Convertible Top Usage
 

I am just wanting other's opinions on this. Maybe someone has been through this situation. If there is a better place to post it, I am all ears...

I had purchased a brand new canvas (not vinyl) convertible top for my 1967 GTO from Bill Hirsch all the way back around the year 2000. It came to my attention that they had one with a glass back window that was discounted, but had no issues. It arrived without problems from UPS. I opened the package, made sure that everything I ordered was present, and closed it back up. I never took the top out of the package.

Fast forward to today, past the child-rearing and job changes. I have finally gotten to have a look at the car and what I have. The top still hasn't been removed from the shipping carton.

All that being said, has the top likely taken a set and become unusable? For all I know, the material might have shrunken or became less flexible, making a normally difficult installation impossible.

I hate that the money is already spent, but if I am better off starting anew and discarding the top for a new (today) one, I might be better off in the install.

**Also, if you have an opinion on if a black canvas top would look "off" on my GTO, let me know. I know that the original top material was more of a vinyl. At the time, I thought that canvas might look good, but maybe I was wrong.

***While I am asking, the original top on the car was black. When replaced back in the late 1970s, my father put a white top on it. I have never seen a 1967 GTO in Signet Gold with a black convertible top on it. I think that the white top is a good look, but am I better off trying to stay original?

I appreciate your assistance and experience.

Olmanwinter

I would give it a go before I bought new. Open it up an stretch it out. When doing the install a hand held steamer may help a great deal if there are 'permanent folds'.

I think a black top on a gold car would look great, especially if the interior is black.

You could also go a beige color too, a shade as close to body color as possible.

Personally, I don't care for a car that has a different color top than the interior color, it seems 'off' to me. Never understood adding a 3rd color either. But black does work regardless of interior color, it tends to tie in with the tires. (and trim in some cases).

In the end, it's a matter of personal preference/taste, and if you like it, who cares what anyone else thinks.

As for vinyl/canvas, canvas is more of a premium material and is more durable. They can last double or more time than a vinyl top. But they are more maintenance. They can also be more bulky, and bulge some when folded. That can make it stick up more above the boot trim, making it difficult to get the boot on.

Vinyl tops' like span is roughly 5-10 years, maybe more if it doesn't see a lot of use.

I've seen cars with canvas tops that are 20-30+ years old and still look great. Have also seen canvas tops that were not very old that had mold & mildew damage, which I don't believe you can repair. A quality canvas top won't have seam issues, inexpensive ones can. They don't wrinkle like vinyl tops do.



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[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/U0u2XLS.jpg[/IMG]

https://i.imgur.com/OMiVskB.jpg

I went canvas with my 67. It's being painted now in Destroyer Gray. I think it will be a nice combo

Not a stock GTO, more of a resto-rod
Some interior shots
https://i.imgur.com/FyTWlWk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4uHPSYAh.jpg?1

WOW that top looks great! Interior too!

Are those custom TMI seats?


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No, those are 2005 GTO seats (front and rear) that I remade to fit my car. It helps that I have an upholstery shop. ( Actually, I passed it onto my son as I recently retired) But I still get to use the shop LOL

Who would you recommend as a supplier for a canvas convertible top?

I want to do a canvas top in the original Saddle for my 1964 Le Mans convertible.

Thanks for any help. :)

I will only use Robbins tops. In my 50 years of upholstery business, that's the best top manufacture I've found. They custom made this from Haartz Sta-Fast canvas and a tinted rear window. Not cheap, but what is? Most upholstery shops deal in Robbins Tops.

Thanks to everyone for their opinions and responses.

Stitch, I was thinking, "wow, someone that is experienced and can do a quality install of my canvas top!". Went to your website for more information. I am in Kansas. :(

I will keep up the hunt.

Road trip. LOL