MASCOT July 1993

ROADSTER NOTES - Soft Tops & Screens

Bill Haverly

Since having a soft top made for my Roadster over 15 years ago, I've learnt a lot. At that time I accepted as original the top that came with the car and used it as a pattern for remanufacture. It was a bit like the MGB or Triumph Herald Convertible types with a large rectangular window giving a good view to the rear and triangular quarter lights set in the corners behind the hood frames, or 'top bows' as the Americans call them. Anyway, this top, made in a vinyl material, is still wearing well today and is waterproof except for dampness along the stitching. But knowing now what the original is like, with hindsight I would certainly have made something much closer to the proper style, for without doubt this top adds a great deal to the Roadsters old world charm and distinctive appeal.

All the post-war Roadsters from 1946-55 used the same styling, and the 1939 Series 1 version differs only in having two transparent panels in the side curtain. Original material used was a cotton closely interwoven 'twill' which in the first series came in the colourful versions of either mottled red, green or blue. Eventually the colours were run down and most cars after the war left the factory with a fawn/beige top.

Nowadays black or beige in a cotton 'double duck' material is generally reckoned to be the closest after expensive mohair to the original twill. Duck also has the advantage over twill in having a rubber membrane which gives superior waterproofing. But from experience, a good vinyl wears very well, is easier to clean and comes in a range of colours which can more easily simulate those used on the earlier cars.

As with any attempts to obtain the 'original' car 'you takes your pick' and get as near as the pocket allows or personal inclination leads. For there is no proper originality once a car has left the works - only degrees of originality.

The picture shows a 1951 4AD and illustrates the small oval rear window with bar across the centre, used as a folding point when the hood folded down to be stored away behind the rear seat. Most of todays remanufactured tops omit this bar in the interests of additional expense and a 15% greater rear view. Zips, on the upper edges of both side curtains, undid from the rear and 'hinged' at the front end to enable them to fold inwards for storage. This LHD 4AD displays the standard door screens with celluloid windows - less than a quarter of the weight of the more draughtproof sliding glass screens which were optional extras. Also shown is the flap in the screen from which an arm would emerge occasionally to make hand signals. Trafficators were also an extra.

But where do you go to get a decent top made at a decent price today? I would certainly have recommended the upholsterer who made mine many years ago if he had not retired. And even though your local man might be a good craftsman, if you haven't a pattern, manufacture could be a bit hit or miss.

Recently I went up to Birmingham with a Club member to collect a newly made top and tonneau in double duck for his Roadster. Made to the original pattern (but without window bar) for takeaway individual fit to a car, we were very impressed by the material and quality of finish - and £150 plus VAT seemed very reasonable in today's sometimes jumped up prices. Tops also made to same pattern in vinyl for £125 plus VAT and door screens reupholstered in double duck for £100 a pair. No hidden extras here apart from postage and about ten days to a fortnight from order. Paul Langman - Coachtrimming Supplies, Stechford, Birmingham. Tel: 021-784 5821.