Topic: Convertible Top '65

[Skyway65]

I had the new top installed on my ’65 a month ago. After sitting for a few weeks I’m beginning to see the outline of the pads and some issues with the #4 bow visible through the top. I reused the original factory pads that were on the car in an attempt to keep it as original as possible. 

On the original top none of these issues were visible. The replacement top is thinner fabric than the original was; is this the problem?  What is the remedy for these flaws?  Do I live with them the way they are?  I’m not happy with it!  Thoughts or comments please. 

[bryancobb]

Gary,
Your car is coming along great!  When you put as much effort in as you have,  I wouldn't "live with" anything.

Take it off, talk to Richard Smykay, and maybe deviate a little from original to get the results you expect.

Bryan

[CharlesTurner]

I have seen original cars with a piece of foam seated at the ends of each side of the rear bow.  The foam stands up off the edge about 1/8" so that it compresses when the top is against it.  Helps hide the shape of the bow.

You will need to check with the top manufacturer to determine the weight of the material used.  It sure looks like you have some thin stuff with the outline of the pads showing through.

[Skyway65]

Thanks for the comments guys--Charles do you happen to know what the weight of the original fabric was?  38 oz? 

Does anyone have a similar problem or am I the lucky one with this!? 

[CharlesTurner]

I would have to ask a friend in the trim business what the original fabric weight was.

Are you sure that the top pads are original?  Those rear quarters usually flare out as they go down to the lower tacking strip.  Might be you have the wrong pads.  I normally see the edge of the pad close to the edge by the rear window/top.

[Skyway65]

Yes- those pads were there from day one.  There was only one set of staple holes when I took them apart.  They are the same material as the pads that run across the top of the bows, heavy black webbing.  I may have to change to the other style of pads to spread out the pressure a bit; if the other pads are thinner they won't show through as much, perhaps.

[CharlesTurner]

I have seen that style of pad, probably was used on the earlier cars.  I'm guessing the top material is the problem here.

[bryancobb]

Mr. Smykay's e-book says on page 91 that the Ford Assembly Manual call for 51045's to be put there to make it look best from the outside.
He shows a picture on page 92 of how he did his and what he would do different, in retrospect.

[Skyway65]

Mr. Smykay's e-book says on page 91 that the Ford Assembly Manual call for 51045's to be put there to make it look best from the outside.
He shows a picture on page 92 of how he did his and what he would do different, in retrospect.

Bryan--What do you mean by 51045's?  Another type of pad?  Thanks--

[bryancobb]

Gary,

I have no Idea what part that is in the Ford Assembly manual, but I thought that may be a piece of the puzzle you may need to get to the bottom of it.   Good Luck. 
I'm sure it's some kind of padding strip.

[Skyway65]

thanks for that. the search is on for the 51045's!

[68 S Code]

Fom my research of the fabric used then and the weight of the fabric used today there is no difference in the overall thickness. With that said the original top were composed of a layer of butyl which was then overlaid with vinyl. Todays tops are the same mil thickness as the old ones but all vinyl and no butyl. Butyl provides superior water resistance but as it ages it looses some elastisity and becomes brittle. Thats why you saw the old tops crack. I'm not sure whose the manufacturer of the top you bought but there are good ones and some you want to stay away from.

[Skyway65]

I'm not sure whose the manufacturer of the top you bought but there are good ones and some you want to stay away from.

Thanks for the info-but of course that begs the question which tops to stay away from?  I don't want to mention where this top came from and put that company in a bad light if there is something going on here besides the thickness of the material.  So, let me ask it in a different way, which top companies would you NOT stay away from?

[bryancobb]

Word I've heard is Kee brand or ________.  I can't remember the other one.

[CharlesTurner]

Almost every top manufacturer will offer different grades of material, so I don't think you can rate them based on that.  The fit and construction of the top are the main factors.

Kee and Robin are the 2 suppliers that I would use.