Eldorado convetrible top

[Peter Jordan]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a supplier for a new convertible top for my '71 Eldorado. The colour is light green and the material is a kind of cloth as apposed to vinyl, glass rear window. Is this correct and factory?

Any help greatly appreciated... 

[TJ Hopland]

Glass is correct.   I thought the factory tops were just black or white and more of a vinyl, but I could be wrong.   I know the more cloth types were common on some other makes and certainly available in aftermarket along with an assortment of standard and custom colors.   

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Peter,

The tops in ’71 were vinyl coated with a fine pin point pattern. They were available in
E-Beige
A-White
B-Black
C-Blue (dark)
N-Green (olive)
R-Brown
All have black inner lining.

HTH,
Ralph

[76eldo]

I have expressed the following before and think it's important to note.

It's not a good idea to buy a top, and then expect someone to install it for you.  Let the top shop get the top.  it may cost more, but the outcome will be better.

A top you find on ebay or some other source may be old and may not fit properly.

Most professional top installers deal with Electron or Hydro Electric in Florida.

If you bring your car and a top you bought to a trim shop, and the job does not come out to your liking, they will blame it on the top you supplied.  The 71-76 GM full sized tops are complicated and not a DYI operation at all.  Find a shop with an installer that's at least in his 50's and did these all the time in the 70's and 80's.

If you garage the car, you will probably only have one top done in the entire time you own the car, so don't try any shortcuts.  Do the top, pads, rear curtain and new window, and figure on spending $1200 to $1500.00 for a proper job.

I have owned dozens of convertibles over the past 33 years.  Not a place to shortcut or save money.

brian

[Peter Jordan]

Thanks to all for the tips and advise, much appreciated.