Buying Guide: Vinyl vs. Cloth Convertible Top | TopsOnline Blog
Vinyl vs. Cloth Convertible Top
When it comes to choosing a vinyl vs. cloth convertible top, it can feel like a big decision. After all, your new convertible top will last for years to come and will be a prominent feature of your sun-loving ride for most days of the year. So which material is better for a convertible top replacement, vinyl or cloth (also known as canvas or mohair)?
Let’s start out with some basic definitions and details and then get into the comparisons between vinyl convertible tops and cloth convertible tops.
What is a Vinyl Convertible Top?
Vinyl is a man-made type of plastic derived from two main components: ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in salt). For convertible top upholstery, vinyl tops refer to composite tops with the outer layer being covered in a waterproof vinyl synthetic over an inner lining material. Because vinyl has a plastic outer, it can be patterned to have a specific look like leather grain, a pinpoint of small dimples, or other textures.
Corvette Vinyl Convertible Top
What Does “Cloth” Mean for a Convertible Top?
Cloth is a man-made material made of tightly woven fibers. For convertible tops, most cloth topping is actually a canvas composite material with several layers or materials fused together. Typically there is a tightly woven water resistant outer layer (facing), a waterproof middle layer (core) and a bottom lining layer (backing).
1978 Volkswagen Beetle Cloth Convertible Top
Breakdown of Cloth vs. Vinyl Convertible Top
So vinyl and canvas cloth are clearly different, but which one is a better material to use on your convertible? Let’s compare them both on several points and see if there is a clear winner:
| Comparison Point | Vinyl Convertible Topping Material | Canvas Cloth Convertible Topping Material |
| Appearance | Faux leather or synthetic look that tends to reflect light with a slight shine | Soft looking cloth that absorbs more light than it reflects |
| Pliability | More rigid and holds shape, but means that it can be prone to creasing if left down for extended periods without care | Very flexible |
| Original Factory Material? | Vinyl was a commonly used factory material for American convertibles from the 1950s through the 1990s | Canvas was the predominant material for non-American manufacturers as well as pre-1950 American classic and vintage convertibles and modern American convertibles |
| Durability | Very durable and able to withstand the elements (sun, rain, dirt, etc.) better than canvas tops | Durable, but prone to staining (bird and tree droppings, etc.) and harder to clean than vinyl tops, so best stored in a garage when not in use |
| Maintenance | Regular application of a quality vinyl protectant to repel dirt, prevent mildew and protect against hardening, cracking and UV fading. We recommend treatment at the start of summer and the start of winter, with more frequent treatments in arid climates like Arizona or wet climates, including Florida. | Regular application of quality convertible fabric protectant to maintain water repellency, mold and mildew protection and stain resistance. When water stops beading on top of the fabric, you know it’s time to re-apply protectant. Garage or covered storage recommended. |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof, meaning the surface of the vinyl gets wet but water does not permeate the material | Waterproof to interior of vehicle, but outer canvas layer is water resistant, meaning it does absorb moisture when wet |
| Cleaning | Hand washing recommended. Easier to wipe off bird and tree droppings than with canvas. | Hand washing recommended. May require stronger cleaner to remove elements on the top (dirt, debris, droppings, etc.). |
| Acoustic Sound Proofing | Generally more road noise than canvas tops | Offers better sound proofing due to composite construction and more sound acoustic material upgrades are available |
| Options | Several texture and pattern options (more than cloth canvas) and several color choices, though not as many as with canvas cloth | Lots of color options and material choices |
| Price | Costs less than canvas counterparts | Costs more than vinyl counterparts |
Cloth vs. Vinyl Convertible Top: What Should you Buy?
After comparing the points in the cloth vs. vinyl convertible top debate, we have great news for you: choosing between vinyl and cloth for your new convertible top has more to do with preference than it does right or wrong. Both vinyl convertible tops and canvas cloth convertible tops will last about the same amount of time (ideally between 7-10 years) before needing to be replaced. Generally vinyl convertible tops need less care and attention than their canvas cloth counterparts, but many convertible owners don’t mind the extra cleaning and care required for a canvas cloth convertible top because they love the look the cloth soft top has when installed on their convertible. Ultimately, the decision is yours and what is important to you in a new top.
Are you ready for even more good news? TopsOnline has been working with automotive upholstery since 1987 and we know which materials look great and last. We have taken all of the guesswork out of your convertible materials options and only offer topping materials that will last and look great for years to come. We only carry the best quality vinyl and canvas convertible tops (we refuse to offer inferior products that won’t last), so every convertible top material option is a choice you can be confident will look great when reasonably cared for. It’s why we can offer a premium convertible top warranty and how we have tens of thousands of happy customers through the years. Check out our testimonials page to see a sample of their feedback.
Ready to take the plunge when it comes to vinyl vs. cloth convertible tops? See what vinyl and canvas cloth convertible top options are available for your model? Check out our selection of replacement convertible tops and see why TopsOnline is the leading premier supplier of quality soft tops with the best selection online. We simplify your shopping experience by offering all the major convertible top brands, in multiple colors, materials and options, plus, our own private label TopsOnline brand tops that save you money without sacrificing quality. Get started shopping now!
