Sources for Soft Top Material (fabric and clear)

[wanderingwillys]

Any one know of any local sources for soft top stuff - I want some fabric and a large sheet of the clear stuff to make a windjammer/ cab curtain for my XJ

I need enough fabric/sheeting to cover a space that is 54" across the top and 60" across the bottom and about 24 - 30" tall - I was planning on having most of it clear with a "U" shapped zipper around the sides and bottom edge...

Anyone with previous experiance would be helpful rather than cold calling marine and upholstry shops...

Thanks

Matt

[Harv. of Sorrow]

I went through what you are about to do...$$$$

I ended up using the marine grade standard vinyl from the fabric store. I used this for the main 2 reasons of:

1. cost
2. my machine could stitch the double and triple folds.

Now I also made my own straps from nylon webbing...look on ebay for bargain shit. Buy the clasps at the fabric store as well. Footman's loops are going to have to be bought from grainger or mcmaster.

other than not being overly stiff it works beautifully. On the freeway it lifts a little more than a store bought bikini. I am going to solve that by adding some velcro'ed straps along the center where my middle cage bars go. then it will be TIIIGGGGHHHTTT.

Now if cost is not an option for you then go to your favorite auto upolstery shop and just ask for "convertible top fabric".

They say that it is the best as far as stretch resistance and tear resistance. Though after having a store bought and a "custom" made one of lesser quality material...

I would still make one:D

nobody offered a full length "Family cage" bikini top

[wanderingwillys]

Did you use any of the clear stuff?

I basically want to have the black or tan "fabric" be sandwiched between a set of plates and be permenantly mounted (only 1 or 2" wide of non see-through fabric) and then a zipper and then a giant flexable roll up window...

So to have it open you un-zip it and roll up the sheet - but is is all hard mounted - no snaps, straps, or footmans (other than a couple of straps up top to secure the sheet in the up mode)

I was planning to make it my self and I will check how much a few marine places want for sailcloth canvas...

Thanks

Matt

[RockCharger]

I got mine from a military surplus store. It is the same material that the military uses to make the roofs for their soft tops. the only problem was that it only came in green:redneck:
I cut it to shape and my mother in law sewed it up real nice. I bought snaps from home depot and scotch guarded it and it worked fine through last winter. with the thicker material it really helped to keep the heat in and it also helped to keep the road niose down. I think I spent $70 on the whole deal

[NOI-54X]

Theres a marine canvas place by Dagmars inexpensive and will sell material too. Dad had a full top for 23ft done was decent price and work.