A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas

717 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by pulga, Feb 7, 2002

pulga

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2002

Hey all,
I own a '98 VW Cabrio, Dark Green, Tan leather interior with a tan top.
For a long time I have silently suffered with this much-talked about factory defect:
when the top goes up or down, it rubs agains the rear-window seal and is stained with a black rubber residue that is impossible to remove. The only way to avoid this is to get out of your car and lay a towel down over the rear-window before putting the top down. No thanks!
So, I'm gettting a new top. A black one. I've seen many of these around (the black top/green body and beige interior) and they look great. I've seen both vinyl and canvas tops and, hands down, I think the canvas looks better. It is an extra $300 though....
Does anyone have any compelling reasons to go with a canvas top rather than a vinyl one or vice-versa?? I'd love to have input before I make my decision. Please advise. Many thanks in advance. Best, Pulga

See less See more

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

dubsix

· #2 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (pulga)

I'd have to agree with you the canvas looks way better. I think it is better due to canvas not becoming brittle and cracking like the vinyl does. Worth the extra $300 IMO go for it http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

See less See more

Save

CabbyChick

· #3 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (dubsix)

I have a cabby with a canvas top, and belive me you will be in love if you get canvas its sooooooooooooooo nice to take care of. But DONT get a black top, the tan ones look soooooo smooth with that color combo, dont get black, black bad! http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif Well I have a black top but it looks good with my white car so...just my $.02

See less See more

Save

pulga

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (CabbyChick)

Thanks for the input Cabby Chick and Dub6.
Cabby, I agree with you that the tan top is the best color combo but there's nothing worse than having a beautiful top wrecked by some stupid factory defect. Not a day goes by that I don't see some poor a-shole driving around with a dick ugly top, streaked with black rubber. Plus, I can't tell you how many hours I've spent trying to get that sh*t off! Black will do just fine. Pulga....>

Save

DasVWBabe

· #5 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (CabbyChick)

I have to disagree...I think the black canvas top with green and beige leather interior is the way to go. I'll be trying to pick up Blue canvas roof in the next year or so to match my Windsor Blue Cabby, but right now I have the blue vinyl. I've had no problems with it, no leaks or anything in 5 years of ownership, and I've lived in some HOT places (Las Vegas and Dallas). All in all, it's your call, but dark colours are much easier to clean!
By the way...here's Rob's gorgeous Green Cabby...

See less See more

Save

Air_Cooled_Nut

· #6 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (DasVWBabe)

Hmm, I think tan is uuuuuh-gleee and black or another dark color is the way to go. I like the look of canvas much more than vinyl and I think it's worth the extra $$$. I paid extra for my canvas rag top

See less See more

Save

pulga

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (CabbyChick)

Great input from all!! Thanks!! Keep it coming!!
With re: to the canvas vs. vinyl debate... is there any sense that the vinyl is better for all weather or that it will hold up longer if properly cared for? Is one more durable than the other? I know you can UV protect the vinyl but what can you do for the canvas...won't it fade in a lot of sun???
Gracias!! Pulga

Save

Elbobo

· #8 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (pulga)

The canvas is much tougher. It will resist rips and tears much better than a vinyl top. $300 is a lot of money but I think well worth it for this purchase. Hope this helps..

Save

nub0w

· #9 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (Elbobo)

Vinyl tops belong on Lincoln Town Cars, and Oldsmobiles.
Cabbys deserve canvas. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

See less See more

Save

vwtechnician

· #10 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (nub0w)

Canvas is the way to go. It is nicer looking, and holds up better. Have you looked into getting the green canvas that matches the green paint? Stunning combination with the tan interior. They do not make a tan canvas top for our cars. Only replacement vinyl. There the Cabby king has spoken!

See less See more

Save

pulga

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: A new top for my Cabrio: Vinyl vs. Canvas (vwtechnician)

Actually, I'm kind of excited about the black top, as opposed to other colors. The tan does look good but not when it's dirty or streaked. I'm pretty sold on the black.

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month