Bronze Coloured Convertible Top

[Daddio]

Hi Folks,

I've delayed replacing the convertible top on my 1959 Biarritz for years.  I hadn't been able to find the correct colour, didn't want to dye a white one and so I pretty much gave up and only took her out on the nicest of days.

But based on a couple of encouraging threads in this forum, I recently emailed Putt Georgi of ARO 2000 regarding a top ... specifically, a bronze (sometimes referred to as Persian Sand) coloured top. His web site showed samples that appeared 'close', so I requested them. 

He is very interested in providing the correct material and emailed me back to send swatches of my old top, which I believe 'was' the correct colour before the Arizona sun got to it, or send him my 1959 Cadillac Data Book for reference.  I'm hesitant to send him my Data Book, given it's rarity, but I'm mailing a swatch from a protected area under the rear deck and well liner.

I have two questions: 
1) Is anyone else interested in acquiring a 'bronze' coloured convertible top?
2) Does anyone live near ARO 2000 in Walden, New York and do they have a Data Book for Putt to see? 

Thanks for your help, Mike

[59-in-pieces]

Mike,
Do you mean the 1959 CADILLAC COLOR AND UPHOLSTERY SELECTIONS book.
Have fun,
Steve B.

[76eldo]

I had one of this books that I purchased with a lot of 59 parts a few years ago.
I sold the book since I doubt I will ever own a 59 but I took high res photos of every sample in the book.

If I have the sample of the top I will post the photo here tonight.

Brian

[Daddio]

yes Steve, I meant the '1959 Cadillac Color and Upholstery Selections' book, under the 'Top Materials' section. Thanks for clearing that up.

Brian thanks also for your offer, but my brittle old swatch is a pretty good match, colour wise.  I'm putting it in the mail this week. I emailed ARO 2000 a photo, but they wanted to see something 'in person'.

They said they've done special colour orders for Chevy guys based on their GM Upholstery books, so I'm anxious to see if they can duplicate a Cadillac bronze top. 

[66 Eldo]

Used to be a guy that advertised in Hemmings and sold convertible tops and was in the northeast, I think Massachusetts if I remember. His name was Sidney and he was the only guy that had a yellow top for my 62. This was back in 91 but just thought I'd mention in the rare chance he's still around and others may have contact info.

[59eldorado]

yes Steve, I meant the '1959 Cadillac Color and Upholstery Selections' book, under the 'Top Materials' section. Thanks for clearing that up.

Brian thanks also for your offer, but my brittle old swatch is a pretty good match, colour wise.  I'm putting it in the mail this week. I emailed ARO 2000 a photo, but they wanted to see something 'in person'.

They said they've done special colour orders for Chevy guys based on their GM Upholstery books, so I'm anxious to see if they can duplicate a Cadillac bronze top.

Mike,
would you let me know about the result? I'll be taking on the same project later this year. Any help greatly apreciated:-)
Thanks, Georg

[Rod Dahlgren #19496]

ARO 2000 is Georgi Putt - I get tops from him- He has been providing tops for years.

[Daddio]

It turns out that the minimum production run for any unique non-standard top material is 500 yards, or approx 75 tops.  ARO2000 has asked Haartz if they have any comparable material to my sample ... NOS I suppose ... but that's highly unlikely.

The closest match I can find to the bronze colour in the 1959 upholstery book is  'A50 saddle 1463ST'  as shown on their web site: http://www.aro2000.com/pinpoint_topping_color_chart.htm . Unfortunately, it only comes with a black lining, not tan as original.

So if I want to be true to original, the only solution may be to dye a white top.

[P Cedergren]

Hi Mike,

Just a thought.
Have you tried Electrontop to see what they can do?
They have been in business manufacturing tops since 1960, I ordered a new top from them years ago and was very happy with it.

http://www.electrontop.com/

Be good,
Per

P Cedergren 4218