I wanted to put a removeable fabric top on my '30 Tudor and I'm not sure what material I should use. I plan on just using snaps or 1/4 turn fastners since I don't plan on driving it in the rain and I don't need it completely water-tight, but I do want to keep the blazing sun and the occasional shower from coming inside. I was looking at the original cobra long-grain material that they sell at Snyders and the other restoration shops and wondering if this would be the right way to go. Is it thick/strong enough to just be a top on its own or does it really require the other layers they sell in the roof kits? If not, is there a better modern material I should use?
My model A coupe uses "marine grade" vinyl with stainless snaps works good and when the wind blows through it doesnt stretch.
If you plan to drive with it on, you might look into a method of keeping it drawn down against the top bows. Velcro tabs? The low pressure suction on the roof will draw it upward at speed.
Pitman is right on. My '27 T used to look like it was 9 months pregnant at 75 MPH going down the road. 3M has what I call 'institutional' velcro. I think you could stick your girlfriend to the wall with this stuff. I use it to hold on door panels and it works well. Kermit
Great advice Pitman and Kermit - I see ratty old convertibles all the time with that problem. Of course, Kermit is giving me some *other* ideas for this stuff now
Mac's antique auto sells top kits with original cobra grain material. I got mine from there, seems to be pretty good stuff, looks like it will hold out water also.
Hey Chris - it's good to hear from someone who has this stuff. How thick is it? Does it have a backing? Are you using it with a full top kit or just on its own? Marc
If you're looking form some variety in grain and colors, tonneau material is a good choice. The backing is usually very stiff and the stuff doesn't stretch very much. The widths are usually ample to cover, well a truck bed, and the durability of it's great.
Are you suggesting buying a complete tonneau cover and hacking it up or can I get that material someplace on its own? Thanks!
Don't buy the whole tonneau! You should be able to get the yard goods (material) at any auto upholstery supply house. Or go to any trim shop and they can show you samples and order it for you. Should be about $10-15 a yard or so. Find Fat Lucky on here. I do believe he/they are down your way. They'll be able to help you too. Good trimmers there, nice work. Vinyl top material as used on landaus and vinyl roofs can be bought the same way , but this material tends to be much stretchier than tonneau becuse it has to conform to the shape of the roof. For what you want to do you need something with a strong backing so you don't get the dreaded 60 MPH pregnant roof.
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