Studebaker Commander, Regal and Champion, 1946-53
Convertible Top and Convertible Top Parts
Studebaker Convertible Top Information:
(for these Studebaker models: Commander, Champion, Regal Deluxe & State)
(for these Studebaker models: Commander, Champion, Regal Deluxe & State)
Quality: Made to original specs, 100% fit guarantee.
Original Configuration: This is a classic two part top: the main top and rear window sections are made separately and joined upon installation. The window can be zippered plastic or else (for those with glass window assembly) a zippered "blank curtain."
Note: A top with a blank curtain can be made as a one piece top (curtain integrated into main top): see below on blank curtains.
Blank Curtains: Here is a typical installation:
Note on Styles (for blank curtain tops.) There were two design styles for tops with "blank curtains." In one the front to back seams run front window to back window. This would be an original two piece configuration. In the other blank curtain top the seams run front window to trunk. This enables the integration of the top with the curtain as a one piece top.
Original Factory Material: Haartz Stayfast Canvas in tan, light neutral and black (all originally with tan backing)
Alternate Materials: Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl
All seams are doubly electronically welded and sewn for added reinforcement. Convertible top fabrics are mildew & mold resistant, and UV treated for color fastness. Plastic windows are DOT rated heavy 40-gauge thick vinyl.
Shop with confidence: The top is made by EZ-On with their 3 year factory warranty with 18 month labor allowance.
Installation: Shop installation is preferred but doable for the meticulous/handy person. The link
below outlines the process for this two part top.
Selecting an installer: The best way to find a good installer is to interview a couple:.
Go to 'google' and search under 'auto upholstery shops near me.' You should see a listing of nearby shops.
Preview our Convertible Top Installation Guide
Important Information
Original Factory Color(s): Black, Tan and Light Neutral
Models:
There were several Studebaker models during this period, including Champion, Commander, Regal and State Coupe. All Studebaker convertibles from 1946-53 take the same top.
There were several Studebaker models during this period, including Champion, Commander, Regal and State Coupe. All Studebaker convertibles from 1946-53 take the same top.
Fabrics:
The original Studebaker convertible topping fabric for these years was canvas. We offer modern Haartz Stayfast canvas tops. We offer these tops also in Haartz pinpoint vinyl. You can read full information on topping fabrics at the "Help" link at the top of this page.
Installation:
This is a classic two part top: the main top and the rear window sections are integrated during the installation process.
Installation involves stapling (using stainless steel staples) and gluing. There is no sewing. If you are confident using an air driven staple gun then you are a good candidate for do-it-yourself installation. You can read a summary of our 'two part top' manual via the blue link at the bottom of this page.
Tack Strips:
Tacking strips are embedded in the header and rear top frame bows. They receive the staples. We offer replacement strips. (If your lower--below the back window--tacking belts need replacement please inquire.)
Pads:
Pads are installed under the top. They 'build out' the top along the sides.
Boots:
A boot is optional; it receives and covers the top in the down position. We strongly recommend choosing a boot in a modern boot vinyl. This has some "give" and is much easier to use than a boot made in a topping fabric. Boots are usually chosen to complement the paint or interior colors.
Package Specials:
Our packages are designed to provide everything you will need for a full restoration job.
Do-it-yourselfers:
Read a summary of convertible top installation.
CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRICS
Almost all manufacturers use Haartz fabrics. They may specify "heaviest weight" or "original replacement" in ways that seem reassuring. But they do not really tell the whole story. Please bear in mind that two things dominate, by far, the quality issue: (a) the manufacturing quality control in the factory that makes the top and (b) the care and thoroughness of the installation. There is a trade-off in weight: heavier is better for resisting tear through, but lighter is better for flexibility and abrasion from within that may arise from movement. Almost all our tops are a flexible medium density (36 oz.) fabric. Heavier is not better in most cases. Where it is, because of the top design, we will say so and the top will be made of the heavier vinyl.
Almost all manufacturers use Haartz fabrics. They may specify "heaviest weight" or "original replacement" in ways that seem reassuring. But they do not really tell the whole story. Please bear in mind that two things dominate, by far, the quality issue: (a) the manufacturing quality control in the factory that makes the top and (b) the care and thoroughness of the installation. There is a trade-off in weight: heavier is better for resisting tear through, but lighter is better for flexibility and abrasion from within that may arise from movement. Almost all our tops are a flexible medium density (36 oz.) fabric. Heavier is not better in most cases. Where it is, because of the top design, we will say so and the top will be made of the heavier vinyl.
