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 fol...