Datsun Roadster Softop Info from Rallye

Datsun Roadster Parts from Rallye Enterprises, Ltd.

.
SOFTOP INFO
REPRODUCTION SOFTOPS
Unless specified otherwise, these are manufactured by Robbins. They are manufactured to be of the highest quality possible. We have been using Robbins since 1973 when my 1st roadster needed a top. As a user Robbins' products have been great, and we've had a happy and trouble free 31 years selling them and 34 years using them. These do not come with a rear bar installed, you can use your old one, or make one, or purchase a used one from us. They come with the necessary snaps and grommets, you should also order a new softop weatherstrip if you don't have one already. You should order any missing/damaged twistys and postys as well.
WHAT FITS WHAT...

The type "A" gutter described below was on the 68-69 cars, the type "B" was on the 70 cars. Either top fits any 68-70. The "65-67" tops we use are actually the 67 1/2 top. If your top installer finds one of the chalk numbers we haven't managed to rub off he may refuse to install the top. He of course doesn't want to ruin a top trying to put it on the wrong car. All I can say is that the tops we sell as the 65-67 1/2 tops fit ALL 65-67 1/2 cars, no matter what your installer or even the top manufacturer says. Ditto with the 68-70 tops. If you want an exact 65-67 top that is of course your choice, but will you really enjoy looking at the frame above the side windows and banging your head on it since the 65-67 tops don't come with the padded cover flaps? I don't think so.

The 68-70 top differences are in the gutter style primarily. There is far more difference in how the frames are adjusted (height) before installation and how the top is installed by the individual installer (tightness) than there is in the extremely minute differences in the frames used throughout the 68-70 production fun. If you MUST have a 68-69 top order the Type "A" gutter, if a 70 order the Type "B". Of course the frames have been switched on probably 75% of the cars anyway. After 35 years of playing with these and selling these tops we've had the opportunity to learn what's what.

MATERIAL TEXTURE
Softop material, which is vinyl covered canvas, is available in a "smooth grain" (pinpoint) style, or in a "coarse grain" (leather grain) style. When Nissan began using the vinyl and canvas combination as a more durable and economical solution to canvas cloth in 1968 they went with the "pinpoint" style. It looks smooth unless you look VERY close, then you can see the dots. Coarse or "leather" grain is similar to what a lot of cars have, it looks similar to leather. It's just a matter of which you prefer as they are equal quality wise. Pictures are enlarged a bit to show detail. As you back away from the material the difference becomes less noticeable.

.

PINPOINT

COARSE GRAIN

COARSE (Leather Grain)

SMOOTH (Pinpoint)

68-70 SOFTOP "RAIN GUTTER" DESIGN
Is there a particular rain gutter design you do/do not want? Nissan (and Robbins) modifed the tops a couple of times, the most noticeable is a revision to the design of the rain gutters above the side windows on the 70 models. It's just a matter of personal taste, as many people seem to like (or don't care about) both types. I think the early design was intended to provide extra stiffness in the sides, the gutter usually could be used to protect car when it was sitting,by running your finger around window to pop gutter out and do a pretty good job of sealing window compared a typical design. The later design abandoned this and went with a simple gutter which in most cases is too high, but does deflect a fair amount of water and is easier to use. You lose the option of flipping something over the window but don't have to think about tucking it back in before trying to open the door. Either top can be used on any 68-70. We have used these two designs interchangeably for 30 years. Nissan made the top material in 4 different configurations, all of which are interchangeable. If you prefer one or the other be sure to specify your preference and we will ship that style or advise you if we only have the other in stock. (Pics).

INSTALLATION
Installation of a new softop should be performed by a professional installer. An owner installed top is almost always a disaster. I know it seems so simple. I'd compare it to surgery...all you need is a sharp instrument, right? A professional will know how tight the material should be. Too loose and it will beat itself to death, too tight and it will tear itself apart from temperature changes and being put up and down. If you care about how long your top survives, have it done right. Robbins will most likely not warrant a top against ANYTHING if it was not put on by a professional.


	Back to Tops NEW

.	SOFTOP INFO REPRODUCTION SOFTOPS Unless specified otherwise, these are manufactured by Robbins. They are manufactured to be of the highest quality possible. We have been using Robbins since 1973 when my 1st roadster needed a top. As a user Robbins' products have been great, and we've had a happy and trouble free 31 years selling them and 34 years using them. These do not come with a rear bar installed, you can use your old one, or make one, or purchase a used one from us. They come with the necessary snaps and grommets, you should also order a new softop weatherstrip if you don't have one already. You should order any missing/damaged twistys and postys as well. WHAT FITS WHAT... The type "A" gutter described below was on the 68-69 cars, the type "B" was on the 70 cars. Either top fits any 68-70. The "65-67" tops we use are actually the 67 1/2 top. If your top installer finds one of the chalk numbers we haven't managed to rub off he may refuse to install the top. He of course doesn't want to ruin a top trying to put it on the wrong car. All I can say is that the tops we sell as the 65-67 1/2 tops fit ALL 65-67 1/2 cars, no matter what your installer or even the top manufacturer says. Ditto with the 68-70 tops. If you want an exact 65-67 top that is of course your choice, but will you really enjoy looking at the frame above the side windows and banging your head on it since the 65-67 tops don't come with the padded cover flaps? I don't think so. The 68-70 top differences are in the gutter style primarily. There is far more difference in how the frames are adjusted (height) before installation and how the top is installed by the individual installer (tightness) than there is in the extremely minute differences in the frames used throughout the 68-70 production fun. If you MUST have a 68-69 top order the Type "A" gutter, if a 70 order the Type "B". Of course the frames have been switched on probably 75% of the cars anyway. After 35 years of playing with these and selling these tops we've had the opportunity to learn what's what. MATERIAL TEXTURE Softop material, which is vinyl covered canvas, is available in a "smooth grain" (pinpoint) style, or in a "coarse grain" (leather grain) style. When Nissan began using the vinyl and canvas combination as a more durable and economical solution to canvas cloth in 1968 they went with the "pinpoint" style. It looks smooth unless you look VERY close, then you can see the dots. Coarse or "leather" grain is similar to what a lot of cars have, it looks similar to leather. It's just a matter of which you prefer as they are equal quality wise. Pictures are enlarged a bit to show detail. As you back away from the material the difference becomes less noticeable.		.

	PINPOINT	COARSE GRAIN

	COARSE (Leather Grain)	SMOOTH (Pinpoint)