twr7cx wrote:A few questions about replacements:
Are the Robbins Auto Top <
https://robbinsautotop.com/convertible- ... years=4901 > brand the best to go with?
Vinyl, cloth, mohair? Does any stand out as longer lasting or more durable?
Any reason to stick with the PVC window rather than ‘upgrade’ to glass?
Can a glass window soft top be fitted to my current PVC window frame, or do I require a replacement frame?
Are the glass windows compatible with the factory seatbelt tower braces?
Is there any other bits (seals, trims, etc.) that should be replaced while doing the job, or is it all reusable?
I went with a Robbins Mohair, zippered glass replacement for my NB. I think mohair (or is it canvas?) looks better than the vinyl and I feel like it'll better resist UV fade but that might just be wishful thinking. It's a personal choice, if you want to keep the car looking as close as original, then maybe you'd want to stick with the vinyl.
My OEM top was fixed glass, but I really wanted to be able to drop the window for airflow, and with the glass I retain my demister, and again, glass won't be affected by UV like the plastic window would. If you don't have a demister then glass might be overkill? It's more weight but nothing major. My glass window is just fine with my rollbar, so it should have no issues with the seat tower brace.
Get a new rain rail with the top. Also, I'd suggest new tension cables and springs, they get tired after time and this new top will be very tight at first. You could also do the soft top seals (around the windows) if yours are looking a little tired or letting in more rain than you'd like.
I believe the frames are pretty much the same across all NA/NBs so the tops should fit just fine, whatever configuration you end up getting.
