ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
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Finally found one of my own! Been looking for awhile and found this one east of Dallas, TX. Its an '87 Iroc Z (sixth digit is a 3). 305 auto, Charcoal Grey interior, very clean. Power everything but antenna. Car was in same family for 20 years! Wish it had the tpi/5 speed drivetrain but was to nice to pass up!
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Last edited by jnman; 06-26-2008 at 10:18 PM.
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Yep, 5-speed would be nice, but I like my automatic too!
Great find. It reminds me of my T/A when I got it ... about the same condition/options except mine is TPI. Now it has a 355, a shift kit in the tranny, 3.42 rear end, full Hooker exhaust from headers back, new interior and paint going on in the next week or two. Once the "fix it up" bug hits you, go ahead and figure all your spare change is going to be gone.
It's general dirtiness, dust, cat hair? No real issues. Top is in good shape & I just do not what to mess the top up! Also do I need to use any type protectant after cleaning it? THANKS
My top is original, in good shape with no tears or damage and no leaks anywhere on the material. What I've done that's worked well to keep it in good shape is simply washing it with a garden hose (town pressure is typically 30-50psi). I go in a sweeping motion across the material so any particles are carried away. Then I usually just let it air dry. It's surprising how quick it dries when you move into the sun and/or drive after cleaning.
I also have my ride parked indoors 95% of it's life, so the exposure to any harmful UV rays is almost nill. I've never applied any type of protectant.
One important thing to consider is that most of the damage to the top occurs when raising and lowering it when it's dirty. If there's even a fine layer of dust on the top, those particles will grind against the material's threads. This, over time, will weaken and eventually cause the top to fray, rip, or leak. Always make sure the top is clean before lowering and raising it. It will extend it's life greately.
You could perhaps try using a soft bristle brush . . .
. . . to gently agitated the stubborn areas while at the time using a light water stream to carry the dirt away.
I've been fortunate that my ride never sits in the sun when not being used, but even so, I'm considering applying a UV protectant. The suns UV rays are probably the worst top killer. UV is especially hard on the fabric's stiching.
Here's a good link that gives a general idea of what's out there for keeping your top in top shape. http://www.autogeek.net/facotop.html
RaggTop makes a cleaner and a fabric treat/protector that work well, and I believe in the protector and it's ability to prolong the life of the fabric. They sell both in a kit or separately, the cleaner is a pump spray and usually easier to find than the protectant whcih is a large aerosol can. You can find them on EBay, cheapest I have found for the kit is $30 at MidAmerica Corvette (hard to believe they are the cheapest for anything) but they have some issues wiht out of stock on this item. If you get the protector make sure it is for fabric tops, they make separate ones for vinyl/cloth.
Thanks for the info. I have the paper work when the top was installed in 5/02.
The warranty card is from "Electron Top's" and state it is made out of American vinyl materials. The price on the receit is the price of the "Stayfast or Topline top. Is the Stayfast vinyl?? I use to own a `68 firebird convertible that had a vinyl top that looks nothing like this one. The top on the IROC look like a cloth or fabric. I attached pictures of the top. I don't know if anyone can tell me what I have but I though I'd give it a shot. Also attached a shot after the weekend clean up on the car. Cleaned up pretty nice! THANK'S, jnman
That's a damn (pardon my French) sweet pic!!!! Nice ride.
Regarding your top, it is clearly, and without a doubt, a canvas (fabric) top.
Also the topsonline.com "Stayfast" top is canvas. Their vinyl top is called "Pinpoint".
That's a damn (pardon my French) sweet pic!!!! Nice ride.
Regarding your top, it is clearly, and without a doubt, a canvas (fabric) top.
Also the topsonline.com "Stayfast" top is canvas. Their vinyl top is called "Pinpoint".
THANK'S, that's what I needed to know to be sure to purchase the right cleaning & protectant products. jnman
for the info. Used your advice & the top looks alot better. Still not perfect but it may take a few more attemps! Thanks! 
