Starting to look at sourcing out a convertible top for my 64 Beaumont SD. Talked to my installer and he, of course, has his preferences. But I'm still left with a number of questions.

1) are some manufacturers more exacting than others for fit? What are your experiences?

2) it appears that on the original the clear rear window when down into the body. Are the ones where the back window is smaller and there is a strip of vinyl between the window and body more durable?

3) pricing seems all over the map

4) experiences with installers, I'm in Ontario?

5) already have the boot, clips and well liner just need the 2 part top and pads.

6) sounds like old style pads were of felt and newer ones are foam. Experiences?

All help and comments appreciated.

I can only answer the back window question.  the original was plastic and went all the way down.  If you want a modern glass one instead, then they have to sew in a strip of vinyl below the glass.

For me personally, and this is only my opinion, the glass windows look terrible, and the strip of vinyl looks terrible.  i like the all original look

Now from a practicality point of view, the glass ones probably works better, but keep in mind you have to unzip it for sure!

I will let the installer buy his choice of top manufacturer because as he says when things go wrong he can go back on them and if you bring your own who is on the hook. I would want to know who and how much for the top and as long as its not out of wack let him order it.

If you have the old pads use the insides. Mine had burlap on bottom inside and the bating (like the stuff in car seats) over top that.
Foam seemed to thin.

As for the boot be careful when clipping it on as the metal clips tend to scratch the molding.
I just leave mine off until I park and then only just lay it over.

As for the top I would go with what the installer uses as he will know the product.

The above comments offer good advice. Two months ago, my good friend, who is a professional upholstery and convertible top installer, completed the installation of a new top on my '64 CS. Ironically, he installed the top that was on it back in 1975 when he operated a company called Standard Auto Glass. (40 years was a pretty good run for a rag top.) At his recommendation, I definitely believe that less expensive is not necessarily better. Your installer should know who are the good suppliers. I purchased my top from Convertible Top Guys based in the United States. For $364.90 (US funds) I received a Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Top in old GM white which matches my white interior from NOS perfectly. I ordered this top as a complete package which included the two piece top, hold down cables, tack strips, pads, staples, and glue. Since I never cared for the original plastic window which ran into the well above the trunk, I paid an extra $34.95 for what is called a trim strip or Feature Strip. I completely agree that this is a matter of personal taste. To me, the plastic meeting the metal always looked vulnerable. According to my friend, this strip, which came on the '65 and newer cars, is merely cosmetic. I suppose one could debate whether the vinyl or plastic is stronger. I like the idea that the Feature Strip eliminates a bit of the plastic which is susceptible to scratching. I always unzip the back window before I lower the top. This new window with the Feature Strip folds very nicely into the well. I did briefly consider going to a glass window for convenience sake. However, after looking at several pictures on line, I decided the glass is too small for the size of the back window opening. I went with the new foam pads since my original pads were virtually rotten. My CS sees very little rain and is always stored inside. Time will tell in terms of how well the foam lasts. My installer was very pleased with the entire kit. Together, we spent approximately 18 hours on my top. Mind you, this time included the removal of the old top and frame. I repainted the frame, installed two new cylinders and an upper and lower hose kit while I had it off the car. We then reinstalled the cage, made certain it operated correctly, and then began the installation. He is extremely fussy about getting the top tight. We made several adjustments during this process. He demonstrated that a heat gun is instrumental when it comes to eliminating any wrinkles in the side panels and even in the plastic window. The kit did not come with a new header seal but I was able to purchase it separately for $12.00. My buddy also reinforced his age old advice about installing a new convertible top. Leave the top in the UP position for several days, preferably in the hot sun, before putting it down. Otherwise, you can end up with permanent wrinkles. Some may not agree with this next statement. He says that a top should NEVER be left in the Down position for lengthy periods of time. For example, if you have been out cruising with the top down and return home and park your car in the garage, put the top back up rather than leave it down over night. He recommends that one use only mild dish soap and a soft, bristled brush to scrub the top if it becomes soiled. My friend has installed well over 300 convertible tops on a wide variety of cars. I respect his knowledge, skills, and patience. (Incidentally, I paid him $800.00 for his time and expertise.) To use an old cliché, installing a convertible top is "not for the faint of heart."
Good luck with your project. The results are worth it.

Currently, my buddy works full time at Auto Electric here in Regina. He does the top installations on his own time and at his own home (garage). Obviously, I cannot speak for him, but I am certainly willing to ask him some questions on your behalf when the time is right.