Re: New top for 69 roundtail

[Rodney Tidwell <rodneygt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul Weimer wrote:

> Interested in comments from folks who have replaced their top.  Know
> of
> Caribou and International Auto Parts but have not talked to anyone who

>
> has had these installed.  Is installation a major challenge?  Other
> sources of quality tops?  Interested in canvas vs vinyl.  All comments

>
> welcomed.
>
> Paul Weimer
> 69 1750 Spider


I recently bought a canvas top from caribou.  I am very happy with the
top.  I was very dissatisfied with the service (long story - price won
over pride).  Of course, caribou's tops are relatively inexpensive -
~$160 vinyl and ~$220 for canvas. IAP's vinyl is more than caribou's
canvas.

Canvas will fade though some companies (IAP) offer Sunfast tm which is
more resistant to the sun.  But, even if Canvas does fade it is easily
and inexpensively redeyed.  Canvas (& Sunfast) look better than vinyl
(i.e., more expensive).

I found installation relatively easy though time consuming.  I varied
dramatically from the installation instructions provided from Caribou.
There is a much easy way to attach the top to the front of the frame
than described in said instructions.  If you do it yourself, let me know

and I'll tell you what I did when you have the instructions available
for reference.  A drill with an attachment for sockets makes removing
and reinstalling the multitude of nuts that hold the rear of the top to
the car an easier task.  You also need a material/leather punch (don't
know the correct name but looks sort of like a hand-held hole punch you
would use on paper).

Good Luck
Rodney G. Tidwell
McComb, MS

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