Ok I am thinking of plans for my newer Air Force truck. One of my first things I am looking at is perhaps removing the hardtop for a GMA insulated three color soft top. I already have the soft top frame, and really like the idea of a soft top for summer use. I have seen good reviews for the GMA cover in the past. Anyone want to compare their experiences between the two as far a noise, leakage, and in general what they think of them?
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M35 Cab Hardtop vs. GMA insulated soft top
- Thread starter builder77
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OSO
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My old 5ton M139 bridge support truck 1953 I was trying to bid on a hardtop . Went over my bid . Was pricing out GMA soft tops around $178.00 plus shipping . Don't know if they are insulated or not . When I get my head gaskets done and it holds water in the cooling system ,then and only then I will buy a new soft top. ![[thumbzup]](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumzup.gif "Thumbs Up [thumbzup]")
greensix
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I have both hard top and gma soft top. I do not see any difference in noise level or heating in winter it is alot more easy getting soft top back to use my gun ring than taking hard top on and off. the gma top is insulated pretty good
DavidB
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Soft top preferred for things like , gun rings, reducing height lowering wind shield and topless cruising around town.
Hard top good to mount lights inside and out,or a big heavy thing to fight on and off.
I prefer canvas on my trucks (Vietnam era restorations) but do have one hard top put away for ?
DavidB
Hard top good to mount lights inside and out,or a big heavy thing to fight on and off.
I prefer canvas on my trucks (Vietnam era restorations) but do have one hard top put away for ?
DavidB
M1075
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I put a GMA cover on a M812 recently. I give them a big thumbs up!
devilman96
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Dibbs on the removed top!!!!
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They are about the same, although the hard top is a bit more quiet and does insulate the cab better. It really comes down to personal preference. I, too, like to take the soft tops off of my trucks. However, it does not happen often...ESPECIALLY in the summer. The time for a soft top is the fall or spring. A soft top is fine in the summer, but you are probably not going to take it off to bake in the 90+ degree heat/sun. I like GMA products. Again, it comes down to your personal preference. There are guys that won't consider a truck without a hard top. I personally prefer the soft tops.
vinny-socom1
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I agree, I have a GMA top and love it!!! Goes on & off in a snap!!and you just can't compare trail riding at night with the top off!!
Vinny
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Bikini top is great in the Summer. Roll up the back of a soft top and find out for yourself.
Note avatar, bikini top painted white to reflect the sun, works great.
Note avatar, bikini top painted white to reflect the sun, works great.
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I've always preferred canvas. Every hardtop I've ever had I took off and gotten rid of. Back about 6 or 7 years ago I needed a top kinda quick and had to settle for one of those darn vinyl covers. Since putting that vinyl top on, I've never had anything else. Canvas lasts 2 to 3 years here max. Vynil tops are much better and much cooler in the blazing FL sun.
vinny-socom1
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I like the idea of a Bikini top!! I think I know where a 3 color GMA top is thats torn in the rear???? maybe it will make a nice project..I can always add it to my list, it seems to get longer and longer every day.. Vinny
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This northern cold guy will buy the hard top if you want to sell.
Dennis
Dennis
Massm35a2
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Where are the GMA covers sold??
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JDToumanian
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Why so short? What's the failure mode, mildew / rot from moisture or sun damage? I'm concerned that the desert sun here will destroy canvas quickly, but after a year mine still looks good. I have canvak, but I'm interested in any canvas preservation tips.
When mine starts to tear, I'll sew it up but when it gets brittle I may try painting it like Bjorn... maybe I'll get another year out of it that way...
Jon
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I'm thinking it was the sun. It was stil looking good but you could just poke a finger right through.
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I preserve the canvas by keeping it covered with an extra vinyl top when parked. 
Painting it may also help.
Painting it may also help.
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I used canvas once and treated it with Canvak canvas conditioner. 3-4 years max in the same sun as Florida gets and it looked real good but could poke your finger thru it.
At the same time I had a USED vinyl top exposed for the same length of time and never treated it with anything!
The vinyl is still good and I will only use the vinyl from now on.
At the same time I had a USED vinyl top exposed for the same length of time and never treated it with anything!
The vinyl is still good and I will only use the vinyl from now on.
CobraCDR
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No issues with my soft top.
Cleptomaniac
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Just get one of each
thats what I have. Run the soft top as long as you can then go to the hard top for the winter! It is a big diff in noise!
thats what I have. Run the soft top as long as you can then go to the hard top for the winter! It is a big diff in noise!