Whitco Top Thread

Where did the thread for Whitco top thread go from 12/11/2019?

 

Thanks

 

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


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

 

The original Whitco tops were pinpoint vinyl. The crush fabric was popular in the 1980's.
-Donny

 

Whatever was used in the late 60's from Whitco is what I want. Damn stuff was nearly indestructible.

 

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

 

Pics of vintage soft top?

 

Top Options - Bestop or Whitco Replica

 

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

 

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

 

My NOS Whitco in the box find. dated 1964.

 

...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

 

I wish they would make this top as well. It was just right for me.

 

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

 

Where do we sign up to be the test mules?lol

 

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.