo

[toyfiats]

As said earlier, both black and tan tops go well with red. A friend and I had red Spider 2000s with tan interiors, his with a black top and mine with tan. The tan was a little classier, the black a bit of a racy vibe. But they both looked great, so you can't go wrong either way. I'm tempted to go black on my next top just for a change.

As far as the tops themselves, canvas is nicer in every way, but the tan is hard to keep looking nice, which is why I've always gone vinyl for mine. If going black, canvas wins hands down.

[spidernut]

Geo - just drop me a note at sacramentoareafiats@outlook.com when you're headed up this way and we can get together and have a good Fiat chat. Have you looked up the fiat America group yet? They're a good group and do some really nice club events.

John

[DieselSpider]

Canvas looks nice if you never venture outside or let it get dusty. Once it gets some dust, tree sap or a bird dropping on it then its a lot harder then vinyl to get looking clean and new again.

For me canvas if its a seldom driven car that never has the top up outdoors and is stored under a cover when in the garage to prevent it from getting dusty while for car to be driven regularly and sees dirt then its vinyl.

Why waste additional time and effort to keep a expensive canvas top looking like an expensive canvas top and which most often you won't be using anyways when your driving and only others may see when you put it up on those occasions where you park it outside and walk away.

[tima01864]

I have a canvas top, Inside some mold or mildew stains and I have no idea how to clean it or waterproof it.

[geospider]

great advice. that's why I ask this forum questions that have been done in the past. Always great to hear from all of you.

And Spidernut, ,will def look you up when I come up your way. I have some time off next month and may make a run up your way, given the weather.

Geo

[MykeNytemare]

Does anyone make white "off the shelf" replacement tops? Wondering if anyone has a white top. Or even white interior here in the forum.

[geospider]

I believe I have seen ALL WHITE interior on here somewhere. not sure on the top
nor have i seen this as an option while shopping.