This convertible top was installed on a 1969 Camaro in 2010.

Once in awhile photos sent to us have similar issues as the pictures below demonstrate (depending on location of the top frame arms and the condition of the top frame). While the problems shown below are extreme examples, many older cars may develop similar issues and exhibit slightly different appearances.

These cuts or damages do not "magically" appear - they are the result of repeated wear and/or top frame issues/misalignment, causing weakness in these areas and/or the resulting cuts. The damages shown below are caused by the material getting pinched by the top frame in different areas when the top is folded down or if the top is left folded down for extended periods of time.

Convertible tops may be folded down while driving around during the day, but when the car is brought back to the garage the top should be raised into the "UP" position.

The photos below might demonstrate the effects of being left down for extended periods of time - a week, weeks or months on end.

The pads may or may not have been installed properly - the folding arms have caused abrasion marks on the extreme bottom edges of the pads near the wear points shown.

Compression wrinkles will eventually cause weakness in the fold area.

Compression wrinkles may not decrease when the top is left up in the sun.

END RESULT - the top looks like a wrinkled suit

THESE EXAMPLES OR SIMILAR ISSUES ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE "DEFECTS" IN THE MATERIAL and are not covered by any warranty

If the material was defective, the entire top would fail. It cannot be defective in such small areas or specific locations. While it might be in working condition, your convertible top frame has experienced wear and tear over the life of the car, had many convertible tops replaced. As such it may require re-alignment or repair to be brought back to original factory condition when the car was new.

For this and many other reasons, we strongly recommend "professional installation". If not possible, we recommend locating the Dealer Service manual for your car, with all of the specifications and adjustment requirements.

It is not a critique of the past installers ability but we recommend this frame will need reworking prior to installing a replacement top.

Information contained herein is the property of ARO 2000 & may not be reproduced or used without permission.

Copyright © ARO 2000. All rights reserved.
 

This convertible top was installed on a 1972 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

This is the best example of why PADS are important

STAYFAST CLOTH TOP WITH TEARS JUST BEHIND CENTER BOW ABOVE DRIVERS HEAD

VIEW FROM INTERIOR - DAYLIGHT THROUGH TEARS - looks like no pads

OH LOOK - NO PADS TO PROTECT THE TOP FROM THE FRAME MEMBERS!

TOP FRAME MEMBERS WORE THROUGH THE MATERIAL WHEN FOLDING DOWN OVER TIME.

THE TOP IS TOTALLY DESTROYED DUE TO NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE INSTALLER.

ANOTHER QUALITY INSTALLATION WHERE THE INSTALLER DECIDED NO PADS WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO SAVE TIME, MONEY OR BOTH.

ZERO WARRANTY DUE TO NEGLIGENCE.