As the weather gets nicer it is much easier to leave the top down on the old Chevelle, however I am always paranoid that it may leave permanent wrinkles or marks. Usually I don't keep in down for longer than 2 or 3 days. Any thoughts or experiences on this?

I just put mine up and dont latch it.....keeps the cats out. Any wrinkles should come out after a run down the road.

My 69 still has the original top. When I bought the car 3 years ago, it had no wrinkles, mainly because the top was up virtually all the time for the previous 30 years. I have the top down most of the time in the summer now, and it has developed some wrinkles which just won't come out even when it is up all winter long. They are on the sides, just behind the quarter windows. The original material is still in pretty good condition, but it is nonetheless old and stiff (kinda like me :p ) so it takes a set. It would probably be less of a problem if I had a new or newer top.

A new top will probably help some but I think the wrinkle problem just comes with the territory. I put a new original one on approx. 3 years ago but it has developed a few minor wrinkles none the less.

I'd suggest putting it down only when you drive and put it back up when you're done. Might also leave it in the sun for a few hours after you put it back up. Even the new original replacements are pretty "stiff". It's pretty coarse material.

I'd suggest putting it down only when you drive and put it back up when you're done.

That's what I do.

I seem to find with my convertibles that they tend to shrink if left down for a while.

I usually put the top up as soon as I'm done also....My top is only a month old and I was afraid of it getting creases to.....that and I have a crow the size of an eagle that always seams to be around when my top is down.:D

The original tops were made using what is called "double texture" material. This is the thickest and takes the longest for wrinkles to come out. I have this on my car and I put my top back up after every ride, even if its just overnight. Yes, the top will shrink eventually if left in the down position for extended periods.
Rich

It won't leave permanent wrinkles unless its down for a LONG time. I leave mine down for days at a time. When I put the top up again it does leave wrinkles but they go away in a day. It also helps to expose it to heat to stretch the top better.

First post here, btw, great group and site!!! With my old wrinkled top, I put the top up, latched if possible, took a wet bathtowel and a hot iron and steamed most of them out by ironing on top of the towel. Hope this helps..

All the tips help, thanks. I am going to move forward with the cautious approach and keep putting it up when I am done. THe more I look the more wrinkles I see. I will be ready for a new top in a couple of years. Thanks everyone!!!

I left mine down for a couple months while I was working on the dash. I have heard that is bad though. My top is 17 years old. While it's not ripping or anything, it was really never put on right to begin with, and so the back is pulling away from the car. One of these days I'll get a new one. Probably after I get it all repainted at some point.

Anyway, I usually put it back up, mainly to keep the dust out while I am working on other cars. (white interior)

I am looking to put a new top on my 65 Malibu, I have the Black Vinal now and I am wondering what seems to be the most popular material going.
Does any one know of a quality top vendor?
Kurt

I put the top down on my 69 in 1990.
it's been down since.
And it was in real good shape, with only 1 small cut.
I suspect it's got a few permanent wrinkles now.
It needs replacement anyway.
Maybe I'll hook up a battery and put it up this week.
naaaah


Nate