Robert,
Basically there are two grades of vinyl. There is a budget grade which is a
PVC vinyl and a standard vinyl which is a bit more durable and has a slightly
different finish. There is a cost difference as well. The PVC vinyl will
last about 5 years in normal use or longer (with our normal use it will last
far longer though since we don't use the cars every day and put the top up
and down). The standard vinyl will last 5-10 years though not much longer as
it will get brittle in time just like the PVC will. Vinyl, either type, will
shrink with cold weather and can be very difficult to put the top back up (I
just had this experience last week ;)) Also when it has been down for a long
period of time it will also be a bit more difficult to put up even in hot
weather.
Canvas which is a Duck Material will last about 5 years or so as it is not
sun treated. It is the original material used on Stags and T Series cars as
well as many others. The newer (canvas like) version of hood materials are
called Sunfast or Stayfast. These can last for years and years and would be
my choice for a hood, tonneau, top cover etc. They will last 10 plus years
if taken car of and have been known to last for 20 years or more in some
cases. It is very easy to put up in cold weather and hot weather alike and
IMO looks great. Cost can be about double vinyl but is well worth it.
Another material that is treated is called Mohair and is similar to the
Sunfast/Stayfast, but is a bit heavier material.
Hope this helps some.
Best Regards,
Jeff Zorn
Little British Car Co. / Vintage Motors, LTD.
<A HREF="http://www.lbcarco.com/";>http://www.LBCarCo.com</A>
Also visit the premier MGA Website
<A HREF="http://www.namgar.com/";>http://www.namgar.com</A>I
n a message dated 11/5/2002 9:56:20 AM Eastern Standard Time,
rjglaw@swbell.net writes:
> Subj: Canvas vs. vinyl tops
> Date: 11/5/2002 9:56:20 AM Eastern Standard Time
> From: <A HREF="mailto:rjglaw@swbell.net";>rjglaw@swbell.net</A>
> To: <A HREF="mailto:mgs@autox.team.net";>mgs@autox.team.net</A>
> Sent from the Internet
>
>
>
> What are the relative virtues and drawbacks of canvas tops vs. vinyl
> tops (hoods) for issues such as maintenance, durability, long term
> looks, ease of installation, keeping out the elements and noise, etc.?
>
> Robert Guinness
> 77 MGB (soon to be topless no more)
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