JeffBruce
03-12-2004, 09:36 AM
This info came from Classic Motoring Accessories
We included the following information on convertible tops in last months newsletter but felt we should include it again to compliment our interview with Rick Goldstein of RaggTopp.
Sorting out convertible tops.
Convertible tops are made with either a vinyl or fabric material. Using the wrong cleaner or protectant can harm the topping material. Most vinyl tops can be identified by their solid, crinkle-type finish. Most fabric tops are smoother and have a woven thread pattern. Some tops are deceiving. Both the Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z have tops that look like fabric but are in fact vinyl.
Here is a list of popular convertibles and the topping material used:
Miata:
Mazda has announced a gradual change over from vinyl to fabric top material. This change started in 2002. One half of Miatas imported in 2002 had fabric tops. The other half were imported with vinyl tops. Mazda states that this split will continue during 2003 with approximately one half of Miatas coming with fabric tops. The change over to fabric tops is due to be complete in 2004.
Corvette:
General Motors uses both vinyl and cloth topping material on the 2001-on Corvette but these tops are easier to identify. Black Corvette tops are fabric. White Corvette tops are vinyl.
Honda S2000:
The new S2000 has one of the nicest looking topping materials in the industry. It looks like fabric but it isn`t. All S2000 convertible tops are vinyl!
Nissan 350Z:
Like the S2000, Nissan`s new 350Z has a top that looks like fabric but it isn`t. All 350Z convertible tops are vinyl.
New Thunderbird:
The new T`birds sport a fabric top.
Jeep Wrangler:
Jeeps come with a vinyl top.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche:
All of the above German automakers use only fabric topping material.
Vinyl Miata top material.
Fabric Miata top material
Chevrolet Camaro - Cloth
Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler uses both vinyl and
cloth toppings. Check with your dealer.
Dodge Viper - Cloth
Ford Mustang - Vinyl
Mustang Terminator - Cloth
Plymouth Prowler - Cloth
Pontiac Firebird - Cloth
Audi TT - Cloth
BMW Z8 - Cloth
VW Golf - Cloth
Isuzu Rodeo - Vinyl
KIA Sportage - Vinyl
Land Rover - Vinyl
Suzuki Samurai - Vinyl
Toyota RAV4 - Vinyl
Jaguar XK8 - Cloth
SAAB 9-3 - Cloth
Volvo C70 - Cloth
We included the following information on convertible tops in last months newsletter but felt we should include it again to compliment our interview with Rick Goldstein of RaggTopp.
Sorting out convertible tops.
Convertible tops are made with either a vinyl or fabric material. Using the wrong cleaner or protectant can harm the topping material. Most vinyl tops can be identified by their solid, crinkle-type finish. Most fabric tops are smoother and have a woven thread pattern. Some tops are deceiving. Both the Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z have tops that look like fabric but are in fact vinyl.
Here is a list of popular convertibles and the topping material used:
Miata:
Mazda has announced a gradual change over from vinyl to fabric top material. This change started in 2002. One half of Miatas imported in 2002 had fabric tops. The other half were imported with vinyl tops. Mazda states that this split will continue during 2003 with approximately one half of Miatas coming with fabric tops. The change over to fabric tops is due to be complete in 2004.
Corvette:
General Motors uses both vinyl and cloth topping material on the 2001-on Corvette but these tops are easier to identify. Black Corvette tops are fabric. White Corvette tops are vinyl.
Honda S2000:
The new S2000 has one of the nicest looking topping materials in the industry. It looks like fabric but it isn`t. All S2000 convertible tops are vinyl!
Nissan 350Z:
Like the S2000, Nissan`s new 350Z has a top that looks like fabric but it isn`t. All 350Z convertible tops are vinyl.
New Thunderbird:
The new T`birds sport a fabric top.
Jeep Wrangler:
Jeeps come with a vinyl top.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche:
All of the above German automakers use only fabric topping material.
Vinyl Miata top material.
Fabric Miata top material
Chevrolet Camaro - Cloth
Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler uses both vinyl and
cloth toppings. Check with your dealer.
Dodge Viper - Cloth
Ford Mustang - Vinyl
Mustang Terminator - Cloth
Plymouth Prowler - Cloth
Pontiac Firebird - Cloth
Audi TT - Cloth
BMW Z8 - Cloth
VW Golf - Cloth
Isuzu Rodeo - Vinyl
KIA Sportage - Vinyl
Land Rover - Vinyl
Suzuki Samurai - Vinyl
Toyota RAV4 - Vinyl
Jaguar XK8 - Cloth
SAAB 9-3 - Cloth
Volvo C70 - Cloth