Basics of convertible tops

Cars are the most valuable assets that we possess and we all are aware that we are very passionate about them. We all love to take care of our cars and always strive to make it look unique. Hence we intend having the car interiors, exteriors youthful and pleasant to look. These days’ people are resorting to the usage of convertible top. Convertible top is a type of vehicle top that has the capability of either folding or retracting. They are either soft or hard tops; majority of section prefer soft tops but there are some sections of the society that go for hard tops. Hard tops have the capability to fold inwards; they are not often referred as convertibles. They are called as retractable hardtops because of the frames that they possess that are made out of steel. Convertible tops are made either from canvas or vinyl that fits over steel or a strong plastic frame.

History : The first time when the convertible cars were manufactured, they were made with two doors and the same trend is even continuing today. The production of convertible cars almost shooted up between the 1950s-1970s and it was available with only one plastic rear window. But these days the trend has changed completely, now the heated glass window is been replaced by the plastic window with a number of convertible options.

Folding designs : We all like to use high technological and sophisticated products, so it is important that we are well informed about the process of effective functioning of convertible tops. The folding design varies on the type of top’s frame and the process of folding can be very simple to very elaborate. There are wide ranges of convertible tops available with different folding techniques, while some are electrically equipped and some are to be handled manually. The electric tops are available with a retraction mechanism that has been designed to fold and unfold the frame, this is called as power tops. The driver needs to merely push a button and the top folds inwards or goes up. The manual tops on the other require the driver to remove the top’s latches from the windshield and then he needs to manually push the top downwards. Incase he wants to put the top up then he has to pull the top manually upwards and then reattach the latches to the windshield. The process sounds tough but it is important to note that when it is practically done after a reading it will be an easy task altogether.

Cleaning tips : Convertible tops are made up from different combinations of material like vinyl with cotton and woven acrylic with cotton or nylon. It is important that you maintain the convertible top with care and follow a prescribed procedure to clean it: Mix the solution with a mild detergent with water in a bucket, remove the dirt from the top (do not scratch or poke to remove the dirt). Then apply the cleaner, rub it with a soft cloth and gentle pressure will remove the dirt all over. Rinse the top with plenty of water until the soap is taken off. Allow the fabric to dry and wipe the windows with clean lint-free towel.