Most manufacturers, including ours, use cloth topping materials from The Haartz Corporation. Haartz is the supplier to the OEM on nearly all soft top convertibles. Haartz cloth topping materials are constructed using a "three-ply" method that has an acrylic or a polyester and acrylic exterior (known as the facing) and a cloth interior lining (the backing).

FACING MATERIAL

The face material is woven with either a square or twill weave and the backing is either polyester, polyester/cotton or cotton. These materials are combined using an elastomeric or rubber film that is sandwiched between them. This provides waterproofing and gives the material its stretch. Increasing the thickness of the rubber film will reduce the amount of noise in the vehicle interior.

BACKING MATERIAL

Backing is generally black, however certain older Mercedes convertible with German Canvas tops have a tan backing. Backing for the Twill facing material has a Dobby (crosshatch) pattern noted in the image to the right. Stayfast is an American material with a plain black cotton or polyester blend backing.

CONVERTIBLE TOP CLOTH TYPES

Twillfast II

Acrylic face and polyester/cotton backing. Backing is black and has a Dobby (crosshatch) pattern. Tan color backing is available with some face colors.

Twillfast RPC

This is considered an Acoustic topping and reduces noise. Acrylic face and polyester backing. Backing is black and has a Dobby (crosshatch) pattern.

Sonnenland German Classic

Polyester/acrylic face and polyester/cotton backing. Backing is black and has a Dobby (crosshatch) pattern. Tan color backing is available with some face colors.

German A5

This is considered an Acoustic topping and reduces noise. Acrylic face and polyester backing. Backing is black and has a Dobby (crosshatch) pattern.

German A5 Acoustic

This is a very high level acoustic material. Acrylic face and polyester backing. Backing is black and has a Dobby (crosshatch) pattern.

Stayfast

Acrylic face and cotton backing. Backing is black with a smooth texture. Tan color backing is available with some face colors. Stayfast is the only one of these materials that has a square weave outer facing instead of a twill weave.

A lot of things must come together properly for a convertible top to have a good fit including the accuracy of the original patterns, the consistency of the production methods, the quality and consistency of the fabrics, the experience of the people, the manufacturing equipment, and the production methods. And, the company must be driven to make the best product for the market.