Interior and Upholstery Convertible Top Padding

[jakekeys]

Hi, do you know where to buy replacement padding that is located on the convertible top right above the side windows? It's the worn out looking fabric under the white top in the photo.

 

[ReefBlueGT]

LMR, CJ Pony Parts, lots of places sell it. Just search for convertible pads. However, if you can see it there below the vinyl with the top closed, your top has shrunk and you should replace it soon as well. May want to buy the weatherstrip molding also and have the upholstery shop swap it out at the same time. That joint where those two pieces meet should be tight with no gap when the top is closed, otherwise you'll get wind noise and water leaks too.

 

[90sickfox]

That picture doesn't look like the correct padding. It should be incased in a black vinyl cover and run the length from the rear hoop to the main hoop above the windshield.

Also, if you look behind the frame, where the quarter window is, from inside the car, there should be a cable that runs to a spring that sits on a screw back there. That cable is what pulls the side of the top down above the windows. If the cable is broken or missing it'll make your top look like what's pictured. It could also be caused by the top shrinking but 9/10 its the cable. The cable should be tight when the top is up.

The best thing I've ever used is moving blanket material from uhaul. It's the stuff that looks like a bunch of strings a dryer lint pressed together. The replacement ones are usually just a piece of thin foam wrapped in a piece of black vinyl. The moving blanket suff really mimics the jute backing found under the carpet and in the trunk. It'll take a few layers ( 3 or 4 ) and the layers should be spray glued together with a good spray adhesive product like 3m.

I used to do a lot of convertible tops. I always hated how some new tops looked like sea horses with ribs poking out. This method I found allows you to get that nice plush look and feel.

 

[jakekeys]

That picture doesn't look like the correct padding. It should be incased in a black vinyl cover and run the length from the rear hoop to the main hoop above the windshield.

Also, if you look behind the frame, where the quarter window is, from inside the car, there should be a cable that runs to a spring that sits on a screw back there. That cable is what pulls the side of the top down above the windows. If the cable is broken or missing it'll make your top look like what's pictured. It could also be caused by the top shrinking but 9/10 its the cable. The cable should be tight when the top is up.

The best thing I've ever used is moving blanket material from uhaul. It's the stuff that looks like a bunch of strings a dryer lint pressed together. The replacement ones are usually just a piece of thin foam wrapped in a piece of black vinyl. The moving blanket suff really mimics the jute backing found under the carpet and in the trunk. It'll take a few layers ( 3 or 4 ) and the layers should be spray glued together with a good spray adhesive product like 3m.

I used to do a lot of convertible tops. I always hated how some new tops looked like sea horses with ribs poking out. This method I found allows you to get that nice plush look and feel.

Thanks for the great info! Sounds like I should seek out a pro.