soft top needed (with frame and side curtains)

Hi there,

I'm based in Australia and have a 356 wide body. I need a soft top for it and wondered if anyone has any advice on which one to go with? It's an 'auto styling international' made car from 1988, but i'm pretty sure it will be the same dimentions as a cmc or vintage. Which ones are the best value for money and how easy are they to fit?

Any advice would be welcomed.

You need to determine if yours has a high or low bow top first. I (along with many others) have gone with replacement top from VS. My CMC is the normal low bow. I also got their header bow. I went with the tan stayfast fabric vs the vinyl. If you have a top now it might be less expensive to have one made locally using it as a template as shipping will probably be costly.

Side curtains are pretty unique to car due to windshield placement. There are several excellent threads here on building your own. You'll need the top mounted first.

Do a search here as there are several threads on fitting the top and making the side curtains.

Thanks so much! I have no top at all at the mo, so I don't know if I a high or low? Damn!

If you buy all from one source then you should be ok. I'd not take a chance on pre-fab side curtains though.

http://www.vintagespeedsters.com/parts/top.php

You'll need the steel bows (didn't see tension piece), header bow, top and snaps (available from local marine supply or 60's sports car dealer).

Snap kit comes with a VS top

Expect to have to modify your stock side curtains to get them to fit. Some folks make their own plexiglas side curtains for a custom fit. I took my stock side curtains and took the Jack Crosby approach and added material for better sealing while retaining an original look. I don't have a strong opinion, either way. If you're good at fabricating yourself, you might want to try making them yourself. https://www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=21243

On ebay from Mexico - with folding frame

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/porsche-356-speedster-replica-tops-and-parts-/160646745056?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25674acbe0#ht_890wt_1165

Thanks so much for that info. I went with a Vintage stafast cloth one from Vintage. I will post some pictures when it is done :-) Wish me luck!

Best of luck with your project. Before & after pics would be great reference..

Can't believe it, I saved my money for the roof and just after i've handed over the money (electronically) my damn clutch has just gone! So so gutted!

Clutch cables are cheap, but like Tom said in your other thread, hydraulic is the long term fix.

My new top has arrived, I've now got to try and fit it! It's never had one before. The Bow header fits well and clamps on well to the windscreen, but I'm very nervous!

Does anyone know any tips or instructions on how to fit a Vintage Speedster soft top, or in fact any other soft top. I've attached the ones they sent me, but does anyone have a picture of one fitted they can send me, some close ups etc. I would be so grateful if anyone has some pictures or instructions they can send me.

Thanks in advance guys :-)

Here's what's in the CMC book(in the Library Tab Above)
http://speedsterowners.com/library/fiberfaba/images/fiberfaba090.jpg
http://speedsterowners.com/library/fiberfaba/images/fiberfaba092.jpg
If you search "convertible top" you should find a lot of info.
It really helps to do this in a warm environment as the material will be more pliable and workable.

~WB

Where did Gordon's extensive write up get to? I got it off the site he used to have.

Well guys, I'm very please to say that I have finally got a top on my tub! It's take a few weeks and 1 broken windscreen :-( but it was worth it with this Melbourne weather! 38 degrees on Friday, rain all saturday and then 25 and blue skies today!

Side curtains actually fit well and it's almost water tight! Thanks so much everyone for your advice and direction, I don't think I'd have been able to do it without your help! You guys rock! :-)

No wrinkles. That looks pretty dang good. Nice job.

Olly:

Glad your project went well, and I hope my article was of some help.

Plenty of info on here to get that top water-tight.

Do a search on Jack Crosby's posts on how he got his VS leak-free, or drop him an email. I'm sure he would be a great help.

Your top looks fabulous! Well done!

Gordon