new soft top question

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ed B
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new soft top question

Post by ed B »

I'm looking to replace the soft top on my 69 1600. I bought the car long distance and was lead to belive the top was ok. I later found the front bow was cracked and the top had many rips. I bought another frame and now I am trying to keep my cost down for a new top. I found a top for around $250 on line at the site below:

http://www.topsonline.com/?gclid=CNWN3p ... HwodpBMEZQ

But one thing bothers me when I seach for a top for the high top car. They separate 68-69 and 69-70 in two groups depending on serial number. Mine is in the lower number on their site. And according to them the lower number set have only 2 latches instead of 3. To the best of my knowledge all high windshield cars had 3 latches and none had 2 latches. Am I wrong on this? I did find one other site that uses the same distinction.
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steve_car
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Re: new soft top question

Post by steve_car »

That company has their info screwed up. They have one top for 67-68, the 2 latch error that you pointed out in the 68-69, and they even have a top for a 71. Better talk to them to clarify what you are getting or buy from one of the vendors that know what they are doing.

There is some minor difference in the 68-69 vs. 69-70, but I can't remember what it is. I seems that it has to do with the inside portion that wraps around the bar. They are interchangeable though - as far as I know.
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spl310
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Re: new soft top question

Post by spl310 »

The difference on the late tops has to do with the rain gutters. Rallye has a good write up
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duff me
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Re: new soft top question

Post by duff me »

I got a top thru rockauto in May for my '68. It's a pretty nice top, and the price was right. Lots of options if you want to check them out.
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ed B
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Re: new soft top question

Post by ed B »

Well I talked to the company on the phone. The person I talked to was not rude, however he was not helpful either. I explained to him that cars prior to 68 had two latches and those from 68 to 70 had three and there was no 71. He was quick to note that his info came from Robbins and also that he did not sell many of these (only 10-12 per year) and that he never received any complaints or folks telling him the info on his site was wrong. He also said that maybe the two latches were available during these years internationally and not in the US. I told him I really did not think that was the case. He was basically saying he was not going to change it just because I told him it was wrong.

He said that I should just ignore the serial number info and order by the number of clamps I needed. I explained that if the serial number info was incorrect or irrelevant that he should take it off. He again told me this info had come from Robbins and also I was the first to point out the info may be wrong and therefore he was not about to change it.

I asked him if the top came with the grommets needed to attach the top. He said it came with everything needed, other than what was required to be on the car. I asked him then if it came with the glue, and he said it did not. I said well at least it comes with a good set of instructions and and said it did not. He was a little surprised that I could not believe it did not come with instructions. He said well since I claimed to know so much about these cars that I should be able to install the top without the instructions. I am not sure if he was joking or just being a wise guy. I told him for example just because I know the engine types and sizes that came in each model for each year, did not mean I could rebuild an engine. He said Robbins did not supply the instructions and wanted the tops installed by professionals and not individuals, basically so they did not have to deal with questions during installation. However they were being more tolerant than Robbins and offering it to individuals, but no instructions or support...
Well I am having second thoughts at ordering from this site. I looked at another site where I have bought many of my datsun parts, but their top is about 50% more money and may be the same top as the company above, and my goal was to try to save some money here, but the last (and only top) I ever installed was for a TR-6 and that was over 30 years ago, so I am thinking directions would be helpful.

Thanks to all for all the input so far. I will check out rock auto.
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ed B
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Re: new soft top question

Post by ed B »

duff me wrote:I got a top thru rockauto in May for my '68. It's a pretty nice top, and the price was right. Lots of options if you want to check them out.
I guess it does have a lot of choices! Which one did you chose? Did the top come with grommets and did it come with instructions? Does it fit well?
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Re: new soft top question

Post by mraitch »

My recollection is that NO tops come with ANY holes in them, especially around the bow area. You either make new holes or you use the old ones stretching the fabric/material to fit.
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ed B
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Re: new soft top question

Post by ed B »

Ok. I was curious if they came with the grommet connectors, to put into the holes after you made them, and then be able to attach to the posties and twisties.
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mraitch
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Re: new soft top question

Post by mraitch »

Oh, THOSE, - don't know
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spl310
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Re: new soft top question

Post by spl310 »

Yes, they should come with a bag of hardware
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
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cole455
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Re: new soft top question

Post by cole455 »

Instructions don't seem necessary, you can reasonably work through it. There are several different tops available, Some vinyl. some cloth and some have zip-out rear windows. Personally, I use the zip-out window, it's pretty slick!
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spl310
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Re: new soft top question

Post by spl310 »

"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
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cole455
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Re: new soft top question

Post by cole455 »

Ha, that's handy.

I've never actually looked at the tech before
ed B
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Re: new soft top question

Post by ed B »

Great thanks Sid. What category was that listed under? I actually went there first so I would not have to bother anyone and did not see a listing for soft tops and then looked under body ( as many sites list the top under body) and did not see it there either.
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spl310
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Re: new soft top question

Post by spl310 »

Beats me. I did a search and found it
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
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