Chevrolet Belair & Deluxe, 1953-54
Convertible Top and Convertible Top Parts

Chevrolet Belair & Deluxe Convertible Top Key Features:
  • Quality: Made to original specs, 100% fit guarantee.
  • Original Configuration: This is a classic two part convertible top: there is a main top and a rear window section. The two are integrated upon installation. Our tops are made with horseshoe zippered plastic rear window or horseshoe zippered "blank curtain." Tops come with the above rear window molding and their chrome tips. Fabric covered header bow seal is included. Rear fabric is marked for alignment with base line tacking strips.
  • About 'Blank Curtains.' : If you have a glass window assembly for installation then we can offer tops with double thickness fabric "blank curtains" to accept your window.  Here is a typical installation:
  • Original Fabrics: Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl in black, classic white, tan, and beige. Haartz Stayfast Canvas in black and tan..
    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: These tops are made by Kee or EZ-On. Both offer six year manufacturer warranties. EZ-On adds an 18 month labor allowance.
  • Hydraulic Components: Hydraulic cylinders, motor pumps and hose sets all available and in stock.
  • Preview our Convertible Top Installation Guide

 

Tops with Plastic Window

Tops with Plastic Window

Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Convertible Top
with Zippered Plastic Rear Window
Color
View Color
$623.00
Package Special:
Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Convertible Top
with Zippered Plastic Rear Window


PLUS
Top Pads
Tack strips for header and rear top bows
Can trimmer contact cement with brush
Installation manual
Color
View Color
$675.00
Haartz Stayfast Canvas Convertible Top
with Zippered Plastic Rear Window

 
Color:

As low as:
$932.00


Tops with Blank Curtain

Tops with Blank Curtain

Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl Convertible Top
with Zippered Blank Rear Curtain

 
Color
View Color
$662.00
Haartz Stayfast Canvas Convertible Top
with Zippered Blank Rear Curtain
Color:

As low as:
$1013.00


Top Sections

Top Sections

A.) ADD A GLASS TO ANY BLANK CURTAIN
No need for a frame, this glass is built-in!
Available in two sizes 6" x 21" OR 8" x 25"
Choose from Straight or Horseshoe Zipper
Will fold with top without zipping out.
For: 1953-54 Chevrolet Belair & Deluxe Convertible Top
SIZE
ZIPPER
$419.00
Chevrolet Belair & Deluxe convertible tops and parts in this category fit model years: 1953 and 1954


Installation Supplies

Installation Supplies

New Edition!!!
Convertible Top Guys' "How To Remove and Install Classic Two-Part Tops."

This 40-page, extensively illustrated how-to manual walks you through removing and installing any two-part convertible top. The manual applies to almost all American convertibles made before the year 2004, and some foreign cars, too, like Celicas and Saabs. This 8 1/2 x 11 book is designed as both a tutorial for first-time installers and as a step-by-step manual for these convertible tops. Generally, all that is needed and not contained is the "bow height" which is the setting of the rear top frame bow for your convertible. This is available from any top distributor ot can be measured with the old top on the car (as illustrated.)

What skills are required ? (1) The ability to drive staples into bow frame tacking strips (2) The ability to orient fabric sections to the frame and apply with contact cement. (3) A systematic and careful personality ! (There is never any sewing required.)

Note: Very early cars (forties) had wood bows and installers will have to adjust processes for stapling to these bows instead of tacking strips in steel bows as described in manual.

   Details...

$30.95
75" PADS WITH QUARTER SECTIONS. TAN (FOR USE WITH TAN UNDERSIDE TOPS)
$179.00
Fiberboard Tack Strip, Measures: 1/4" Thick x 5/8" Wide. Expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$9.49
Fiberboard Tack Strip, Measures: 1/4" Thick x 13/16" Wide x 52" Long, Expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$10.95
Fiberboard Tack Strip, Measures: 1/4" Thick x 3/4" Wide x 52" Long, expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$9.95
Fiberboard Tack Strip: 1/4" Thick x 7/16" Wide. Long, Expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$8.95
Fiberboard Tack Strip: 1/4" Thick x 9/16" Wide x 52" Long, expect 2 x 26" sections.
   Details...

