Convertible Tops

[turbojaeger]

I will replace my top within the restoration.
There are many different materials like vinyl, fabric and other.

Is the most expensive the best???

what's your experiences?

had anyone problems with the glass-window when the top folds down?

some examples so you know what i'm talking about:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CENTURION-ELECTRA-LESABRE-71-76-CONVERTIBLE-TOP-ONLY_W0QQitemZ300181930988QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 300181930988

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/71-72-73-Buick-Centurion-Convertible-Top-in-Vinyl-New_W0QQitemZ260192512946QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 60192512946

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/71-72-73-Buick-Centurion-Convertible-Top-in-Euro-Vinyl_W0QQitemZ260192118459QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m260192118459

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BUICK-LESABRE-CENTURION-1971-CONVERTIBLE-TOP_W0QQitemZ270050468352QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 70050468352

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BUICK-LESABRE-CENTURION-1971-CONVERTIBLE-TOP_W0QQitemZ270050468388QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2 70050468388

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CENTURION-ELECTRA-LESABRE-71-76-STAYFAST-TOP-GLASS_W0QQitemZ300174519809QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m300174519809
:user::rant::bawl::confused4:

[73 Centurion]

I'd recommend you start by finding a shop that has a history of doing good work on these tops. The scissor style top can be a pain to replace and some shops don't like to do them. They are often less interested if you bring them the roof to install.

I suggest you find the shop and use whatever roof they prefer. They have worked with many manufacturers and now which ones work best for them.

The point where the roof meets the body just behind the rear side window is a common place for tears. Before you have your top replaced you may want to tear this spot open and file down any sharp edges in the frame. When the roof is finished make sure the roof seam lays straight on the frame. If the seam is off to one side or the other it will tear quickly.

The side cables that stretch from the rear to the front header bow are CRITICAL to the roofs operation. They need to be attached at the front, the second bow and in the roof well. These cables have a nasty habit of unscrewing themselves. They also like to break off at the eyelet where it attaches to the second bow. When you watch the roof going up or down (we all watch don't we?) make sure you glance at these cables.

The secret to getting a roof to last is to have a properly aligned roof frame with all of it's joints greased and all of it's cables working.

One of the nicest features of our roof style is it has a glass rear window. There are some cheaper tops with plastic rear windows. Avoid these.

John

[gashog]

I have replaced a top before.
Not that hard except I did not steam the top, rear of the rear side window.
It wasn't super tight fitting at that point,but the rest of the job looked great compared to the old top.

The next time I'm sure it will look a little better.


Not a bad price for the cloth and glass window,just wish the pads were included also.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

I would agree with John 100%. These tops can be and are a royal pain in the arss. But they are cool when working properly.

Vinyl is the original materal. I battled myself with this question when I did mine. I decided to go with fabric. I had a Centurion that needed everything so I figured on what I liked, not what some potential unknown buyer would want if I ever decided to sell it. I still think that the canvas does look nicer then vinyl, but vinyl is original material. Let me add that I do like vinyl, but prefer the canvas.

If you have a really nice Centurion that needs little to nothing I would go with original. If you own it as an investment then go with original. Like let's say you some how got a hold of a gem like Keith's Centurion, that maybe only had worn paint and a bad top, need only minor work. Well the rarity and car being so complete I would go original.

My current canvas top has been on for over 10 years, no rips over the years. I have no regrets on the work they did. Unfortunately last year the body bracket holding the main frame of the top to the body of the car broke. The top has to come off and the bracket needs to be welded back in place. It still goes up but its like moving a dislocated arm. I do plan on repairing it and on doing so I will replace the top and switch back to vinyl and a glass rear window, as I slowly have been restoring mine back to it's original style. By all means it's a big job and $$$.

The back window: GO WITH GLASS it looks so much cleaner and nicer. With mine I did not have and was not aware I needed the brackets and springs that pull the rear window down. The guys doing the top had no clue on telling me it was missing (This is why I agree with John's post). They installed a glass at my request, but it broke after a few times getting caught on the rear seat. They re-installed a plastic one. I have now aquired those brackets & springs and next time around I am installing the glass. Plus plastic windows fog and gets scratched up.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Keith, that is one sharp looking car!

I'll have to book mark that site, thanks

[MichelHaak]

only have to say in this topic that I LOVE that electra. Drrrrooooll :Brow: