B. Simulated Tops
(Carriage Roofs, Roadster Tops
& Landau Tops)
These tops add a flair of styling to an otherwise bare metal roof giving your car that look of luxury which sets it apart from the rest.
Auto-Mat Co. can install a Simulated Top on a new car or on an older car which never had one. We can also replace an old top which is damaged or worn.

C. Vinyl Roofs
Classic Vinyl Roofs make a car look great, but faded, peeling, cracked Vinyl Roofs are an eyesore.
From antiques to muscle cars to luxury cars to limos Auto-Mat Co. can replace the Vinyl Roof of any car.

A. Convertible Tops
1. All Models 1930’s to Current
From classics to exotics to everyday convertibles, Auto-Mat Co. can restore them all.
2. Complete Top & Window
Where applicable, for the best results, it is always wisest to replace the top and window at the same time.
3. Top Only
If a top becomes torn, yet the rear window is fine, some models are designed such that we can replace the top while maintaing the rear window portion.
4. Window Only
In some cases, a plastic window may crack or become hazy, or a glass window may break, while the top is still in fine shape. If this occurs,
it is usually possible to change just the window portion of the top.
5. Other Components
Other parts which may need to be changed include: Pads, Well Liner, Cables, Tac Strip, Top Boot, Rubber Weatherstripping, Frame Hardware, Frame Painting, Motor, Cylinders, Hydraulic Lines, etc.
6. Colors & Materials
Auto-Mat Co. offers a wide variety of colors and materials both imported and domestic to meet your taste and budget.
7. Installation
For expert installation, we maintain one of the largest installation centers in the northeast. Or, if you are experienced, you may purchase a ready-made top to install yourself or to be installed by another professional.

1. All Models
1930’s - Current
As cars evolved over the years, so did the design of the convertible top. Each new era brought on different challenges in doing top restorations correctly.
a. Antiques & Classics
From the ‘30’s -’50’s most tops were made of cloth and had small, rectangular, chrome framed, glass rear windows.
In the early ‘50’s, more economical vinyl tops were introdced as well as more practical, larger plastic rear window curtains. In the early ‘60’s, hard glass rear windows became popular.
Auto-Mat Co. can restore your top to the way it was meant to look in it’s golden age.
b. Muscle Cars
The infamous era of the automobile. With Drive-Ins and Make-Out Points the rage, almost everyone yearned for a convertible.
Today, cruising in your muscle car with a restored top will make you feel like the top dog again.
c. GM Scissor Tops
GM’s attempt from ‘71-’76 to create a more roomy convertible. Unrestored, they are problems. Restored properly by Auto-Mat Co., they are wonderful.
d. Sports & Exotic Cars
For many, driving a classy roadster is a dream come true. That dream can become a nightmare though, if the top is torn and leaky and you can’t see out the back window.
e. Luxury & Import Cars
Feel the pride of pulling up to an engegment in your high end convertible. Feel the embarassment if your top is worn and your back window is hazy.
f. Everyday Convertibles
Common models such as Mustangs, Lebarons and Cavaliers which are used daily and exposed to the weather throughout the year are most prone to needing top replacement.
You can maximize your convertible driving pleasure by maintaining and restoring your top as necessary.

2. Complete Top
& Window
a. Two Piece Design
Most American car convertibles and other popular models such as Porsche 911, Mazda Miata, most Saabs and later Mercedes SLs for example, are structured as a two piece design. The top is one component and the rear window curtain is the other. The rear window curtain consits of the window, be it plastic or glass, and the material around the window. Most later models with glass have built in defrosters.
It is always best to change the top and window at the same time. This is more cost effective in the long run, by not having to change them at two different times. In addition, the age of the materials will visibly match, and moreover the fit and function of the final job will be better.
b. One Piece Top with Plastic Window
Most sports cars such as Corvettes, Alfas, Fiats, MGs, Triumphs, Porsche Boxters & 993s, BMWs, older Mercedes SLs, etc. are designed where the top and plastic window are integral units. These tops are always replaced together with the window.c. One Piece Top with
Glass Window
Some models such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse and later model Corvettes are designed with a top and glass window as integral units. These are also always replaced together.

3. Top Only
a. Two Piece Design
For those models which are designed with a two piece configuration, that is, a top and a rear window curtain, it is possible to replace a worn or damaged top-only provided that the window and the material around the window are in very good shape.
b. One Piece Top reusing Factory Glass Window
Some models, such as the Jaguar XJS, Mazda RX7 and most VW’s are designed to have the full top replaced while transferring the factory rear glass window to the new top.

4. Window Only
a. Two Piece Design
For those models which are designed with a two piece configuration, that is, a top and a rear window curtain, it is possible to replace a cracked or hazy plastic window curtain, or a broken glass window curatin, provided that the top is in good shape.
b. Plastic Only
Some models such as the BMW 3 series and the later Mercedes SLs are designed such that we can remove the top from the frame, cut out the damaged plastic, sew in new plastic to the existing canvas and reinstall the top or curtain.
Naturally, these alternatives are more economical than replacing the entire top.

5. Other Components
It is always best to have your car inspected to determine what other related parts you may need for your top restoration.

a. Pads
The support straps which run front to back, on each side, under the top, attached from bow to bow.
b. Well Liner
The black vinyl pocket in the well/trunk area which the tops sinks down into.
c. Side Tension Cables
The cables which run along the edge, under the top, and help keep the top taught, primarily above the door windows.
d. Tac Strip
The stripping which is installed into the top frame allowing the top to be stapled to the frame.
e. Top Boot
This covers the top when it is folded down, either snapping or clipping into place.
f. Rubber Weatherstripping
The very important rubber which attaches to the top frame creating a wind and rain seal.
g. Frame Hardware
Various components such as latches, bows, bolts, etc.
h. Frame Painting & Lubricating
While the top is stripped, this is the ideal time to scrape, rustproof, paint and lubricate the frame.
i. Frame Alignment
Ocassionally, frames need to be adjusted. This is also best done when the top is off the car.
j. Top Motor/Pump
When an automatic top stops working, it is usually the motor/pump which drives the fluid to the pistons/cylinders which needs to be replaced.

k. Pistons/Cylinders
These parts actually drive the automatic top frame up and down.
l. Hydraulic Lines
They deliver the hydraulic fluid from the motor to the pistons and back.
m. Hydraulic Fluid
Generally, when a motor is pumping but the top is working very slowly, it is because there is air in the lines. They will need to be bled and have more fluid added to the system.
n. Padding
Some models have a lined layer of padding between the top and a headliner. Sometimes just the padding lining needs to be changed.
o. Headliner
Some models have a separate headliner which can be reused with the new top or replaced.

6. Colors & Materials
Tops are available in vinyl or canvas/cloth. Many colors are available within each material line.
a. Pinpoint Single Texture Vinyl
Standard weight version of original vinyl used on most American cars through the early ‘90’s.
b. Pinpoint Double Texture Vinyl
Original heavyweight vinyl used on American cars through the early ‘90’s. Has an extra layer of butyl rubber under the outer layer of vinyl giving it greater strength and durability.
c. Sailcloth Single Texture Vinyl
Standard weight version of original vinyl used on most American cars from the early ‘90’s on.
d. Sailcloth Double Texture Vinyl
Original heavyweight vinyl used on American cars through the early ‘90’s. Has an extra layer of butyl rubber under the outer layer of vinyl giving it greater strength and durability.
e. Crush/Leather Grain Vinyl
Original grain vinyl used on some older American cars and on many import sports cars.
f. Cabrio Grain Vinyl
Original pebbly grain used on Mazda Miata, VW Cabriolet & others.
g. Everflex Vinyl
Original British vinyl used on Rolls Royce and other British sports cars.
h. Stayfast Canvas/Cloth
Oriignal cloth used on most American cars. Replaced less durable cotton based cloth used on earlier models.
Can be used as an economical substitute for German canvas/cloth or as an upgrade for those wishing something better than vinyl.
i. Stayfast “G” Canvas/Cloth
Can also be used as a substitute for German canvas/cloth. It is Stayfast with the German lining laminated to the underside.j. Twillfast Canvas/Cloth
Original canvas/cloth used on some newer model American and import cars.
k. German Canvas/Cloth
Original material made in Germany and used on Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, etc. Superior quality. Slightly heavierweight and more durable than Stayfast.

7. Installation
a. By Auto-Mat Co.
Installing a convertible type properly requires a great amount of expertise. We install over 100 tops per season in our shop. Proper stretching and steaming techniques are required. The typical installation takes one full day, but will vary based on the scope of the work being done.
b. Do-It-Youself
A do-it-yourself installation is possible if you are very handy, have a lot of patience, and are experienced. Otherwise, it is not advised for you to try to install your own top, for you may ruin it and have to purchase another one.
b. By Another Professional
If you are not local, you may purchase one of our high quality tops and have it installed by another qualified professional installer.

