Top Dressing for Original Top

[OL JENNY]

I have a good friend who is wondering what would be a good top dressing for an original top. This car has been in his family since it was new, and he wants to keep it original and not install a new vinyl top. His top shows evidence of tiny cracks and does leak in rain. Since he is not yet a member of the Barn I said I would reach out on his behalf.
Thanks,
OL JENNY

 

[Gary WA]

I use Rubber/vinyl from Griots Garage great for all tires etc armor all not good

 

[duke36]

If cracking, may want to check SEMproducts for a flexible coating/vinyl renewer. A reminder that the original tops were most often a lacquer coated fabric.

 

[160B]

I acquired a 1931 160B 20 plus years ago with an original top. When I acquired the vehicle the top had some cracks and leaks. I have used Dupont Thickote top dressing and sealed the top and have no leaks. This is a product from the 40's and 50's and can be found at swap meets and on e-bay. See the below photos.

I also have used a product called big stretch, a water based caulk. I use it first to caulk up any wide gaps and when it dries I use the top dressing. Big stretch is very effective to seal any leak. It is water based so you can calk a leak, ie around a front window, use a wet sponge to wipe away any caulk and it seals without any visible presence that you caulked around a window.

https://www.sashco.com/products/big-stretch/