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Whitco Top Thread

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by oldhabits, Dec 12, 2019.

  1. Dec 12, 2019
    oldhabits

    oldhabits New Member

    Marshville, N.C.
    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2014
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    Where did the thread for Whitco top thread go from 12/11/2019?
     
  2. Dec 12, 2019
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    It was removed for violating forum rules, i.e. private contact info of non-members was posted.
     
  3. Dec 12, 2019
    oldhabits

    oldhabits New Member

    Marshville, N.C.
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    Thanks
     
  4. Dec 13, 2019
    Uncle Vin

    Uncle Vin Member 2022 Sponsor

    Long Island, New...
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    I'll reproduce it here, sans the objectionable material.

    Whitco tops are back in business (Home of the best value soft tops for your YJ, TJ, JK and JKU Wrangler)

    I contacted them about the availability of a top for early CJ5s. Here is the email string (with the appropriate redactions):

    From: Whitco Soft Tops
    Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2019 4:29 PM
    To: Jerry Hughes
    Subject: New message - whitcotop.com
    [​IMG][​IMG]

    Reply to Email to Respond

    Name:
    Vincent

    Email:


    Comments:
    Do you make tops for CJs? If no, do you plan on doing so?

    This message was submitted from your website contact form:
    Home of the best value soft tops for your YJ, TJ, JK and JKU Wrangler

    ___________________________________________________________________

    From: Jerry Hughes
    Sent: Friday, December 06, 2019 10:17 AM
    To:
    Subject: RE: New message - whitcotop.com

    Vincent:

    We do not make CJ tops at this time. We are working on it though.

    Bestop is probably your best choice for CJ tops.

    Keep in mind that the YJ tops fit the CJ7’s with minor modifications to the body.

    Thanks for thinking of us and all the best,

    Jerry

    ___________________________________________________________________

    From: Vincent
    Sent: Friday, December 6, 2019 12:55 PM
    To: Jerry Hughes
    Subject: RE: New message - whitcotop.com

    Jerry: There is a big demand for the early CJ5 top, even in vintage colors like white. You may want to browse this site and/or post a thread on the subject: www.earlycj5.com

    Vincent
    ___________________________________________________________________

    Vincent:

    We have bought mint (in the box) early and late 5’s. I have the bodies to do the fitments… working hard to find the time to do the development…..

    White crush will definitely be a fabric option.

    Thanks for the heads up!

    Jerry
     
    colojeepguy likes this.
  5. Dec 15, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    The original Whitco tops were pinpoint vinyl. The crush fabric was popular in the 1980's.
    -Donny
     
  6. Dec 15, 2019
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    I don't remember pinpoint vinyl. I remember a Vinyl that looks like grained plastic. Construction: A two- ply composite made of a PVC outer layer and a dyed 100% cotton sateen lining fabric (from Google)...
     
  7. Dec 15, 2019
    WestCoastPat

    WestCoastPat Member

    Orting, WA...
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    Nov 1, 2015
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    Whatever was used in the late 60's from Whitco is what I want. Damn stuff was nearly indestructible.
     
  8. Dec 16, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    The "wrinkle texture" vinyl is the crush pattern. Most all American convertibles from the '60s used the pinpoint texture. Its the stuff that makes a "zipping" sound when you rub it.
    My original red Tux Whitco top was red pinpoint outside, and off-white cloth on the inside. I still have my original top boot in very good condition. Now I need a top to match! Whitco made tops for Tuxes in light blue, dark blue, green, red white, and black.
    -Donny
     
  9. Dec 17, 2019
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    556
    Pics of vintage soft top?
     
  10. Dec 17, 2019
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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  11. Jan 15, 2020
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    Posted for Donny...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Jan 16, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Cary posted up the photos above which are of my original '64 Tuxedo Park top boot which has survived 56 years. I believe this was made by Whitco. The boot is the same fabric used for the convertible top and spare tire cover as well. Yes, the top was red from the factory! The close-up shots show the "pinpoint" grain vinyl used for convertable tops used in the '50s and '60s. The inside is a white canvas-like material. Jeep soft tops in the early '70s started using "crush" grain vinyl that had a wrinkled leather look.
    It would be great if Whitco could reproduce soft tops for our early CJ's, especially in some of the original colors. The Tuxes could have had light and dark blue, red, green, black, and white. I have also seen photos of light yellow, but those likely were press shots, not used in production.
    I still have a "new old stock" flat fender top in light blue stashed for a project. These original colors (even white) look great on vintage Jeeps, but we have no suppliers willing to reproduce them.
    Fingers crossed Whitco sees the light!
    -Donny
     
  13. Jan 16, 2020
    67jeepster

    67jeepster New Member

    S.E. michigan
    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    Messages:
    29
    On the 67 Jeepster we have a Whitco in white. I sent them an email no luck for me. She’s had the stitching repaired once, windows are shot the second time, so to hire out a custom top Ours has a different front channel gives it a hire for head and I’m just not digging the few replacement options that are available. Then I’ll have to bring it up to the standard of the new top! Lmao (we’ve owned it since 68 so if the new one is as good or better..... I think I’m set for awhile..)

    Cheers,
    Tony
     
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  14. Jan 20, 2020
    WadeS

    WadeS Member

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    [​IMG]My NOS Whitco in the box find. dated 1964.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
  15. Jan 20, 2020
    WadeS

    WadeS Member

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    IMG_0966.JPG
     
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  16. Jan 20, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    ...and that top is in pinpoint vinyl! For some reason, the whole soft top industry has forgotten this pattern. That top is beautiful. What a find!
    -Donny
     
  17. Jan 20, 2020
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    I wish they would make this top as well. It was just right for me.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
  18. May 8, 2020
    Uncle Vin

    Uncle Vin Member 2022 Sponsor

    Long Island, New...
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    THREAD UPDATE:

    Thanks for the update Jerry. Keep plugging away and stay safe.

    Vincent

    From: Jerry Hughes
    Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2020 10:58 AM
    To: Vincent
    Subject: RE: New message - whitcotop.com


    Vincent:

    It will probably be 2021 before we have these tested and available. I wish it were sooner!

    Jerry


    From:
    Vincent
    Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2020 5:37 PM
    To: Jerry Hughes
    Subject: Re: New message - whitcotop.com

    Jerry: Have we come any further along with this?

    Vincent
     
  19. May 9, 2020
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
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    Where do we sign up to be the test mules?:pickme:lol
     
  20. Dec 27, 2020
    Chris'74

    Chris'74 Member

    Charlotte, North...
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    Oct 27, 2019
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    I contacted him. He closed up shop. Guess either licensing, funding, suppliers, or covid. But he told me via email "this probably won't happen". I was enquiring about a white top for a '74. Oh well... Great idea ... wish it would come to reality.
     
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