B. Simulated Tops
1. Installing a New Top on a New Car
For that look of style and class
2. Installing a New Top on an Older Car
Refresh the look of your car
3. Replacing a Top which is Damaged or Worn
We can replace just the skin or the complete top
4. Style Options
Many colors and design options are available to meet your taste

1. Installing a New Top on a New Car
This is one of the most popular Restyling techniques for new cars. These roof treatments give a car a greater touch of class.
Having Auto-Mat Co. do the job is generally more cost effective than having the dealer handle it for you.
The top consists of a fiberglass shell which is molded for the specific car, an outer skin, and in most cases, chrome moldings. The skin is laminated to the shell. The shell is then rivotted and siliconed to the metal roof, and then the moldings are screwed in place.

2. Installing a New Top on an Older Car
If you have purchased a previously owned car, or if you are simply ready to make a change to the look of the car you have owned for a number of years, installing a Simulated Top will give your car that fresh, new, stylish look you want.
All the same principles apply to installing a new top on an older car as they do a new car.

3. Replacing a Top which is Damaged or Worn
a. Replacing the Wireon Only
This is the trim above the rear, and sometimes the front, windshield which has the little chrome end caps at each end. This is usually one of the first items to wear out. It can be replaced without having to remove or replace the rest of the top.
b. Replacing the Skin Only
Like the wireon, the binding on the edge of the top is also likely to be the first thing to wear out and become undone. However, because it is sewn to the skin, it cannot be replaced without replacing the entire skin. Likewise, if the skin has become delaminated from the shell, or if the skin has torn or discolored, it will have to be completely replaced. Some models have door caps which would also require replacement.
To replace the skin, the moldings and shell must be removed form the car. The old skin is then strpped from the shell. Assuming the shell and moldings are still in good shape, the shell is cleaned and prepped and a new skin is laminated to it. The shell and moldings are then reinstalled onto the car.
c. Replacing the Complete Top
Occasionally, a car is in an accident and the shell gets cracked, or the shell becomes loosened from the metal roof and then blows back and cracks while driving down the highway.
If this occurs, the entire shell as well as the skin will have to be replaced.

4. Style Options
a. Vinyl or Cloth
A cloth skin is a more attractive and durable material. A vinyl skin is slightly easier to clean and is slightly more economical. We always recommend cloth unless you are replacing a skin which was originally vinyl and you want to keep it original. Both are available in a wide array of colors.
b. Full Top or Half Top
Most models are designed to take full tops while some allow the option of a half top as well. Half tops have front molding/bands with or without integrated accent lighting. The cost for both is about the same.
If you have a moonroof and choose a full top, the shell is cut out around the moonroof. If you choose a half top, the shell ends just behind the moonroof.
c. Ribbed Top or Flush Top
Most shells are made with subtle ridges to simulate the look of a convertible. Some later model designs also offer low profile, flush shells without the ridges for a sleeker look.
d. With or Without Moldings
Most designs incorporate wireon trim and rear chrome moldings. The chrome moldings may be
smooth or with snap heads. Often with the later model flush designs the wireon and moldings are left off to further enhance the sleek look.
e. Binding
Vinyl tops have vinyl binding. Cloth tops have the option of vinyl or cloth binding, or again for that sleeker look, no binding at all, wherein the cloth is wrapped around the shell.
f. With or Without Logos
Skins can be made plain or with logos in the rear sail panel/quarter area. Logos can either be embroidered into the skin, or done as metal emblems which silicone on.

C. Vinyl Roofs
1. Antiques
In the ‘20’s and ‘30’s, the vinyl roof was generally black cobra grain vinyl laminated over a thick foam padding, mounted over a chicken wire, which was inserted in the roof of the vehicle.
2. Muscle Car Era
Typically, these were double seamed tops laminated directly to the metal roof with no padding. We can strip the old top, or just install a new one after the body shop has stripped and prepped the roof.
3. Common Cars
From the ‘70’s through the ‘90’s, vinyl roofs came in many styles. Full tops or half tops, double seamed, center seamed, no seams, or with the halo seam which is the stitching around the rear window.
For an economical installation, if the old vinyl top is just faded and not peeling, it is sometimes possible to install the new top over the old one. The prpoer method, however is to remove the old top. In doing this we try to maintain the old padding, but in some cases the padding is also bad and may need replacement.
Many colors are available. You may match your original color and paint, or choose a contrasting color to perhaps match your interior.
4. Limos
Most limos have vinyl roofs to add to their look of luxury. The challenge in replacing a damaged vinyl roof on a limo is determined by the length of the limo, the number of moonroofs, the amount of pillars or panels which the vinyl travels down, and the number of lights installed into the vinyl.