Vinyl or Canvas?

Post by **23yrRebuild** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:47 am

What are the opinions on vinyl versus canvas soft tops?

Post by **spl310** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 8:08 am

That question should get a few folks talking!! From a historic perspective, the tops on the Roadsters through 67 were black canvas. From 68 through the end of production, they were vinyl. There is some question in my mind about what the 67.5s would have had - I have not had an original top with any of my cars, but I suspect that they were canvas.

For a concours typ restoration, you would need to get the oem type material. For you, that would be cloth. For practicality, vinyl is easier to keep nice looking on a car that is a driver. Some folks advocate the zip out rear window, (not original on any Roadster, but available aftermarket), but others think that it adds to much to the bulk if you use the boot.

Vinyl is also less expensive than canvas...

DatsunBucky · Post by **DatsunBucky** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 11:07 am

spl310 wrote:There is some question in my mind about what the 67.5s would have had - I have not had an original top with any of my cars, but I suspect that they were canvas.

From what my failing memory tells me about my original Roadster, they were the same material as the tonneau cover and the boot. Canvas.