convertible top

[Nazz]

  Hi guys, I have at least 3 builds which I want to build as convertibles ,but the catch is I wish to do them without the boot cover so the folded down top is exposed. My question is, does anyone have a suggetion for what  material would be thin enough and give the right texture, or look of the top material?  If so , where might I find such material. 

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Happy new year,

 

Jerry

[Ace-Garageguy]

After a fair bit of experimentation a while back, I'd suggest a very finely woven synthetic like nylon or acetate tricot, or polyester.

You might also be able to use silk, or a very-high thread-count cotton (expensive sheets. etc.), but in my experience, "natural" plant fibers seem to be too "fuzzy" to look really good. (Silk's not from plants, and I haven't tried it yet)

The synthetics can be ironed into sharp folds, and though they tend to be shiny, a spray shot of fabric paint will make them look quite realistic.

[Oldcarfan27]

If it's not going to be functional, why not try paper or parchment done in folds to mimic the fabric in the down position?

[hedotwo]

In my military modeling days I'd use kleenex tissue lightly soaked with thinned white glue.  You can then position it however you'd like.  After it dries you paint.  I remember it worked pretty nice for making tarps.

[70mach1]

Get yourself a cheap black umbrella. the fabric is close enough for scale top material.

[customline]

You might cut up an old windbreaker

[my66s55]

View this topic and the ask Mr Obsessive what he used. 

My Models For 2021 (VERY pic heavy with video) Part 1

[MrObsessive]

17 minutes ago, my66s55 said:

View this topic and the ask Mr Obsessive what he used. 

My Models For 2021 (VERY pic heavy with video) Part 1

Craig, the VW convertible I built....the top material was already hand sown and fabricated from the company that made it. It looks to be some sort of heavy nylon as it is a bit stretchable.

[ZTony8]

On 12/29/2021 at 1:39 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

After a fair bit of experimentation a while back, I'd suggest a very finely woven synthetic like nylon or acetate tricot, or polyester.

You might also be able to use silk, or a very-high thread-count cotton (expensive sheets. etc.), but in my experience, "natural" plant fibers seem to be too "fuzzy" to look really good. (Silk's not from plants, and I haven't tried it yet)

The synthetics can be ironed into sharp folds, and though they tend to be shiny, a spray shot of fabric paint will make them look quite realistic.

I was going to suggest using pieces of old bed sheet.