Replacement Convertable Top
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Springs Ms
Replacement Convertable Top
Anyone can recommend a good manufacturer of quality replacement convertible tops? Installed a Robbins sailcloth vinyl and am very disappointed in the quality and fit.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: North Dallas area TX
First off who installed it? If it is a qualified upholstery shop then they did a poor job. Robbins is the best in the business and has been for years. I have installed almost every top they made and know they fit properly. You will also find the Sta Fast cloth, as per factory, will install easier and look nicer.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: North Dallas area TX
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
I agree with you Pirate. I did the top on my 4th gen Camaro about a year ago and I went original equipment. It was well worth the cost. The material is called Haartz stafast canvas. The vert top on my C5 appears to be of exactly the same material. I found it on that large auction site we can't mention. I got the top, cables, pads, and heated rear glass for just under 500. Good luck
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Update...You peeked my interest and I did a little reading. According to this website: http://www.convertibletopguys.com/Co...ible-Top.shtml
vettes used more than one manufacturer for their late model OEM tops. It states: "Corvette convertible tops are made in original vinyls and in Twillfast/Sonnendeck (also original on many Corvettes) canvas and in Haartz Stayfast canvas."
They also mention a material called "Chrysler Sailcloth"
Again, I can only reiterate that mine appears to be identical to the Haartz stayfast canvas on my Camaro.
vettes used more than one manufacturer for their late model OEM tops. It states: "Corvette convertible tops are made in original vinyls and in Twillfast/Sonnendeck (also original on many Corvettes) canvas and in Haartz Stayfast canvas."
They also mention a material called "Chrysler Sailcloth"
Again, I can only reiterate that mine appears to be identical to the Haartz stayfast canvas on my Camaro.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Many, many CF Members have had the Robbins replacement top installed.
You are the first (to my recollection) to infer their tops are less than acceptable, especially against the OEM ones.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Springs Ms
The Chrysler Sailcloth is a vinyl top. As far as I know, it is the only material that you can get in white. The OEM material (Chrysler Sailcloth) was much heaver weight, better stitching, better fit, and better quality in every way. I trusted a "pro" that said he could get me a really good top to buy the last one and got conned! I am going to replace the current vinyl top with Sonnendeck this summer. I installed an OEM cloth top on my 69 and it fit perfectly, same quality as original.
