New and improved convertible top material
02-08-2017, 11:37 AM
#1
New and improved convertible top material So I just got off the phone with a convertible top manufacturer (not sure if I can say the name even though there's no competing sponsor...) and had a custom top made in Haartz's new-ish Forte Twill fabric. It was released in 2014, up until that point our cars either had the Haartz pinpoint vinyl or the Haartz stayfast.
From Haartz's website and other sources I've talked to, this new material is a fair bit more durable and the backing is different than the cotton in the Stayfast, so acoustic improvement is had with the Forte Twill.
Best part? It was surprisingly cheap to have the top made in the 2-piece factory style form with a glass window w/ defroster (cheaper than many other kits I've seen using a lesser material or with plastic windows!)
If you have any plans to replace your top in the next year or two, CHECK THIS STUFF OUT. It's a subtle aspect that no one considers when upgrading, don't be that guy! And sorry if I sound like a walking sales advert
Just want to raise awareness! 
From Haartz's website and other sources I've talked to, this new material is a fair bit more durable and the backing is different than the cotton in the Stayfast, so acoustic improvement is had with the Forte Twill.
Best part? It was surprisingly cheap to have the top made in the 2-piece factory style form with a glass window w/ defroster (cheaper than many other kits I've seen using a lesser material or with plastic windows!)
If you have any plans to replace your top in the next year or two, CHECK THIS STUFF OUT. It's a subtle aspect that no one considers when upgrading, don't be that guy! And sorry if I sound like a walking sales advert
Just want to raise awareness! 
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99MERICA (07-10-2019)
02-09-2017, 07:33 AM
#2
TECH Junkie
Thanks for the info. I still have my original top and it is doing very well still. The day may come though when I need a new top and your info will be helpful. Appreciate the post.
02-11-2017, 05:44 PM
#5
Will post pics once it's done, doing a complete ground up build on it currently so may be awhile. Kevin at Convertible Top Guys is who I talked to, as far as I know that's not stepping on any toes due to no other sponsors selling tops nor am I posting any contact info. They have it on their site in a one piece form but with a plastic window. I wanted the glass with defroster so I'm doing a factory 2 piece style, should arrive in a week or two.
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02-13-2017, 09:24 AM
#8
Thank you I want to thank you for the post. I've long been looking for something that'll increase the road noise when the top is up. I'll take a look for sure.
I wonder if it is less expensive than other tops because it is PVC and not cloth. I'm interested to see how well it looks on a F-Body since ours came with cloth from the factory. Decisions decisions.
I wonder if it is less expensive than other tops because it is PVC and not cloth. I'm interested to see how well it looks on a F-Body since ours came with cloth from the factory. Decisions decisions.
03-15-2020, 07:55 PM
#15
Well this is awkward lmao. I'm so sorry guys. I've actually had the car in storage for a bit over 2 years now. I just went down to it the other day for the first time in a long while and plan to pull it out soon and bring it home to my garage. I looked at the box with the new convertible top material in there and have resolved to get the car to a point where the top can be installed. Currently the interior is fully stripped and the motor and transmission need to be dropped and some serious prep work on the whole body will be underway. I fully plan to come back to this thread at some point with nice pics and a review. I'm re-doing the entire convertible systems, new hydraulic pump, new higher quality cylinders (already purchased), new and improved wiring etc. It was my childhood best friend's car and I'm doing right by it. Managed to score a brand new set of brand new GM ebony door panels for it, they were new-old stock and weren't cheap. Having custom leather seat covers made, and a lot more. It's worth it to me to do right by the car since I've been around this car since he and I were both young kids. I will keep you posted!