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I have heard these are similar to the "Rain Coat" folding canvas T-Tops, but much better. Apparently they are no longer made. Does anyone have them? If they are as good as I hear, I'd like to try my hand at re-producing them.
I like mine, not the most attractive things when installed but they serve their purpose and don't take up much room so I put them in the back if the nights are getting cooler or there's a possibility of getting caught in the rain
As far as I can tell, nobody does. Closest thing is the "Raincoat", a one piece top that also uses Velcro, not ideal from what I hear...that's why I want to reproduce these.
A light weight steel frame. Hinged in the middle so you could fold them. Canvas like a convertible top. Rubber weatherstrip. Spring loaded pin on the rear on the later C3. Plastic swing clip at the front with pin to locate on windshield frame. I had a pair but sold them to a forum member a decade ago. Good stuff but I just never needed them personally.
As far as I can tell, nobody does. Closest thing is the "Raincoat", a one piece top that also uses Velcro, not ideal from what I hear...that's why I want to reproduce these.
I had no idea the "Raincoat" was a thing. That's perfect for a car that spends 90% of the time with the T-Tops off. Sorry @Richard Daugird, it looks like you gained and lost a customer all in the same thread.
If you can come up with a similar system that doesn't use velcro, has no center seam, and rolls up to store, I'll buy two!
Last edited by Bikespace; Mar 7, 2021 at 07:53 PM.
If anyone needs pics of AM Tops structure, and original carry bag, send me a PM. I have a set that I picked up 20 years ago.
I cleaned them gently, and I stored them properly in plastic tub in temperature controlled basement.
Not for sale. Just offering if someone is inclined to attempt to fabricate.
Update - the bag is 26" x 14" not pleated, but holds both folded AM tops well. The patent on the AM Tops if anyone wants to search is AMTOP inc. Troy Michigan, # 4330150
Last edited by skb40466; Mar 8, 2021 at 11:54 AM.
Reason: clarity
Here's some pics of how the details are. the frame is pretty much all 1/4" rod
Frame hooks to center bar, bent from 1/8 thick bar, 3/4 wide
Front outer clamp that goes into the hole with the plastic insert pin goes. The black plastic piece swings around and goes under the chrome part on the windshield trapping the pin in place. The two round indents on the metal plate act as sort of stops holding the black part open or closed as it is turned
rear connection was available in either the early 2 latch triangle or later single latch bullet (mine has the bullet)
The **** unscrews and you can swap the insert
Older triangle one ( I gave mine to CraigH)
Hinges
made so when open they spring around the frame rod and hold it tightly open/straight
The fabric is convertible top material, the weatherstrip is in long strip form that is sewn into shape with a loop out near the rear-outer edge
No rubber strip at the window but there is a 1" or so flap that hang down outside the window (I believe to keep rain out rather than running in)
Frame is held into the pocket around the inside edge of the fabric with vecro strips, all the way across the front and two pieces at the rear
There's a fair amount of work in them
Hope it helps
M
I had no idea the "Raincoat" was a thing. That's perfect for a car that spends 90% of the time with the T-Tops off. Sorry @Richard Daugird, it looks like you gained and lost a customer all in the same thread.
If you can come up with a similar system that doesn't use velcro, has no center seam, and rolls up to store, I'll buy two!
The velcro on those is the biggest (only) real issue
M
I think the only way I could realistically take on this project is if I had an original set in hand to duplicate. Not interested in a business venture, I think I'd need to sell a whole bunch to make any profit...
As I said, there's a fair amount of work in them, I have no idea what they were selling for new back in the 80's but I suspect there's a reason the company isn't around anymore
M
I think the only way I could realistically take on this project is if I had an original set in hand to duplicate. Not interested in a business venture, I think I'd need to sell a whole bunch to make any profit...
Richard, did you ever get around to making these? There is a set of what looks like NOS ones for sale here now. Might not get another chance.
I have 3 sets of Am tops plus a set of the these Top Logic Converta T which is basically identical. I absolutely love them and don't remember the last time I put real T tops on any of my three cars.
AM-Tops
