How Does a Convertible Top Work?

What is a convertible top?
Convertible tops are a type of vehicle top that folds, or retracts. They are usually soft, but recently, some vehicles have been manufactured with hard tops that fold down and can be concealed. However, these hard tops are not known as convertibles. Instead, they are called retractable hardtops because their frames are usually made out of steel. A convertible top is usually made from canvas or vinyl and fits over a steel, rigid plastic or aluminum frame. When convertible cars were first manufactured, they initially were made with only two doors. This holds true today. The production of convertibles spiked between the 1950s and 1970s and used to be available with only a plastic rear window. These days, tops are more durable, and a heated glass window has replaced the plastic window in many convertible models. However, quite a few convertibles still do come with the plastic rear window.

A convertible car is a type of automobile which has a retracting or folding, soft or collapsible top. If the top is made out of steel, it is called as a retractable/removable hardtop and not a convertible. A convertible top is made from a flexible material, such as vinyl or canvas, and is made to fit over an articulated folding frame which is made out of steel, aluminum or rigid plastic. The folding design of the frame is elaborate and can vary. An electrical retraction mechanism can be designed to fold and unfold the frame which is also known as a power top.

How does it work?
The folding design of the convertible top's frame can vary and can be elaborate. Some vehicles come with electric convertible tops, while other come equipped with manual convertible tops. The electric tops have a retraction mechanism that is designed to unfold and fold the frame, which is often referred to as the power top. The driver simply has to push a button, and the top retracts or goes up. Manual tops require that the driver unfasten the top's latches from the windshield before he can manually push the top down. In order to put the top up, he would have to pull it up manually and reattach the latches to the windshield.
Problems with and maintenance of convertible tops
Before a manual top can be lowered it must be un-fastened from the windshield frame before it is retracted. A Convertible car in Europe is known as "cabriolet" and a retractable hardtop is known as a "coupe convertible" or "coupe cabriolet". Convertibles are desired by many because of the look and the adventurous feeling it gives the passengers. Presidents and celebrities are featured riding in a convertible for the added exposure and easy access. Advertisements have always taken advantage of this instant factor of admiration and the association with the element of romance.



Convertible Top
Initially when convertible cars began to be manufactured they were made with two doors. Only a few cars had the option of four doors. The production of convertibles boomed in the 1950s to 1970s. Owning a convertible car was more of a luxury at that time and was only used for special occasions. Tops have been made more durable and the plastic rear window has been replaced by heated glass which improved clarity. Structurally the vehicle top is the most important part of the car. The frame or chassis of a convertible car is built more rigid to keep the vehicle from flexing in normal usage. Convertible cars usually weigh more than fixed roof cars due to the added steel. The automatic convertible top system involves motors, switches and sensors. The latching and unlatching is performed automatically.

Common Problems
Possibilities of failures and issues with convertible tops are vast. It is good practice to watch the top while in operation. Any kind of irregular motion or snagging is an indication of a malfunction and should be repaired.

Basic Maintenance
It is recommended that the convertible be hand washed. Special vinyl cleaner is available for cleaning vinyl tops. Warm water with soap designed for vehicles should be safe for washing. If your water is hard, a water softener should be added to avoid spotting. Wax should never be applied on a convertible top. Soft tops should be protected using scotch guard and can be softened using a liquid fabric softener. The top should be cleaned in its entirety; spot cleaning can leave spots or rings. If the windows are made out of plastic, they should be cleaned on a regular basis with water and mild soap. Do not use an abrasive cleaner or cloth; they can scratch the plastic surface. Cleaning in a circular motion should be avoided and a side to side or top to bottom motion should be adopted. Never retract the top when wet without raising it at a later time to avoid mold. Mold can discolor the top and lead to replacement. The top should always be free of objects; even a small item such as a beach towel can damage the top.

One of the major problems that electric convertible tops have is failure issues. The electric motor that controls that top can sometimes fail and result in either the top not going up or the top not being able to go down. Also, convertible tops are prone to tearing. They need to be conditioned on a regular basis in order to prevent damage. In addition, the top should be hand-washed with soap and warm water. There is a special vinyl cleaner available that will clean the top as well. You can also use Scotch Guard to protect the top and soften it by using a liquid fabric softener. Never try to spot clean a top because it can leave rings or spots. Never use abrasive cleaners or cloths on the top, as they can damage it. Also, if you retract the top while it is wet, make sure that you raise it to avoid mold from growing on it.