Topic: Convertible Top '65

[bryancobb]

Here's a very timely thread on VMF where Richard Smykay is answering someone asking the SAME question.
http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vintage-mustang-forum/634208-best-replacement-convertible-top.html

[68 S Code]

Both Kee and Robbins are good manufacturers but I would request that they use Doubletex fabric and not singletex. Doubletex is the butyl backed material like original. Might be harder to work with so not for the DIY possibly. It is not common either anymore as everyone uses singletex as the standard material. Also 30% to 50% more expensive so things to consider. Very few people get doubletex tops but if your doing a 67 to 73 white top it is spot on with the original Ford color. Also available in black. The butyl is dense which would make it seem heavier but crossectional thickness of singletex and doubletex is the same ( 32 or 37 mills?). I hope this explains the material better. Custom order so it will take a few weeks to get a doubletex top so plan ahead.

[Skyway65]

Both Kee and Robbins are good manufacturers but I would request that they use Doubletex fabric and not singletex. Doubletex is the butyl backed material like original. Might be harder to work with so not for the DIY possibly. It is not common either anymore as everyone uses singletex as the standard material.

I'm trying, like most of us on this site, to get the car as close to original as possible so this Doubletex fabric has me intrigued.  Is the difference that noticeable?  Does anyone have any photos of one installed on their car?  Thanks for all the help on this topic.

[68 S Code]

Yes I have one on mine. I will try to take some close-up pics in the next day or two as car is at an off-site garage.

[Skyway65]

Yes I have one on mine. I will try to take some close-up pics in the next day or two as car is at an off-site garage.

thanks

[68 S Code]

Skyway here are some pics of the doubletex top. I had the top down just before taking the pics so dont be detered by some of the wrinkles you see. They are not normally there. The window is also down so thats why no stretch in the sail panels.

[Skyway65]

Thank you for taking the time to post those shots; looks great.  Did you use the pads that came with the new top or did you reuse the originals? (if you had them)  Are there any signs of the pads showing through?

[68 S Code]

New pads and they don't show through. I would attribute that to the weight of butyl layer. Vinyl top layer is thin and the butyl is heavy.

[Skyway65]

Got it. 

One guy I was talking with yesterday suggested that I just forget about using the rear pads.  Then there is no chance of the pad marks showing because there are no pads.  Comment was made that lots of people do it that way to avoid the problem as well as to get a lower stack height when the top is folded down.  Do you REALLY need the rear pads?

[68 S Code]

Cant answer that for sure but i do know that the sail panels were extra from the guy I got this top from. I will say that the stack in the back looks tall but Ive only dropped the top to work on the interior a few times.. Havent tried installing the boot yet but may try that in the next week so I will let you know.

[CharlesTurner]

The rear pads were used at the factory, so unless you want to deviate from original, they should be there. 

[Skyway65]

The rear pads were used at the factory, so unless you want to deviate from original, they should be there. 

Charles that is true-but at this point, after spending a chunk of cash for the top and install, I'm trying to figure out how to get the job redone and assure that I won't have these visible marks again when I'm finished. 

Do you suppose it may just be as simple as installling the other, wider, style of pads even though they are not original to my car?  You mentioned that you like Kee tops, do you use the single or double fabric version? 

Finally, to add another piece to the puzzle, the narrower pads that are on my car now are actually totally hidden by the rear window assembly when viewed from the inside of the car.  So, looking at it now you can't even see the pads, except of course from the outside!!

[CharlesTurner]

You may need to find another top-installer in your area.  There could be any number of issues causing the problems you have.

[Oz390]

A bit late, but stumbled on the thread, referring to the 50145 pads.  These are a small pad that was used as filler at the outer ends of Bow #4.  Over the rear curtain, under the top fabric, held by adhesive.  Called out in the FAM's as just a "filler", but no deails as with most the pads and soft "pattern parts.

As noted in my document I would now add a strip of medium density closed cell foam there, as without it the top fabric sucks down a bit into the channel of the bow.  I have info from Scott Halseth of NDP that the material was polurethance foam, and size was 4" x 3/4" x 1/2" thick, based on Ford drawings.

Not reproduced AFAIK, but pretty easy to fabricate.

[Oz390]

... and my Kee top has similar lines, but its from the manufacture of the top and the seams in the rear panels, not due to the pads...