[65GTKcar]

Replacing the black vinyl top on my ‘65, and it appears that there are several options in terms of manufacturers.
Any recommendations in terms of which brand to go with? Legendary from NPD? Scott Drake?
Also - seems like there’s the “correct”/bigger grain pattern available at an extra cost. Do we like this for the extra cost?
Any input from experienced vinyl top installers would be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Lightning]

I've installed a couple, but don't recall the brand. I would suggest staying away from anything that has a fleece type backing, it can tend to make the top look lumpy and isn't the oem type backing. You didn't say if you're installing yourself or paying to have it done. For installation, I like to find the center of the roof and snap a chalk line front to rear, then find the center of the vinyl top and cut a small notch front and rear for alignment with the chalk line. I start with spray glue at the center line and apply it in roughly 10"-12" strips working towards the outside, pulling the top snug and even as I go while making sure the seams down each side are straight and evenly spaced from side. If you're a first timer, you might want to consider buying vinyl 2 tops.....just in case.

 

[65GTKcar]

I've installed a couple, but don't recall the brand. I would suggest staying away from anything that has a fleece type backing, it can tend to make the top look lumpy and isn't the oem type backing. You didn't say if you're installing yourself or paying to have it done. For installation, I like to find the center of the roof and snap a chalk line front to rear, then find the center of the vinyl top and cut a small notch front and rear for alignment with the chalk line. I start with spray glue at the center line and apply it in roughly 10"-12" strips working towards the outside, pulling the top snug and even as I go while making sure the seams down each side are straight and evenly spaced from side. If you're a first timer, you might want to consider buying vinyl 2 tops.....just in case.

Thanks for the input, @Lightning. I am having a guy that works at an upholstery shop come over and do it for me under the table, but I'm in charge of getting the materials. For something like this I would much rather have someone experienced do it.

 

[66#3]

Please keep us updated with your progress. I'm interested in seeing how it goes, what problems you have, and to hear about your success!

 

[image98]

I'm researching convertible tops and materials as well. Also throwing into the mix Robbins and Kee brands. Lots of options out there for materials and backings.

https://www.robbinsautotopco.com/toppings-hst.php

https://www.keeautotop.com/samples.html

 

[Fastang68]

Thanks for the input, @Lightning. I am having a guy that works at an upholstery shop come over and do it for me under the table, but I'm in charge of getting the materials. For something like this I would much rather have someone experienced do it.

Have you researched if both your windshields need to be removed?

 

[65GTKcar]

Have you researched if both your windshields need to be removed?

I have both windows out because it's also getting painted right now, so that decision was already made for me. :smile2:

 

[Fastang68]

I've installed a couple, but don't recall the brand. I would suggest staying away from anything that has a fleece type backing, it can tend to make the top look lumpy and isn't the oem type backing. You didn't say if you're installing yourself or paying to have it done. For installation, I like to find the center of the roof and snap a chalk line front to rear, then find the center of the vinyl top and cut a small notch front and rear for alignment with the chalk line. I start with spray glue at the center line and apply it in roughly 10"-12" strips working towards the outside, pulling the top snug and even as I go while making sure the seams down each side are straight and evenly spaced from side. If you're a first timer, you might want to consider buying vinyl 2 tops.....just in case.

When you say fleece do you mean that white cotton looking material?

 

[Lightning]

When you say fleece do you mean that white cotton looking material?

Yes. Its fuzzy

 

[65GTKcar]

Yes. Its fuzzy

I guess I thought that they all have the fuzzy/fleece backing, no?

 

[196667Bob]

You may want to pass the attached on to your installer.


Bob

 

[69bossnine]

Replacing the black vinyl top on my ‘65, and it appears that there are several options in terms of manufacturers.
Any recommendations in terms of which brand to go with? Legendary from NPD? Scott Drake?
Also - seems like there’s the “correct”/bigger grain pattern available at an extra cost. Do we like this for the extra cost?
Any input from experienced vinyl top installers would be appreciated!
Thanks!

It took me a bit to chime-in on this, because I discovered that our vinyl top selections are a bit of a "mess" in our catalog and online. I'll try to keep it simple.

The correct vinyl top for your '65 would be one with "integral A-pillars".

We carry two levels of quality, the lesser quality being manufactured by Acme (VT-50-AS) and the best-quality being manufactured by Legendary (VT-56-A).

The PRIMARY DIFFERENCE between the more-expensive Legendary, and pretty much any/every other brand that's out there, is the correctness of the Levant grain.

