Mikes65

Does anyone have a recommendation on what brand convertible top is best to use on a 65 cutlass? I have seen ARO2000 claiming to be an original supplier and I see a few other choices. Any brands to steer away from? Thinking of going with the glass rear window instead of the fullview.
Thanks--

66luvr

The trim shop I use has always preferred Electron tops.
http://www.electrontop.com/
I've owned a couple of them they are nice. I've owned several convertibles, I can easily recall 16, you can tell some tops are cheaper than the Electron tops.

rcorrigan5

Are you planning on installing the top yourself or are you going to have an upholsterer do it? If it's the latter, I highly recommend you talk with the upholsterer first. There are some brands that some upholsterers simply will not touch.

Randy C.

Mikes65

Going to a shop.Some things are better left for a pro.

Lady72nRob71

If you plan to have a shop install the top, call them and ask what brands they prefer, like, or hate. Some shops will not touch some brands, as they either fit poorly or have quality issues.
I would steer way clear of any top that has the brand not given or a brand that the shop is unfamiliar with. Lady's top was Kee brand bought from Year one. It is pretty nice, but the install had a few small errors.
The trim shop has to warrant this, so they know which ones are good.

71 Cutlass

Electron is a good top, and one of the tops of choice by the trim shop many of us in the North Texas Olds Club have been using for years... "Ray's Auto Trim."

rcorrigan5

I also used the Kee brand that I got from Year One. I did the wrong thing in the fact that I bought the top kit before I talked with the upholsterer. I was fortunate when I talked with the upholsterer that he said he does work with the Kee tops. It fit beautifully, the installer didn't have any problems with it, and it's been on for nearly 5 years now.

My upholsterer would not install the new top without new cables so I bought new cables as well. What is the condition of your top bows? The time to clean and paint them if they need it is now, before the new top goes on.

There are also wood strips in the top bows that, depending on their condition, may need to be replaced before the new top goes on. Your installer should let you know about this as well.

Randy C.

Mikes65

I am painting and detailing the top frame. It is removed from the car and partially disassembled.