PTRocks Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 I would like to know what the advantages are of having a cloth convertible top over the vinyl. Do you think it's worth the extra 230$? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Cloth is far less resistant to cracking/splitting over time. Of course, if you take proper care of the vinyl, it will last as long as the rest of the car as well. Cloth looks a bit nicer in my opinion, but that's about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ice-capades Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Cloth is far less resistant to cracking/splitting over time. Of course, if you take proper care of the vinyl, it will last as long as the rest of the car as well. Cloth looks a bit nicer in my opinion, but that's about it. At least at my Dealership, customers seem to like the vinyl convertible tops because they're very durable and will look great for the life of the car if they're taken care of. In fact, I can't remember a single customer that's even asked about a cloth top. The other option worth noting is the Convertible Soft Boot. In my opinion and experience it's a waste of money and not worth the bother. It's another option that few if any ask about. I've driven a number of Mustang convertibles in parades with a couple of models sitting on top of the folded top which is very strong and looks just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTRocks Posted June 2, 2008 Author Share Posted June 2, 2008 At least at my Dealership, customers seem to like the vinyl convertible tops because they're very durable and will look great for the life of the car if they're taken care of. In fact, I can't remember a single customer that's even asked about a cloth top. The other option worth noting is the Convertible Soft Boot. In my opinion and experience it's a waste of money and not worth the bother. It's another option that few if any ask about. I've driven a number of Mustang convertibles in parades with a couple of models sitting on top of the folded top which is very strong and looks just fine. Thanks a ton for the info. It'll be great to save the 400$! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 The other option worth noting is the Convertible Soft Boot. In my opinion and experience it's a waste of money and not worth the bother. It's another option that few if any ask about. I've driven a number of Mustang convertibles in parades with a couple of models sitting on top of the folded top which is very strong and looks just fine. Definitely agree with you there. Sort of defeats having a power top if you have a manual boot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topbliss Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 keep in mind that cloth tops are only available in black too. If you want one in a matching color as the interior you must get the vinyl. Also keep in mind that the vinyls have the tendency to peel. The cloths look better and will def last longer.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Cloth is far less resistant to cracking/splitting over time. The cloths look better and will def last longer.. OK, which is it? Are cloth tops better or worse, in terms of durability? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topbliss Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 no doubt that cloth tops are more durable. What do you think ALL the high end cars use? Its cloth.. if you don't believe me ask an upolstry(sp) shop OK, which is it? Are cloth tops better or worse, in terms of durability? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 The other option worth noting is the Convertible Soft Boot. In my opinion and experience it's a waste of money and not worth the bother. It's another option that few if any ask about. I've driven a number of Mustang convertibles in parades with a couple of models sitting on top of the folded top which is very strong and looks just fine. Leave it to me to be one of the few that actually bought one. Actually, like Nick said, it is kinda dumb to have a manual boot. However, I got it for those occasions when I'd be driving on highways. I think it adds a nice smooth finish to the car. Still a pain in the behind, though, with them snaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Still a pain in the behind, though, with them snaps. Those snaps remind me of the canvas covers on boats. After a year or two in the sun, you need the strength of Hercules to stretch the fabric far enough to get the snaps to close. :flexing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 BTW, don't the cloth tops have an extra layer of sound/thermal proofing? If so, it is not just the outer material being different, but also the layers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 BTW, don't the cloth tops have an extra layer of sound/thermal proofing? If so, it is not just the outer material being different, but also the layers. Not sure about the cloth, but my '03 top has the fabric/foam layer on the inside. It does a nice job with the top up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topbliss Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 my cloth top does indeed have an inside layer.. Not sure about the cloth, but my '03 top has the fabric/foam layer on the inside. It does a nice job with the top up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang07 Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 my cloth top does indeed have an inside layer.. I've had both. I prefer the cloth top because it looks classier. I would recommend the vinyl top however if you park outside becuase it dries quicker. Just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 Not sure about the cloth, but my '03 top has the fabric/foam layer on the inside. It does a nice job with the top up. My '03 has a rather thick inner lining too, but the cloth is suppose to have that, plus an extra middle layer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pvteye Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Cloth all the way, I find it easy to clean, and looks much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leftywayn Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 The vinyl top is absolutely hideous next to the cloth top....cloth top is expensive looking and luxurious. There just is no comparison...Trust me on this....order the cloth top....you will be absolutely pleased with the decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c25sailor Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Cloth is the way to go -- more durable, looks better. Just make sure that you get some RaggTopp and treat it. That really rocks. I agree on the boot cover. Mine is still in the packing bag -- just no real reason to use it. Save those $$ and put them into the cloth top. :happy feet: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msalyer1956 Posted July 12, 2008 Share Posted July 12, 2008 (edited) I agree the cloth is nicer, BUT I had to have parchment and it isn't available in cloth. Edited July 12, 2008 by msalyer1956 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topbliss Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 yea i can see why! Thats gorgous!! I agree the cloth is nicer, BUT I had to have parchment and it isn't available in cloth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dans07gt Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Didn't the cloth top come from the Jaguar converts since still owned Jaguar at the time. they look great on the Jag. and doesn't Volvo have a retractable convert top that fits into the trunk area since you can't put anything in the Mustang trunk. why not put a retractable top on the Mustang. ???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msalyer1956 Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 Didn't the cloth top come from the Jaguar converts since still owned Jaguar at the time. they look great on the Jag. and doesn't Volvo have a retractable convert top that fits into the trunk area since you can't put anything in the Mustang trunk. why not put a retractable top on the Mustang. ???? Actually the Mustang Convert has a suprising amount of trunk room. To me that is a plus. The retractable tops look good but you have absoulutely no trunk space. I recently rented a Chrysler Sebring convert that has a retractable top. It was a decent car but the lack of luggage space with the top down would of been a deal breaker for me had I considered buying one. If a retractable top could be paired with a reasonable amount of trunk space, IMO, the resulting car would be a seller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 (edited) Both the coupe and the convertible have a rather small trunk. However, the soft convertible top, when down, doesn't decrease the trunk space all that much. I have been a major advocate of the retractable hardtop, but I have to admit, it never dawned on me that it would use up most, if not all, of the trunk space. That makes me wonder, on the cars which today have a retractable hardtop, are there sensors in the trunk to detect if there is any cargo in there, before allowing the roof to attempt to retract? Edited July 21, 2008 by Walt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msalyer1956 Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 Both the coupe and the convertible have a rather small trunk. However, the soft convertible top, when down, doesn't decrease the trunk space all that much. I have been a major advocate of the retractable hardtop, but I have to admit, it never dawned on me that it would use up most, if not all, of the trunk space. That makes me wonder, on the cars which today have a retractable hardtop, are there sensors in the trunk to detect if there is any cargo in there, before allowing the roof to attempt to retract? I made it sound like the Sebring was a retractable hardtop. It isn't but it operates much the same. The top stores under an electric lift up body panel just like a retractable hardtop. With the top down there is room for a SMALL amount of luggage. I had my choice between the Sebring or a Pontiac G6 retractable hardtop. The G6 is a beautiful car. I was going to take the Pontiac but with the top down there was room for absolutely NO luggage. NONE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roo Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 The new Sebring comes with either a retractable mtetal or folding cloth roof. So it operates the same for both roof types, which takes up all luggage space even with the soft roof. In the boot (trunk) there is a retractable panel which has to be in place for the roof system to work. This panel, basically, cuts the boot space in half height wise. The best way to use it is put the luggage in the boot, put the panel in place then put the roof down. You obviously don't gain any more luggage space but it's easier this way than puttting the luggage in afterwards and having to try and get it through the opening and under the retractable panel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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