Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
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- sturmtyger380
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- Location: Up State SC
Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
Winter is winding down, this board is kinda slow but I have a question. (I had a more provocative subject line but toned it down. )
Given the choice would you rather have the soft canvas top or the hardtop, either the original or CCKW version?
Since I am working on restoring my M37 I have wondered what the pros and cons are of each top. (I did search for this but didn’t find a compare.)
I understand you folks that get the frozen weather for months would prefer the hardtop with a cab heater when you are out enjoying the tundra. But for example, in Florida would you burn up during the summer in the hardtop?
Given the choice would you rather have the soft canvas top or the hardtop, either the original or CCKW version?
Since I am working on restoring my M37 I have wondered what the pros and cons are of each top. (I did search for this but didn’t find a compare.)
I understand you folks that get the frozen weather for months would prefer the hardtop with a cab heater when you are out enjoying the tundra. But for example, in Florida would you burn up during the summer in the hardtop?
47 CJ2A
53 M38A1
52 M37
51 M38
67 M416
?? M101A1
53 M38A1
52 M37
51 M38
67 M416
?? M101A1
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
I had a CCKW top on.my 1st M37. It made the interior more noisy, fit poorly, and I think I had to roll the windows down slightly to open the doors.
I have used canvas for last decade and plan to keep using it in summer/parades. I like the look and ease to go topless. However, I picked up an artic top off CL that I plan to use next winter. The artic top is much nicer than the CCKW top.
I have used canvas for last decade and plan to keep using it in summer/parades. I like the look and ease to go topless. However, I picked up an artic top off CL that I plan to use next winter. The artic top is much nicer than the CCKW top.
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
Had a very well made and form fitting custom metal top on mine when i bought it. Was VERY noisy and hot in the cab. Took 3 strong guys to remove and reinstall it.
I found a guy putting an M37 body on a modern chassis with AC. I swapped my hardtop for all his hardware for the soft top and his axles. I love the canvas top even though i have to replace it every 3 years. I made patterns and cut out a few sets of panels to sew up when the sun rots the current top.
I found a guy putting an M37 body on a modern chassis with AC. I swapped my hardtop for all his hardware for the soft top and his axles. I love the canvas top even though i have to replace it every 3 years. I made patterns and cut out a few sets of panels to sew up when the sun rots the current top.
"It may be ugly, but at least it is slow!"
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
I thought I wanted a hard top, but after driving a friends truck with one I prefer the versatility of the soft top. Make sure the rear "window" can be opened up, this is great with the front "safari" widows when it gets hot.
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
I've run the canvas top year-round and it's 11 years old and still serviceable. I did pick up a CCKW top years ago that I still have but never installed. I just dig the military look and smell of the canvas top and associated framework, although I'm tempted to go topless for a bit this Spring. The trouble is that Spring doesn't last long in Utah and I'll need the shade of the top once it starts cooking toward 90 degrees and beyond....
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
Canvas or topless for me, love the smell and dig the look.
Bruce,
1953 M-37 w/ow
Retired Again
Keep Em Rollin'
VMVA
1953 M-37 w/ow
Retired Again
Keep Em Rollin'
VMVA
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
Interesting question. My truck came with an arctic top as it was a USAF truck. I've been leaning towards having the hard top as it has a sliding back window that can be open for air flow and I've also been thinking of running without doors during the summer months. But, my top is in rough shape, a bullet hole where bubba shot at the truck etc. so I'm not sure what I will be doing and I have been going back and forth as to yeah or nay on it. I like the idea of being warm and dry in the early spring, late fall and if I have to drive it in the winter. The stock arctic top is better than the CCKW top.
M37s are HMMWV in my world!
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
In what way, Joe?
I've never seen the Arctic top so I'm just fact-finding here in case we move to Montana (yep, might happen in a couple of years)-I might need "the best" hardtop for the harsh Winters. I currently have a CCKW top that needs some screw holes welded up, and a new piece of window glass. I can't see spending a Grand for the VPW top.
Thanks in advance,
Gary
I've never seen the Arctic top so I'm just fact-finding here in case we move to Montana (yep, might happen in a couple of years)-I might need "the best" hardtop for the harsh Winters. I currently have a CCKW top that needs some screw holes welded up, and a new piece of window glass. I can't see spending a Grand for the VPW top.
Thanks in advance,
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
my early double skin canadian hard top is stuffed with rock wool and a layer of aluminized bubble wrap. it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. it does reverberate a bit of sound but its much louder with the windows open. I can remove the roof by myself but it is easier to re install with two.
I have helped a friend with his soft top and that pinch on the top of the windshield is a bear. If you soft top guys want to fold down your windshield what is the procedure ? it seams like way more work than the HT
I have helped a friend with his soft top and that pinch on the top of the windshield is a bear. If you soft top guys want to fold down your windshield what is the procedure ? it seams like way more work than the HT
.............................. use it ...............
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
Remove 4 bolts. Loosen 6. Pull the sides off. (After removing the canvas) takes me 10 minutes and no strain.
"It may be ugly, but at least it is slow!"
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
I am getting ready to get a hard top so I am watching this with interest.
1953 M37
1964 M151A1
1967 M416
1984 M1008
4/1952 M100
12/1952 M100 gone
1964 M151A1
1967 M416
1984 M1008
4/1952 M100
12/1952 M100 gone
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
does the canvas stay attached to the front window ? I cant see sliding that welt as a easy job.
.............................. use it ...............
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
The canvas is removed, folded and stowed away. The removal of the top, does require a firm and steady tug, I've done it twice in 10 years, topless as I type.
Bruce,
1953 M-37 w/ow
Retired Again
Keep Em Rollin'
VMVA
1953 M-37 w/ow
Retired Again
Keep Em Rollin'
VMVA
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
My canvas welting moves easily in and out due to the pre-work I did on the channel when I got the top. Since the channel track was so mis-aligned with dents and such along it's length, I bought a 3/8 steel rod 6 feet long, ground one end to a slow-tapered point, then fed, nudged and hammered it all the way through then again with the hammer, reshaped the channel back to being round along its length, then closing up the small slit on the channel bottom making it just open enough to accommodate the welting. That made inserting and feeding the welt through it a whole lot easier.
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
Re: Hardtop, Canvas or Topless?
I do the removal and installation alone. Lay the canvas inside up at tge base of the windshield. Stand in the cab and feed and pull the canvas through the channel. My armspan is wider than the frame width so it is easy. If yours is stiff, a careful application of SailKote or silicone lube will make it breeze through.
And as of this weekend, top of and windshield down. Full cargo covers on. Looks very WWII like this.
And as of this weekend, top of and windshield down. Full cargo covers on. Looks very WWII like this.
"It may be ugly, but at least it is slow!"