i noticed for 2007, the covert is available (as an option) with a cloth top. can anyone explain the difference (advantages or disadvantages) of having the cloth top versus the vinyl top. also, based on the info at fordvehicles.com, the cloth top is only available in black. can anyone confirm that? thanks in advance.
I wonder how they waterproof the fabric and how to keep the fabric from falling apart from the UV rays of the sun? I live in the South where humidity is a big problem and would think that the cloth would rot. I personally would go with vinyl.
< Message edited by Leadfoot -- 2/8/2007 2:15:11 PM >
I think the cloth top is more expensive than the vinyl. Not sure. All I know is that convertible BMW, Mercedes or jag....they all have cloth tops....makes you wonder.
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06 GT, tint, appearance mods, 18X9 w/NT555 255/45/18, GTA Axlebacks, GT500 spoiler/pedals. Many interior billet upgrades and engine dress up.
Cloth is less durable as well. I know the price of replacing my top increased 400.00 when I told him I wanted vinyl replacement and not cloth, because I thought about the cloth option and changed my mine. Glad I did.
Cloth tops are more durable than vinyl tops, that is why they come as an extra cost option. The outer cloth is very sun resistant and the inner rubberized cloth provides the water resistance. The inside layer is for soundproofing. You will find that the vinyl top starts to craze and crack in the sun before the cloth top needs replacing.
I too have the cloth top on my 2007 and love it. It was a $200 option and well worth it IMHO. I've heard that they last longer and won't crack like the vinyl. 93FHPSSP, just curious if you've ever had to replace it yet?
In any case my car is really quiet with the top up, not that I've recently sat in a vinyl top to compare. I can put one rumer to rest though, the cloth top does not attract fiber like someone I was talking to thinks. I don't know where they got that idea from, but that is simply not true. I've had my car now since July '06 with no problems whatsoever. The black cloth I have is very rich looking and has a very deep black color that gives a good contrast with my vista blue.
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living the dream... 2007 Vista Blue GT/CS 5 speed Conv Premium
My '07 Alloy has a cloth top. I can confirm that it is very quiet, looks and feels good and waterproof (and more expensive). The only drawback I can think of is that it seems to attract cat hair, etc.. But I just use a common lint roller and it looks like new - takes about 1-1/2 to 2 minutes tops and I don't have the problem when it's covered or on the road. The newer vinyls are also very good.
i second the higher price thing. I am in the process of getting prces to replace mine and the cloth is $200 to $400 more and ALL of the shops I talked to recommended the cloth top. And they said I can get the cloth in saddle, black, or white.
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Picture will be updated shortly! 1996 GT VERT
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My friend has a cloth top on his VW Cabrio and it looks great. A much deeper black than my vinyl. Seems thicker somehow, like it has depth. A drawback is it takes longer to dry.
If I had the choice back in 2005 I would have taken cloth.
The first Ford in recent history to come standard with a cloth top from the factory was the 2002 Thunderbird. Then, when the Terminator Cobra debuted in spring 2002 as a 2003 model, the SVT Cobra convertibles came standard with a cloth top. Thus, the cloth top was viewed as luxury item as the 2002-05 Thunderbird, the 2003-04 SVT Cobra convertibles, and the special edition 2004 40th Anniversary Mustang convertibles (both V6 and GT) came standard with them. The cloth top is of premium quality, as it is the same material that is used on the Jaguar convertibles. It is sun and water resistant. It will last longer than a vinyl top, as cloth has the ability to breathe better and expand and contract better (when it gets hot or cold) than a vinyl top.
Thus, it became an extra cost option on the 2007 Mustang, as the Shelby GT500 comes standard with a cloth top.
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Booo .... suck it up and take care of your vinyl tops .. nothing looks better than a clean car with a shiney vinyl top .. the cloth just doesn't add that luster and it looks blah ..
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vinyl vs. cloth top - 
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