Opinions needed - soft top?

[tosoutherncars]

Hi all,

A flying pine cone killed my ancient soft top (long story!)

What is everyone's favorite source for soft tops? I'm particularly interested in Haartz fabric/canvas style, rather than the nylon / pleather versions. This would be for my '78.

And, anticipating one response... Tony, could you send me a price / details? chester_field@hotmail.com. Thanks very much!

 

[tony barnhill]

PM on the way

 

[SilentUnicorn]

Hi all,

A flying pine cone killed my ancient soft top (long story!)

What is everyone's favorite source for soft tops? I'm particularly interested in Haartz fabric/canvas style, rather than the nylon / pleather versions. This would be for my '78.

And, anticipating one response... Tony, could you send me a price / details? chester_field@hotmail.com. Thanks very much!

what does one of those look like?


mark

 

[tosoutherncars]

hehehe... Oooh, the top? I'll see if I can find a site that has a sample.

 

[tosoutherncars]

Cloth / canvas top - eBay

That's what I'm planning... had a nice chat with the lady from topsonline.com today, she confirmed that both EZ and Robbins use Haartz canvas. The Robbins is about twice as expensive, but she suggested that was only because they are a 'name brand', and recommended that I go with the EZ! They offer the same 5-year warrantee on both.

So that's what I'm going to do... About $300 shipped for a fabric top, less than half of Moss' price! I don't know why, I just don't like the look of the pleather tops.

 

[JPSmit]

Duncan you have a PM

 

[tosoutherncars]

https://www.topsonline.com/cart.php?ProductID=6793

Pulled the trigger today, on a new CLOTH soft top. Same brand of material as the Robbins top (Haartz stayfast canvas) and same quality construction, as per the vendor, but a lesser-known company (EZ On Tops) and about half the price.

Price was just under $300 taxes in, shipped to upstate NY, which is a lot nicer than the $620 that the Big Two are asking. I will report back as to fitment. Hopefully, I can get my local MGOC to have a tech session, so I can get a hand with the installation.

Does anyone have useful links as far as installation tutorial / tips & tricks?

 

[tosoutherncars]

And, follow-up question... Haartz recommends Wolfstein's RAGGTOPP fabric & vinyl cleaner, and fabric protectant. I had originally planned on using Scotchguard 3M product. Anyone have opinions one way or the other?

https://www.wolfsteins.com/shopping.htm

 

[JPSmit]

And, follow-up question... Haartz recommends Wolfstein's RAGGTOPP fabric & vinyl cleaner, and fabric protectant. I had originally planned on using Scotchguard 3M product. Anyone have opinions one way or the other?

https://www.wolfsteins.com/shopping.htm

I'm curious too - Duncan can you keep track of the installation process - even pics if possible - you'll likely be at it before me and I'll need advice - I know we've discussed top installation before but not canvas I think which I presume wouldn't have the same - heat stretch issues

 

[jlaird]

Canvas is stretcheeeee a bit. Think of old time sails.

 

[Jer]

I wish my new Vinal one was more "strecheeee" when I put it on last year, had it bakin in the sun & installed in direct sun (almost got a sunburn that day) & it still was to snug (not enough to pull over the header correctly & barely hits on the backside of the windows ... but looks good from 10 feet & is only up in the rain - does the job... what do I expect for a top from some no-name comapany delivered to my door for 180 bucks ? ... hee hee.

 

[RickB]

I am very interested to hear and see your experience with this top. I've got the same top on my watch list right now. :wink:

 

[JPSmit]

Canvas is stretcheeeee a bit. Think of old time sails.

Thanks for the reminder - it's a different kind of stretcheeee So, for instance, do you install it wet and let it shrink? the waterproof? - I'm not sure

 

[jlaird]

Not a clue but think wet would be a bit much.