vinyl tops

[checker]

Guys, were vinyl tops ever an option from Kaiser? 

[joefrazer]

Kaiser used a form of vinyl on their 1953 Dragons. It was embossed with a bamboo-like pattern, the same as used on the dash material. 1949 and 50 Kaiser hardtops as well as 1951 Frazer hardtops had a fabric material top like that used on convertibles.

Other than those mentioned, Kaiser didn't use vinyl tops like you see on cars today.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

I refer anyone interested in the subject to the material on the 1951 Kaiser Deluxe 4-door sedans with the "Dragon" packages, based in part on Kaiser-Frazer Sales Corporation Confidential Bulletin # 66 (All Direct Dealers series) from April 27 1951 that not only identifies the use of vinyl top on the Jade Dragon, but gives the list and dealer cost for the Sport Topping.

I also refer those interested to Confidential Bulletin #60 dated February 6, 1951 that identifies 'Dynasour Vinyl Top" for the Gold, Emerald and Silver Dragons as an extra cost option as part of the "Dragon" packages.

Last but by no means least, Confidential Bulletin # 72, Dated December 5, 1951 (Direct Dealer Series) lists 3 different Dragon combinations offered in the 1952 Kaiser Virginian Series.

[joefrazer]

Ah yes, I forgot about the tops used on the earlier Dragons! They are not common cars so to find one with it's original top intact is indeed a rare find.

[dusty]

A 54 Manhattan with the 999 code i had purchased from Andy Schroyer had a convertible top material on it, when the car was restored as a driver i had what was left of it removed. the car was an all Black paint changed to White top Persion Gray lower.Lost track of it when James Sanstedt, Granite Sholes Tx bought it from me back in 1991--Wish someone had the car engine as it was super special, it was built up by Tencotti engines of racing fame every thing was balanced and lightened ie rods,pistons etc." Super runner"

[checker]

So, according to KFLibrary, there were vinyl tops offered as an option on 51 Kaisers.

Anywere I could see the colors and patterns available back then?

Also, on another note, the rear deck on my 51 is body color metal, is that correct or was there some kind of refurbishing in that area? (sound proofing would surely be improved with some kind of padding)

Thanks.

[pnw_oldmags]

Here is one that was at the San Diego National a couple of years ago.
http://circlekf.com/pnwkfoci/2011natl/4RWJ182.html

[checker]

Yeah, nice pictures... I can see the alligator type of pattern of the vinyl top and also the padding on the rear deck... that is similar to the dash padding... cool !!