Convertible top: canvas vs. vinyl

morningbell

morningbell

hmmmmmm
So I have this beautiful 65 air cooled, dual carb, convertible beetle my honey bought for me for christmas. While it is in driving condition we are getting her in tip top shape to show and one of the items up for replacing is the convertible top. I love the color both inside and out, its very south beach but since I want top-o-the-line everything I'm going with canvas top. One problem, canvas tops do not come in white. I have looked high and low. Now not only do I have to change the color of the top I have to change the color of the car. Ugh. I love the color she came in.

So, with that all said, does anybody know of a program, website or any other tool besides all the pages of HotVW or VW Trends magazine and my imagination that I could use to help me customize my hot rod?

:shrug::confused:
 
Ken King

Ken King

A little rusty but not crusty
PREMO Member
Why couldn't you go to a car reupholstery shop and see if they could make a white top for it?
 
Dye Tied

Dye Tied

Garden Variety Gnome
Ken King said:
Why couldn't you go to a car reupholstery shop and see if they could make a white top for it?
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I had my top made at an upholstery shop. My 79, top down VW was orange and white. I'm thinking Walker's did it but that was long ago.
 
morningbell

morningbell

hmmmmmm
Dye Tied said:
I had my top made at an upholstery shop. My 79, top down VW was orange and white. I'm thinking Walker's did it but that was long ago.
Click to expand...

I just called D&G customs and all the canvas guys are gone for the day and called St. Charles Auto Upholstery & Tops, everyone is gone for the day.... I'll call tomorrow.


So regarding your white top, did you have any issues cleaning it? I was told that you don't use any soap/detergent and is it hard to keep it from staining?
 
morningbell

morningbell

hmmmmmm
morningbell said:
I just called D&G customs and all the canvas guys are gone for the day and called St. Charles Auto Upholstery & Tops, everyone is gone for the day.... I'll call tomorrow.


So regarding your white top, did you have any issues cleaning it? I was told that you don't use any soap/detergent and is it hard to keep it from staining?
Click to expand...

My boyfriend is now teetering about the color since he has seen the swatches of the canvas tops that came in from Jbugs.com. I'm thinking we are going to keep her the same color, she does need a paint job. If you see me riding wave....
 

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bohman

bohman

Well-Known Member
morningbell said:
My boyfriend is now teetering about the color since he has seen the swatches of the canvas tops that came in from Jbugs.com. I'm thinking we are going to keep her the same color, she does need a paint job. If you see me riding wave....
Click to expand...

That's a great looking car. You work at St. Inigoes? I think I've seen it.
 
onebdzee

onebdzee

off the shelf
morningbell said:
none of the white tops are canvas.... I'm thinking there is a reason for that nobody does white canvas tops... I'll call D&G customs again today.
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I had a Suzuki Samari with a white canvas top....the problem is that they stain VERY easily....they sell a canvas cleaner that helps, but not much
 
bohman

bohman

Well-Known Member
onebdzee said:
I had a Suzuki Samari with a white canvas top....the problem is that they stain VERY easily....they sell a canvas cleaner that helps, but not much
Click to expand...

I just had a thought - If you want to clean canvas (of an color) maybe check out what the marine stores have to offer. You'll pay marine store prices (which are BS) but you'll probably wind up with something that can keep the top clean.
 
morningbell

morningbell

hmmmmmm
Ken King said:
Once the top is made some form of sealer should be available to minimize staining. For cleaning follow what boat owners do like here - Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats
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excellent idea. I figured the white canvas would stain very easily... reconsidering vinyl now right now I'm thinking practical if I ever get another bug I will go for the style. Actually our next VW purchase will be 23 window bus, thats for him and our expanding family. :wink:
 
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