Advice on soft tops and side curtains.

pasnbyu · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 02:51 PM

Looking for advice on which soft top and side curtains, for 427 body style, are the best for the money. Yes, I know they all leak, but wife insists that we have one for longer sun-drenched trips. Have a RU Car Crafter replica.
Thanks for any help.
Bob

RedEsprit · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 03:13 PM

Tops and side curtains are definately not interchangable from replica to replica. Best to contact RU Car Crafters. Whether or not an original Robbins top will fit (or can be made to fit) is questionable. Same goes for the side curtains. You will also need bows, headers, and hardware such as ferrules. RU lists the top and side curtains as an option so they obviosly have some experience installing these on their kits.

Silverback51 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 03:49 PM

No matter what you do they will rub through the paint after a while.

lens427sc · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 06:49 PM

I suppose I had the foresight to accomodate my Cobra kit for a convertable top & side curtains when I began the project. (eg. ferrules, snap-posts and windshield clips). Also my kit manufacturer (Everett/Morrison) at that time listed the soft top and side curtains and hardware in their parts list. Since I rarely use the top I`ve yet to notice any rub marks, scratches etc.

RACERAL · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 07:36 PM

This is my top. It is for a Factory Five. Contact Jeff Collins at Whitby Motorcars for more information. I feel it is one of the best out there

More about the top here
Whitby Motorcars

montyals · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2011, 01:04 PM

If you can...try to get one of the orginal style tops. They look so much better than the modern contraptions out there today. Factory Five used to make them. Maybe you can find one on the Internet. Never been crazy about the Whitby top. The plastic windows, zippers, and that way too large piece of plastic in the back just looks wrong. But then again, I like the original looking tops. You'll find the one I'm talking about in the vintage Shelby garage photos. Good luck. Make the wife happy.

1985 CCX · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2011, 02:38 PM

Robbins made the originals and still offer Cobra item. Do it once and do it right....

mdross1 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 05:49 PM

Whatever your choice don't forget the bows over your heads.Without them the top will beat you senseless at road speed.

Rickd · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 06:02 PM

Robbins makes one to the original specs and makes one "slightly longer??" for ERA?? I am ordering one as a sun shade.

mickmate · #10 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 09:20 PM

3 malanomas later I'm with you on sun protection. I put a Robbins top on a car recently and really like the look, fit and function. That's what I'll use on mine.

PDUB · #11 (**permalink**) 01-28-2011, 12:36 AM

Can you post some pics of that Mick? Thanks in advance!

Bruce M · #12 (**permalink**) 01-28-2011, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasnbyu

Looking for advice on which soft top and side curtains, for 427 body style, are the best for the money. Yes, I know they all leak, but wife insists that we have one for longer sun-drenched trips. Have a RU Car Crafter replica.
Thanks for any help.
Bob

Have had mine on the shelf in my garage for 30 yrs and have used them once when I built the car. Bruce M

mickmate · #13 (**permalink**) 01-29-2011, 08:47 PM

Just a low res phone pic but a heater and a top on a 19 deg morning are just the thing. Cold air makum good HP though.
Note the neat-o little accomodation of the rollbar.

LMH · #14 (**permalink**) 01-29-2011, 09:42 PM

Does Robbins also have original style side curtains? (not really a "curtain" but you know what I mean)
Larry

mickmate · #15 (**permalink**) 01-29-2011, 09:49 PM

Robbins has tops and tonneaus but no side curtains, latches, split bows or hoops. All those parts are available separately of course. I'm a dealer for Robbins now and worked with my local guy on their approved installer list.