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Convertibles Convertible Q&A's

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  #1  
Old Mar 5th, 01, 05:47 PM
Draayer Draayer is offline
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I'm getting a new top for my 68 convertible and I'm wondering if anyone has had good "or bad" luck with any particular brand of tops. I'm have a pro put it on but he said that he has had some that went on very well while others are buggers. Any help would be soo appreciated.
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  #2  
Old Mar 5th, 01, 05:54 PM
kdorsett kdorsett is offline
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I dont have a convertable Camaro, but I did see in Classic's Catalog, they offer a top with a glass rear window that has a 3 year warranty. They also offer the plastic window with the same warranty too.

My 99 SAAB Convert has a glass rear window and I think its great. Don't have to worry about it yellowing or tearing! Just my .02 worth

Kevin

------------------
68 Camaro SS - In Resto
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  #3  
Old Mar 5th, 01, 07:45 PM
RobR RobR is offline
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I have seen a top with the glass rear window and it folds. It has a seam or hinge of some sort horizontally through the middle. I saw a 68 mustang with one the other day and could not decide if I liked seeing through it clearly enough to put up with the line. Also, the glass window is a smaller area than if you went with the plastic window. I am still trying to decide, but I have to paint until after paint anyway, so I have a few months to think about it.

Rob

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  #4  
Old Mar 6th, 01, 06:29 AM
Draayer Draayer is offline
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Thanks for the replys, to clearify a bit, I did plan on going with a glass window and what I have been told about them is that they are all one piece don't yellow etc. but they are smaller than plastic windows, which I think i can live with. The biggest question I have is, are all tops made the same, i.e. fit? ease of putting on?? Let me know your expierences. Thanks again.
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  #5  
Old Mar 6th, 01, 07:04 AM
gldn slmbr gldn slmbr is offline
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I bought my vinyl top from Ricks. They offer two weights, I opted for the heavy weight and had a pro install it. He DID say that the pads that you buy for the top are not wide enough so I sent them back and had the shop make me a set. The quality of the upholstery shop pads was much better. The overall fit of the top is excellent. I went with the plastic window because I'm determined to keep it as original as possible.
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  #6  
Old Mar 6th, 01, 03:24 PM
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rs1968ss rs1968ss is offline
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I'm getting ready to have a guy put on a cloth top on mine. I like the look of the cloth over canvas. I'll let you know how it turns out. Should be in a couple of months.

------------------
Cars:
68 RS/SS BB ragtop
63 Nova II ragtop
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Camaro Club of Kansas City
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  #7  
Old Mar 7th, 01, 09:16 AM
tples69 tples69 is offline
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Where did you find the canvas top? I think I like the look of it better than the vinyl.

Thanks.

Elmer

------------------
1969 Camaro RS Convertible
406 SBC Accel Superram, 700R4, 3.55 12 bolt
ARDF suspension, 17" Budniks, Baer 13" 4 wheel discs, Dakota Digital, etc.
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  #8  
Old Apr 11th, 01, 08:48 AM
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rs1968ss rs1968ss is offline
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Well, the top is being installed as we speak. I went by today and looked at it and if you are planning on replacing your top and are going original, ask for a StaFast (check the spelling) canvas top. I believe that he ordered it out of Colorado. It is beautiful! This is a huge upgrade from the stock vinyl look. Very pleased. I'll try to post pictures of it after I get it back.

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68 RS/SS BB ragtop
63 Nova II ragtop
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  #9  
Old Apr 11th, 01, 09:00 AM
KevinW KevinW is offline
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My Driver has a new top on it, It looks to be very good quality. But it does not lay all the way down in the well. Either the fabric is too thick or the well cover doesn't have enough slack. Anyone have this problem? Thanks, Kevin

------------------
69' SS-350 ragtop, M20, 3.55 posi. Totally Disassembled & in boxes (I'm working on it!)
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  #10  
Old Apr 11th, 01, 11:01 AM
stenn5
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I'm also finishing up my wifes convert. She likes the canvas too, where can I find one of those tops? I live in Washington State. Any help would be greatful. Are there any tricks to install it or should I go to a pro?
Thanks,
Mike
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  #11  
Old Apr 11th, 01, 11:04 AM
stenn5
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I forgot its a 69 SS/RS 350 4 speed car. I have a complete power top assembly are the tops the same? I have the pump and cylinders, lines etc. Do I need more?
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  #12  
Old Apr 11th, 01, 11:46 AM
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rs1968ss rs1968ss is offline
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I'll find out the name of the company that my guy ordered it from. I would highly recommend you take it to a pro. Getting it tight in the right places without making it too tight in others is an art. I should have it back on Friday so I should know the name of the company by this weekend.

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  #13  
Old Apr 11th, 01, 06:10 PM
Gary Dorion Gary Dorion is offline
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My own choice is to stay original. Stay with the plastic window. Much larger and easier to see out of. I don't like the look of the slit in the middle of the glass window.The vinyl top looks great, be sure to match the color to the interior.
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  #14  
Old Apr 12th, 01, 04:01 AM
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rs1968ss rs1968ss is offline
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Randy
 
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I went with the plastic window as well. It is much larger and from the information that I have heard, to lower the top you have to unzip the glass window and fold it up prior to lowering the top. I have a power top and that kinda defeats the purpose. My car is not original so I went with the custom top. If originality is your thing then go with the vinyl. I prefer the look of the canvas top. Especially on my car.

------------------
Cars:
68 RS/SS BB ragtop
63 Nova II ragtop
Club:
Camaro Club of Kansas City
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  #15  
Old Apr 15th, 01, 12:43 PM
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rs1968ss rs1968ss is offline
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Well, I have the car back now and am VERY happy with the top. I asked him about the tops and he said to go with Best Tops or Robbins. They make the best tops as far as he is concerned. I believe that they make the original vinyl and the StayFast that I used. Take your pick.
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