My new soft top

[lurtch]

Hell All,

Check out my new top. I finally got around to replacing the shredded mess that was on the car when I got it in 2004.

I wanted something out of the ordinary, so I had to special order and wait two months (GAHH was the vendor). The interior is Burgundy leather. They want me to sun-soak it a few times and let it stretch for two weeks.

Then I go back in the shop and they will show me how to get it to crease correctly so it goes down in the well like it is supposed to. They also recommend tucking a micro-fiber towel in the crease where the window doubles back on itself, to prevent chaffing.

Larry in CA

[doitwright]

Looks good. Where did you have it installed?

[lurtch]

Hi Frank

I see we are Anthracite Metallic brothers - - -

A local shop here in Santa Rosa did the job and the lead installer told me "I've been doing this kind of work for 50 years - - ." So far, so good.

Larry

[cfm65@me.com]

Looking great, Larry

[dpreston Virginia]

Larry
Looks great.
On my car I have a 100% cotton bath towel rolled up long ways tied together with cotton strips. I then place it in the fold of the rear window when storing the top.
I also have two 12" by 20" thick plastic sheets that I place between the top and body near the folding mechanism for the top. the plastic keeps the canvas from being scuffed each time the top is lowered.
David

[Jonny B]

I used a plastic milk jug. I cut off the bottom and top then cut the remaining piece so that the angle of the molded part would fit over the side of the car as the top was being folded into the well.

Very good idea to use the towel/microfiber/etc/ in the window as it is folded.

[Jordan]

Larry, very nice.  I like the colour combination.

I use a 5 or 6" pool noodle in the window when it is folded.  Cut to the correct length.

[68_white]

I would be greatfull if you can post photos of the towels, milk jug, pool noodle or anything else when folding the top.

[Delvis]

New top looks fantastic! Well worth the wait.

[neelyrc]

I used a plastic milk jug. I cut off the bottom and top then cut the remaining piece so that the angle of the molded part would fit over the side of the car as the top was being folded into the well.

Here is a picture which represents what Jonny B is talking about.  Gernold Nisius demonstrated this at PUB Virginia last year.  This is in fact a plastic antifreeze bottle cut to suit.

[Jonny B]

That's it!

[ja17]

Be aware that the two arms which support the soft top hatch "saw" against the soft top fabric when the hatch is closed. Damage occurs to the soft top fabric as time goes on. The surface of these arms become rough or abrasive over time and cause more damage in less time. Owners should feel the rubbing surface of the arms with their fingers. If it is rough, use some fine 800 grit sandpaper on the rubbing surface to smooth it out so it will not damage the fabric. Many tops on these cars have damage and rub spots in the fabric from this "sawing action" when the arms become rough.

[UJJ]

Looks good Larry.
From your other anthracite (no metallic) brother.
Urban

[Koolmarca]

Hi Larry!

I'm in Berkeley and will need to get my soft top replaced - can you give us the name and number of the guy who did your top?  I am hoping I can get my top replaced when I finally get my car back from an Engine rebuild, which is taking forever and I miss my baby!

Marca in Berkeley