Re: 53 Caribbean Canvas top

Posted by Leeedy On 2015/9/9 17:16:04

Quote:

Again... 1953 Caribbean tops were white. The pads were white. The topstack bows/framework were white.

I did not specify shades of white simply because there are 2 jillion different shades of "white." Having worked in an OEM automotive design center for a good part of my life, I can assure you of this fact.

Even today's common vinyl convertible tops with diamond pinpoint grain have numerous shades of white-ranging from snow white to oyster. Point is that whatever shade you choose, the original Orlon tops were white-inside and out. And neither the material nor the frames were snow white. But for sure they were not black.

And if you were to ask Mr. Nat Danas, who waa the Godfather of auto trimmers and convertible tops about me, he would have told you I know my stuff on tops.

I also have big convertible top fabric sample books going back at least to the 1950s. Indeed I was responsible for specifying convertible top fabrics for several OEM convertibles-including some that when into production.

Personally I can tell you that even if you could find white canvas (and it is findable, but at grand-theft dough prices), it would never have the stain resistance of Orlon. Bad choice.

And yes, Orlon today would be tough or next to impossible to find today-although I suspect there just may be a trim wholesaler with an unloved bolt left in the back of a warehouse somewhere.

This said, a top made of conventional white vinyl with a white (or at least light tan) inner face at least puts you in the ballpark and keeps the spirit of the original look of the 1953 Caribbean tops.

Black pads may be quickie solutions, but they just don't belong on a 1953 Caribbean top. Any good, competent automotive trim shop ought to be able to make proper pads up for your top that look correct.