As far as I know, Legendary and only Legendary has Levant vinyl that is dead-nuts correct and accurate to original. The Levant that everyone else is using does not have near the level of depth and definition. It looks like someone hit the vinyl with a giant flat-iron.

I realize that $318.95 is pricey for a vinyl top... But since a K-code is a fairly high-dollar car, you might consider taking the plunge on this one. Side by side, the difference is very noticeable.

Rick
NPD

 

[sirhk100]

Does anyone make a replacement vinyl top in a parchment color? Or something close? I haven't had luck finding one and assumed when it came time to do mine I'd be working with just a sheet of vinyl and cutting it to fit on the fly...

Still quite a ways out from doing mine but I've got a doc with notes already started based on my exterior body/cosmetic work for when I'm ready. I'm simply enjoying driving the car until then!!!

 

[69bossnine]

Does anyone make a replacement vinyl top in a parchment color? Or something close? I haven't had luck finding one and assumed when it came time to do mine I'd be working with just a sheet of vinyl and cutting it to fit on the fly...

Still quite a ways out from doing mine but I've got a doc with notes already started based on my exterior body/cosmetic work for when I'm ready. I'm simply enjoying driving the car until then!!!

Parchment was not a factory option from Ford, you could only get black or white. Keep in mind that the white was "Ford White", which is a very creamy white. The top in your photo looks to be Ford White to me..

I've seem Parchment tops on 65-68 Mustangs before, but believe them to be dealer-installed or later-in-life-installed.

I would not attempt to fab-up a vinyl top yourself.

 

[sirhk100]

Parchment was not a factory option from Ford, you could only get black or white. Keep in mind that the white was "Ford White", which is a very creamy white. The top in your photo looks to be Ford White to me..

I've seem Parchment tops on 65-68 Mustangs before, but believe them to be dealer-installed or later-in-life-installed.

I would not attempt to fab-up a vinyl top yourself.

Interesting!!! Thanks for that info! I assumed "white" meant "white"... I'll have to see what the "white" ones on the market truly look like colorwise. I always assumed it was just parchment as it pretty much matched my interior and figured the color difference was years of exterior abuse vs. interior not being in the open elements.

 

[69bossnine]

Interesting!!! Thanks for that info! I assumed "white" meant "white"... I'll have to see what the "white" ones on the market truly look like colorwise. I always assumed it was just parchment as it pretty much matched my interior and figured the color difference was years of exterior abuse vs. interior not being in the open elements.

What you've got there will be a very pretty color-combo when you're done!!

 

[65GTKcar]

It took me a bit to chime-in on this, because I discovered that our vinyl top selections are a bit of a "mess" in our catalog and online. I'll try to keep it simple.

The correct vinyl top for your '65 would be one with "integral A-pillars".

We carry two levels of quality, the lesser quality being manufactured by Acme (VT-50-AS) and the best-quality being manufactured by Legendary (VT-56-A).

The PRIMARY DIFFERENCE between the more-expensive Legendary, and pretty much any/every other brand that's out there, is the correctness of the Levant grain.

As far as I know, Legendary and only Legendary has Levant vinyl that is dead-nuts correct and accurate to original. The Levant that everyone else is using does not have near the level of depth and definition. It looks like someone hit the vinyl with a giant flat-iron.

I realize that $318.95 is pricey for a vinyl top... But since a K-code is a fairly high-dollar car, you might consider taking the plunge on this one. Side by side, the difference is very noticeable.

Rick
NPD

Thanks for the input, Rick. I originally pulled the trigger on a Scott Drake replacement top, but due to delayed shipping, as well as your suggestion, I also bought the Legendary top from NPD so that I can do a good compare/contrast. They will both be showing up within the next couple of days, after which one of these will be going back. I'll post an update shortly. Thanks again!

 

[69bossnine]

Thanks for the input, Rick. I originally pulled the trigger on a Scott Drake replacement top, but due to delayed shipping, as well as your suggestion, I also bought the Legendary top from NPD so that I can do a good compare/contrast. They will both be showing up within the next couple of days, after which one of these will be going back. I'll post an update shortly. Thanks again!

I'm looking forward to your comparison!

 

[C6ZZGT]

Have you researched if both your windshields need to be removed?

The best install will happen with them OUT,Front fenders off and some rear interior removal.

 

[Fastang68]

The best install will happen with them OUT,Front fenders off and some rear interior removal.

I get removing everything else but why the front fenders? on a 68? or are you talking earlier/later years?