Tigertop vs Canvas Top for CJ3A

[steves]

I am considering buying a top for my CJ3A, which I park outside.  (Currently, I keep it covered with a semi-fitted cover).  Does anyone have advice on buying a Bestop Tigertop vs a canvas top?  The Tigertop appears to have a cleaner, tighter look, but I worry about the durability.  Will I have to cut the bow pockets off the rear corners of the body to make the Tigertop fit correctly?  It looks like it fastens with snaps rather than straps.

[Rus Curtis]

The first Tiger Top I had went up and over the rear sockets.  I can't see that in any of the advertisements of the current tops.  I would strongly consider altering my top before cutting my sockets.

Here's an example of the cutout notch on Allen Hinkle's 3B at the SE Get-Together (my guess is this top is somewhat recent):
https://cj3b.info/Events/SEWillys2017.html

So, maybe a call to the company to ask directly would answer that.  Snaps are used all the way around.  The only good thing about the newer tops is the snaps are hidden under the outer layer and don't show - but the snaps will show along the tub when the top is off.  A full set of bows/hardware comes with each top, even if you're replacing one.  Too bad there isn't an option of fabric replacement only.

I had an earlier version (all the snaps showed).  I parked mine outside for 9 years and the vinyl held up okay - the windows did not.  I really didn't do anything to help this at all (I washed the top once).   It spent another 10 yrs under a tarp with no further wear/decay.  I don't know if the modern version vinyl will last longer or shorter than mine - but you can see some examples where care was given and older tops are wearing very well.

From what I've read on the canvas tops is there will be shrinkage, so it should be a bit loose at first.  I think there may be some needed treatment to help with waterproofing, I'm not sure.  There are some choices of where to get one but waiting can be very long in some cases.  Also, while their patterns are most likely accurate, I'd want to get a couple of trial fits during the making to be sure things line up.  Having a full set of original style bows/rods will be necessary too.

See Bob Christy's new canvas top as well as some other nice examples:
https://cj3b.info/SoftTopHistory3.html


My dream sheet would be a hybrid between the two styles. 

[steves]

Thanks for the response, Rus.

[oldtime]

I’ve had several vinyl tops and a few steel cabs too.
No comparison in durability there.
I would very much like to have a canvas top.
But only expect them to last about 10 years max if left outdoors in the Midwest.
I agree with Rus that a vinyl top is very watertight and fairly durable.
I believe the vinyl will last about 15 to 20 years but it is the windows that go bad in about 10 years more/less.
It is certainly sun exposure that dries, dulls and eventually cracks the windows.
With diligent protection from sunlight I would guess vinyl tops to remain serviceable about 20 years.