Best convertible top?

[deacon]

I am at the point in the 78's resurection that I need to get a new top. I have searched on the forum, but have not really found a consensus on choice of tops. I am looking for what I would consider the best "value". I would like good quality, appearence and ease of installation. I suppose installation is about the same on all. I am not looking for the cheapest. I would like to open it up for everyone's opinion and experience. Thanks for your feedback.

[mbouse]

i wish we could end up with a general concensus of opinion on this. i need to buy one as well this spring. been reading the posts on this subject for over a year. the only serious complaints i have heard or read surround the ultra-cheap sources.

a Robbins top seems to always get good reviews, as does World Upholstery.

[spidernut]

World Upholstery's top http://www.worlduph.com that I put on my car fit very well and has held up extremely well. I bought their basic vinyl top in black. It took a few hours to install and (other than the smell of the contact cement) wasn't hard at all. Being vinyl, it must be installed when it is warm so the vinyl is more pliable. For the money, I am really, really satisfied with the top. They also offer the cloth, but I've not seen one in person yet. Reports have been positive overall.

After about 7 or 8 years, the rear window is perfectly clear (it is stored indoors) and the vinyl still looks like new. I put it up and down all the time.

Mine replaced the original vinyl top off of my car. The only discernable difference between them was the bolsters along the driver's and passenger windows. The originals had a velour type fabric and World Upholstery's were all vinyl. They could use a little extra stuffing to seal better in the bolsters, but they don't leak unless there are significantly strong side winds. Even then, it is only a few drops here and there along the window seal.

I'd buy from them again since they shipped quickly and the quality was good. For a more refined look, go with the cloth. The vinyl looks good and is easy to maintain, but the cloth is classier looking.

John