I'm picking up a 70 convertible this week and it comes with a new top. However, it's never been out of the box and is about 10 years old. Should I be concerned?
The top may be ok. Sometimes mildew can form over a long period like that. The wrinkles it may have will come out. The top installer would probably remove it from the box and lay it out flat in the sun,then make use of a heat gun during installation. Any wrinkles left will usually go away after instalation.
I for one would be concerned. After 10 years in a box it's going to be mad as he$$, bound to come out snarling and biting.
Most plastics (such as vinyls) do have a shelf life. Vinyl, in particular, contains additives to keep the material flexible and stretchable- however over time these additives will diffuse out, and you are left with a stiff, brittle material. That's why vinyl has a particular "smell" when it is new (like a new beach ball or new shower curtain), those additives are diffusing out. Ever tried to use a 10-year old beach ball? Originally it was nice and flexible, but over time it becomes brittle and weak. After 10 years, a beach ball would just disintegrate if you tried to use it. -BC
As long as the top has been in the plastic it was packaged in it will be ok,I installed a top a few years ago that sat on the shelf for more than 15 years and it was fine.It just took some cleaning to get rid of the mildew,but as for it turning brittle it did not.
