New 67 ragtop

[jimbo67rag]

Can anyone tell me what is the best quality ragtop for my 67. I would like a top that is close to original in appearance as my car is matching numbers and I would like to keep it as correct as possible. Who makes the best repop tops,and where can I buy them in USA or Canada. I am in British Columbia.  Thanks jimbo

[169INDY]

I am in the market for a replacement TOP for my 69 Pacer.

When researching sources I found a few like the Local manufacture right here in Wa state.

http://www.ezsofttops.com/t-contact.aspx

but,,,,,,I am going to drive up there & check them out in person this spring,,,,,

I also would like to hear about actual drop top owners experiences with the products out there.

Jim

[Pacecar]

I used Electron Top on my Pace Car. The installer who put it on has been doing this for 40 years. Electron is the brand he uses for its fit and looks. I do not know of anyone reproducing the right codes for the rear window.  The original corner trim tabs are getting hard to find. Be mindful of how the installer mounts the top over the front header. For manual tops, there is also a gray plastic piece that mounts on the front.  These seem to get tossed when the top is replaced

[jimbo67rag]

Thanks for that response.  Where can I pick up an Electron top.  Classic industries? 

[69Z28-RS]

Thanks for that response.  Where can I pick up an Electron top.  Classic industries? 

http://www.electrontop.com/catalog.html

[jimbo67rag]

Thank you . I will check it out.

[z28z11]

Kee makes an awfully good top - 32 and 38 oz. fabrics if I remember correctly. Not cheap -

I replaced my Pace top quite a few years ago - the top still looks every bit as good as when it was installed. It does help to use an installer that works with early cars and classics - our local guy came recommended from all sides of the hobby (Corvettes, Mustangs, big cars); top is tight and centered correctly.

Things do change - I bought mine from a well known supplier before they changed ownership - a couple of years ago, I recommended them to a good friend doing a Firebird, with disastrous results (top manufacturer changed, supplier would not credit back as they said there was no problem they could determine). He used my installer, who has done literally hundreds of tops - he said it was the worst top he had seen. Cut wrong and sewn off center.

Be careful in your selection and don't scrimp - worth it in the long run -

[jimbo67rag]

Great advice that i will follow Z.  Thanks for responding. I will be diligent in my search and I will post my findings when the are complete. Thanks again.  Jimbo

[Mike S]

I forget who made my top but it was a kit and I installed it myself. It was easier than I expected. The tricky part was getting the rear window tight with no ripples. I did the work in the sun to get the material supple.
When I finish my re-restoration this year I will not hesitate to install the top myself.

Mike

[jimbo67rag]

Hi Mike My buddy has a 70 cuda ragtop that he is restoring for the second time in 30 years.  He put a top on himself the first time and says he will do it again. His advice is give ones self lots of time, have the correct tools on hand and network for installing  tips as much as you can.  He also mentioned installing in the sun to keep the top soft and pliable.  Thanks for the response.   

[Mike S]

  One thing you will need is a staple gun with either brass or stainless steel staples.

Mike

[jimbo67rag]

Rust proof.  Got it thanks Mike.

[ggtsvnv]

On the 68 I used to own I bought a Robbins Auto Top. It fit well and my installer said it was one of the best he had ever seen. Was not cheep by any means, and while it seemed close to the original fabric it was a good heavier material and the color seemed right on. They also seemed to have a good warranty. The guy that owns the car now has had it for 12 years and the top still looks brand new, and I had it put on 3 years before he bought the car from me. Granted it didn't see much weather except for sun when I owned it and the owner now just drives it in nice weather also. I will probably use them again when my current 68 gets on the rotisserie.