Convertible Top Cloth
Upholstery Supply USA offers convertible cloth material by the yard for your automotive convertible top replacement projects.
Haartz Stayfast Cloth
From $63.00
per Yard
Haartz Twillfast Cloth
From $81.00
per Yard
Ultimate Guide to Convertible Top Cloth
Convertible top cloth is the outer fabric layer of a convertible roof, providing weather protection, sound insulation, and a refined appearance. This guide outlines key material options, how to choose the right convertible top fabric for your car and climate, and care best practices so your top stays attractive and functional for years. Whether you prefer a canvas convertible top or a Stayfast convertible top, understanding the differences helps you make a confident choice.
Understanding Convertible Top Cloth
Convertible top cloth is an engineered textile designed to withstand sun, rain, wind, and frequent folding. Its job is to shield the cabin, reduce road noise, and elevate a vehicle’s look with a tailored finish. High-quality convertible top fabric typically uses multi-layer construction to balance strength, flexibility, and style.
Common material types include:
- Acrylic canvas: Woven outer face with strong UV resistance and rich color depth, popular for a canvas convertible top.
- Polyester/cotton blends: Durable and flexible, often found in mid-range tops.
- Twill-weave and pinpoint cloth (e.g., Stayfast): Premium appearance with good abrasion resistance; a Stayfast convertible top offers a classic, upscale look.
- German A5 and similar tri-layer fabrics: Usually feature a woven facing, a waterproof rubberized membrane, and a soft backing for quieter ride quality.
Benefits of high-quality convertible top cloth include superior resistance to fading and fabric fatigue, reliable water protection via integrated membranes, improved sound dampening for a quieter cabin, and a premium aesthetic with crisp lines and long-lasting color. Many drivers choose a canvas convertible top or a stayfast convertible top to achieve a refined finish that complements the vehicle’s design.
Choosing the Right Convertible Top Cloth
Start with fitment for your specific make and model, then consider fabric construction (layer count and membrane type), UV protection, colorfastness, and warranty support. Expert installation is just as important—professional fitting ensures proper tension, minimizes the risk of leaks, and helps the convertible top fabric wear evenly over time.
Cloth vs. Vinyl for Convertible Tops:
- Cloth: More upscale look, quieter ride, better temperature stability, maintains flexibility in cold weather. A stayfast convertible top is a popular cloth choice for enthusiasts seeking premium styling.
- Vinyl: Easier to wipe clean and often less expensive, suitable for show cars or fair-weather use, but can stiffen and crack in cold conditions.
Match the fabric to your climate and usage. In hot, sunny regions, choose convertible top cloth with high UV ratings and heat stability to prevent fading. In wet climates, prioritize a tri-layer convertible top fabric with a robust waterproof membrane and well-sealed seams. For daily drivers or cars parked outdoors, opt for premium cloth with strong abrasion resistance and colorfast dyes. If your vehicle sees weekend or seasonal use, a lighter-weight canvas convertible top can deliver the right look without unnecessary heft.
Care and Maintenance for Convertible Top Cloth
Regular care preserves performance and appearance. Rinse the top monthly with low-pressure water to remove dust and road film. Clean with a fabric-safe automotive top cleaner and a soft brush, using gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Avoid automatic car washes with harsh brushes that can abrade fibers and lift seams on a canvas convertible top or a Stayfast convertible top.
Use pH-balanced convertible top cleaners, fabric protectants or sealants designed for automotive canvas, and UV protectant sprays approved for convertible top fabric. Always test products on a small, inconspicuous area and follow manufacturer instructions. After cleaning, apply a water-repellent treatment to help prevent staining and promote water beading on the convertible top cloth.
Watch for signs that replacement may be needed: persistent leaks despite proper sealing, fraying or thinning at fold points, sun-faded areas that appear threadbare, separated seams, or a sagging fit that no longer holds shape. If the inner backing delaminates or the membrane cracks, expect reduced waterproofing and increased wind noise—both indicators that the convertible top cloth is at end-of-life.