- Sonnenland® is a German-made 3-ply topping made up of an acrylic twill-weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a polyester "dobby backing." The dobby backing is a knit-like weave original to many high-end foreign cars. Customers who value originality over cost often pay top dollar for Sonnenland, just to have that authentic "dobby backing," seen only when you look up at the roof of your convertible top from inside your car. Sonnenland canvas is a top-of-the-line material original to various Audi, BMW, and Jaguar convertibles, among others. Sonnenland Canvas can vary in terms of surface weave and/or weight for acoustic performance, but all Sonnenland Canvas promises elegance and long-lasting durability.
- Twillfast®, also called Sonnendeck Canvas, is an American-made canvas - a cost-effective substitute for Sonnenland. Twillfast is usually a 3-ply topping (though some versions are 5-ply) with Polyester and/or Polyester/cotton backings. This material, original to certain Camaro, BMW, Mustang, and VW Beetle convertibles, among others, varies in terms of surface weave and/or weight for acoustic performance. Twillfast Canvas is identical to Sonnenland Canvas - elegant and durable - only it's less expensive. This is a top-notch convertible top material, one we often recommend to savvy customers who like a good buy and a quality product.
- Stayfast Canvas is an elegant, durable canvas original to cars like the Mazda Miata and the Nissan 370Z. Stayfast is commonly used in replacement convertible tops. Stayfast canvas has an acrylic square weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a cotton backing. As with other canvases, the rubber core gives the fabric long-lasting durability. Stayfast canvas is a sleek, beautiful canvas, usually less expensive than Twillfast, but it does not have the dobby backing offered in Sonnenland and Twillfast (Sonnendeck). Stayfast is a popular upgrade to vinyl convertible tops, and as with any canvas, is richer looking and has a higher wear rating than convertible tops made of vinyl.
- Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is the most popular fabric. This vinyl design is original to most American cars from the fifties to the nineties. Pinpoint refers to the little dots or pips that you see if you look closely at the vinyl surface. European cars, such as the old Beetles and others also used pinpoint vinyl as the topping fabric.
- Chrysler Sailcloth is featured on many late LeBarons, Sebrings, certain Mustangs and other cars. It is structurally (wear quality) equivalent to the Haartz Pinpoint but has a different surface grain. The grain was designed to imitate the look of canvas. As you can see from the scan of this fabric, it is an exceptionally rich looking material. It is sometimes chosen for replacing convertible tops that originally featured pinpoint vinyl.
- Cabrio Grain is also structurally equivalent to the pinpoint. It has a pigskin outer grain vinyl as original to Volkswagen Cabriolets from 1984 onward and to Mazda Miatas and Mercury Capris.
- A5S German Canvas (Robbins) The 100% Acrylic Twill Weave Surface Cloth receives a special flame singing treatment to remove the fabric knap; and is laminated to Black 100% Polyester Dobby backing.
This is the original topping for Porsche Boxster and Cabrio convertible tops. 59 inches (150 cm) wide, made in Germany. - British Bison Vinyl is the most popular British roadster convertible top material. It is American made Haartz leather grain vinyl and is an imitation of the British Everflex vinyl top fabric. The British Bison Vinyl convertible top fabric is often referred to as 'crush grain.'
- British Everflex Vinyl We are now pleased to offer British Everflex Vinyl for classic English tops. This is the original material used on British convertibles including Jaguar, Rolls Royce and many others. Imported from England, British Everflex vinyl is a supple vinyl with a rich appearance and is more durable than other vinyls. A good, less expensive alternative is Colonial grain vinyl. Colonial has the same texture but is less durable.
- HV Denim (also called Twill Weave Vinyl) is heavy duty sport material composed of a distinctive twill grain PVC outer layer and a polyester/cotton blend inside lining fabric.
- Trilogy Acoustic Vinyl A heavyweight vinyl that is often used on SUVs like Jeep, because the two-ply composite has the capacity to reduce noise by about 20 percent compared to standard vinyls like Sailcloth. The vinyl material is durable, promises long-lasting wear-and-tear, and resembles the sleek twill cloth commonly found on luxury convertible cars.
- Haartz Twillfast RPC This American-made canvas has a twill weave pattern and resembles German-made Sonnenland canvas. It is a great all-purpose canvas and, according to Haartz, is used on 99 percent of convertibles. It is stronger and more durable than Stayfast Canvas and offers more sound protection. Haartz rates Twillfast RPC as a mid-level acoustic product, compared to the low-level sound reduction offered on other top materials like Stayfast
Warranties outlined here are only applicable for products installed by a professional trim shop or professional upholstery shop. For Convertible Tops, and related products, the manufacturer will void the warranty for any product that is not professionally installed; manufacturer defects are covered by the warranty in such cases. The manufacturer is not responsible for damage due to improper installation.
Parts in this category (Studebaker Commander, Regal and Champion) fit cars for years: 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.