Canvas T-Tops???
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 0
From: No longer a member
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (ericshaw)
Not really sure about the original prices but I know they are selling for top dollar on ebay. I got lucky and bought mine at a swap meet cheap, brought them home and washed them now they look brand new...they were probably sitting in someones garage collecting dust.
I don't even think we ever figured out if the patent was still valid. I'll be in the Detroit area in a week or so if someone has the information on the company saved I'll do a little searching.
I don't even think we ever figured out if the patent was still valid. I'll be in the Detroit area in a week or so if someone has the information on the company saved I'll do a little searching.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (ericshaw)
Yes the company was called AmTop. I do not know the original selling price but here they are on my 1979. Actually they are vinyl, not canvas.
Here is the patent on those tops, now expired.
*Edit*-OK, the link did not work. Just do a search on US Patent 4,330,150 at the US Patent Office.
[Modified by paul79, 9:10 PM 9/3/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 9:12 PM 9/3/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 9:14 PM 9/3/2002]
Here is the patent on those tops, now expired.
*Edit*-OK, the link did not work. Just do a search on US Patent 4,330,150 at the US Patent Office.
[Modified by paul79, 9:10 PM 9/3/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 9:12 PM 9/3/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 9:14 PM 9/3/2002]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: STLMO31Fo
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (paul79)
OK... C3 Shark Tank
How much did you get em for? I just split a mint 77 to resell w/a friend and we are trying to figure out the cost on them so I can pay him for half and use them on my 76.
I'll check ebay, but I'd like to find a more realistic price to go by.
[Modified by ericshaw, 9:59 AM 9/4/2002]
How much did you get em for? I just split a mint 77 to resell w/a friend and we are trying to figure out the cost on them so I can pay him for half and use them on my 76.
I'll check ebay, but I'd like to find a more realistic price to go by.
[Modified by ericshaw, 9:59 AM 9/4/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: Norcross GA
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (ericshaw)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (Bobchad)
vinyl tops are increasing in value. that last few i seen going on ebay were pretty high. vinyl tops seem to auction higher on ebay than raincoats sold by ecklers
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (Bobchad)
Those are not the tops we are speaking of. Raincoats use velcro fasteners. The AmTop units have brackets and pins just like fiberglass tops.
[Modified by paul79, 5:03 PM 9/4/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 5:03 PM 9/4/2002]
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (ericshaw)
OK - a few hundred posts - reading everyday - and been around cars FOREVER -
but I've NEVER seen these before. Can you drive with them on (fast) ?
Are they just meant to keep dust and sun out - maybe a light shower ?
You learn something new everyday. This is my new for the day.
:seeya
but I've NEVER seen these before. Can you drive with them on (fast) ?
Are they just meant to keep dust and sun out - maybe a light shower ?
You learn something new everyday. This is my new for the day.
:seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 0
From: No longer a member
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (Daves_rusty_75)
Guys,
Keep in mind that just like regular t-tops these tops had different latch systems for the 78-82 than the earlier sharks. Like dummy I could have bought an earlier set for $35 but didn't know any better at the time :cry
Keep in mind that just like regular t-tops these tops had different latch systems for the 78-82 than the earlier sharks. Like dummy I could have bought an earlier set for $35 but didn't know any better at the time :cry
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 28,772
Likes: 4
From: Fort Mill, SC via NJ
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (C3 Shark Tank)
Guys,
Keep in mind that just like regular t-tops these tops had different latch systems for the 78-82 than the earlier sharks. Like dummy I could have bought an earlier set for $35 but didn't know any better at the time :cry
Keep in mind that just like regular t-tops these tops had different latch systems for the 78-82 than the earlier sharks. Like dummy I could have bought an earlier set for $35 but didn't know any better at the time :cry
I bought a set off ebay kept them a shortwhile and then sold them to ddecart.
On the Amtops I had the only difference Scott is the 68-77 uses a triangular end rod and the later years use a straight bullet type pin.
Both came with the tops I bought.
Knowing like I do what you paid for yours you stole 'em!
[Modified by 69er, 9:04 PM 9/4/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (C3 Shark Tank)
Guys,
Keep in mind that just like regular t-tops these tops had different latch systems for the 78-82 than the earlier sharks. Like dummy I could have bought an earlier set for $35 but didn't know any better at the time :cry
Keep in mind that just like regular t-tops these tops had different latch systems for the 78-82 than the earlier sharks. Like dummy I could have bought an earlier set for $35 but didn't know any better at the time :cry
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (Daves_rusty_75)
I have driven with them once at 60mph. No problem. Very tight. I use them for, and consider their use for, the possibility of light rain. They are no substitute for fiberglass tops. But they are very convenient when folded up and put in the carrying bag. Just an insurance policy for a shower. And that is what I was looking for when I bought them.
[Modified by paul79, 9:13 PM 9/4/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 9:13 PM 9/4/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (69er)
From what I understand you have to cut a little piece of sponge to keep the rain out. :lol:
I bought a set off ebay kept them a shortwhile and then sold them to ddecart.
On the Amtops I had the only difference Scott is the 68-77 uses a triangular end rod and the later years use a straight bullet type pin.
Both came with the tops I bought.
Knowing like I do what you paid for yours you stole 'em!
[Modified by 69er, 9:04 PM 9/4/2002]
I bought a set off ebay kept them a shortwhile and then sold them to ddecart.
On the Amtops I had the only difference Scott is the 68-77 uses a triangular end rod and the later years use a straight bullet type pin.
Both came with the tops I bought.
Knowing like I do what you paid for yours you stole 'em!
[Modified by 69er, 9:04 PM 9/4/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 28,772
Likes: 4
From: Fort Mill, SC via NJ
Re: Canvas T-Tops??? (gq82)
From what I understand you have to cut a little piece of sponge to keep the rain out. :lol:
I bought a set off ebay kept them a shortwhile and then sold them to ddecart.
On the Amtops I had the only difference Scott is the 68-77 uses a triangular end rod and the later years use a straight bullet type pin.
Both came with the tops I bought.
Knowing like I do what you paid for yours you stole 'em!
[Modified by 69er, 9:04 PM 9/4/2002]
I bought a set off ebay kept them a shortwhile and then sold them to ddecart.
On the Amtops I had the only difference Scott is the 68-77 uses a triangular end rod and the later years use a straight bullet type pin.
Both came with the tops I bought.
Knowing like I do what you paid for yours you stole 'em!
[Modified by 69er, 9:04 PM 9/4/2002]
ddecart(Dave) is very happy with the how the tops fit,Jerry!
