Best Convertible Top?
 

I need to replace the vinyl top on my 54 Sunliner and searched this forum for info, but could not find any. With all the talk of Lebaron Bonney lately, I wonder if they still make the best top. My family once owned a trimming business and used to install Electron Tops in the shop, but I found some bad press on the internet about them. Obsolete Parts in Oklahoma has a top, but only in black...


Can anyone share their experiences, good or bad, about their quest for a good top???


Thanks in advance.


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

Do you plane to install the top yourself?


If not, talk to the person/shop who is doing the installation - he/she may prefer one maker over the other.

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

Kee Auto Top (704) 332-8213 in Charlotte NC, made in the USA

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

Yes, I will install the top myself... My Father had a trimming business in the 60's and 70's and I did quite a few tops while in high school to help out. The handiest tool is a steam genny to help with minor wrinkles. I don't have one, but I think I can still get by...


I'll look into Kee. I called Kanter and they are sending me a small swatch to check the color. I'd like off-white rather than bright white.


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

LB should be able to fabricate the top kit but it would be a good idea to contact them if you can. The major problem now it seems, that they are having problems getting some materials. If they have the materials you want, they should be able to supply you.

Haarts is still about the biggest name in convertible top materials.

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

I called Kee this afternoon. They normally only sell wholesale to trimmers, but said that with such small demand for a top like mine, they would never ask a trimmer to stock an item like this. They decided to retail it to me. As soon as I get some samples, I'll decide. They have an eight year guarantee on their top. That's hard to beat...


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

Bill Hirsch in NJ also sell tops. Don't know anything about their tops but they are known for quality items.

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

OK, I called several different shops and samples are on the way. The lady at Kee stated that Ford did not offer a vinyl top in 1954, only stayfast. If stayfast, the only thing offered is tan or bright white, no off-white. Can anyone confirm her statement that only stayfast was offered in 1954?


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

This page shows the current OE replacement Stayfast but there are other choices.
http://www.haartz.com/products/stayfast

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

After talking with two or three different shops, I felt most comfortable with Kee. I just ordered top, curtain, and boot from them. I'll try to document the job with photos and report back. Might be later this spring...


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

Bumping this up as I need to replace the top on my 54 as well. How did the Kees top work out? How did the installation go for you? Thanks!

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

I received a call from Kee about three weeks ago, or there abouts, and they needed more time. They are primarily a manufacturer and not a retailer. Seems a very large order from a very good customer takes precedence, and that's OK. I see that my credit card has been charged, so I expect it any day now... I'll update as soon as I have more info..


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

My buddy got his vinyl top from topsonline.com and it looks good.

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

I got the top from Kee and the workmanship is the best I've seen. I removed the old top and now need the belt line molding clips that go on the side of the body. There are two types, one has 4 legs like a spider and has a threaded stud attached. I do not need this one. The clips on the side of the car (3 on each side) are the ones I need. I need 3. They push into a hole in the body and appear to just press in. I called Auveco and they are searching their archives to get a part number. The repro Ford guys tell me that the clips for the sedan will not fit the convertible. Anyone out there know where I can get these? Any help would be appreciated.


Frank

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

Try Restoration Specialties in PA

Re: Best Convertible Top?
 

I contacted Restoration Specialties, thanks for the tip. They do not have this clip in their catalog, but may have it in their inventory. they asked for a photo and info of the car and they will check. The saga continues...


Frank