$10.49
Front and Rear Top Frame Bow Tack Strips
(Tacking strips for most top frames. Some may vary, especially pre-60s cars.)

Dimensions: 5/8" X 3/16" and 1/2" X 1/4" (in 6 foot lengths.)
Note: These usually apply. In certain convertible top frames (especially pre-sixties) the cross sections of the header and rear top bows vary. You can measure the top bow channel cross sections and let us know if yours vary from the usual plastic ones. In that case include your tack strip selection in checkout message.
   Details...

$23.95
Top Pads with Quarters,Black or Tan Stayfast Canvas
   Details...

Color
View Color
$279.00
Vinyl Tacking strip, measures 5/8" WIDE X 3/16" THICK X 6 Foot long section
   Details...

$12.95
Vinyl Tacking strip, measures 1/4" THICK  X 1/2" WIDE X 6 Foot long section
   Details...

$12.95
Plastic pry tool, great for prying fasteners and seals, pushing seals into retainers, loosening fabric etc
$12.95
Standard Black Top Pad Set, includes Quarter Pads,
   Details...

$109.00
Arrow T-50 Stainless Staples, 1/4", 300 Count

 

$4.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples 3/8", 300 Count

 

$4.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples, 3/8", 1000 Count

 

$13.95
Arrow T-50 Stainless-Steel Staples, 1/4", 1000 Count
$13.95
Trimmer Contact Cement: 4-Oz. Brush Top Can. Strong, Waterproof, Flexible Bond for Vinyl-coated and Vinyl-laminated Fabrics.
$14.95
Trimmer Contact Cement: 8-Oz. Brush Top Can. Strong, Waterproof, Flexible Bond for Vinyl-coated and Vinyl-laminated Fabrics.
$20.95
Plastic pry tool set, 7-piece kit

Great for prying fasteners and seals, pushing seals into retainers, loosening fabric etc.

$34.95


Hydraulics

Hydraulics

1953-54 Chevy Belair, Pontiac Chieftain and Star Chief Convertible PAIR of Top Hydraulic Cylinders.

All convertible top cylinders are not the same. Our top cylinders are made from solid aluminum castings which are stronger than die-cast and our two-piece rod allows us to use a heavier, stronger steel. You won't find a better made convertible top cylinder on the market. All cylinders are made and assembled here in the U.S.A. and come with a 7 year warranty.
$269.95
1951-54 GM 6 Volt Convertible Top Hydraulic Motor Pump, Mounts Vertically.
$369.00
1953-54 Belair Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder, Each
$149.95
1953-54 Belair Convertible Top Hydraulic Motor Pump, 12 volt. (210-1677)
$279.95
Chrome universal 6 volt toggle switch with wiring. Replaces original switch and wiring to connect directly with 6 Volt Motor Pump with no additional relays required. All wires are tagged for easy installation. Includes crimp connectors to attach wiring to motor and nylon tie straps to hide wiring.
$85.95
Convertible Hydraulic hose set, For GM makes 1950-1961

Half straight fittings and half 90 degree.
$139.95
DOES NOT REPLACE ORIGINAL RELAYS. This wire adapter is used to connect new 6 Volt Motor pump using original switch and wiring. No applicable for cars that originally had hydraulic windows. Includes instructions.
$45.95
"O" Ring Motor Pump Service Kit For Any American Makes

Our O-Ring kit contains the following items:(1) Drive Pin, (1) 1/8" Chrome Ball, (2) 1/4" Chrome Ball, (2) Pump Port O-Ring, (2) Reservoir O-Ring, (1) Reservoir bolt O-Ring, (1) Reservoir plug, (1)Reservoir Plug O-Ring (metal plug only).

$24.95
Hydraulic System Guide: A well illustrated 10 page, 8 1/2 x 11 guide to the operation, diagnosis, and bleeding of the motor pump and to the motor/pump and cylinder removal and reassembly. Diagnosis includes electrical testing procedures.
$9.95
Set of 4 New Pointed Pump Grommets
$7.95
Top Cylinder Mounting Bolt, One.
With Pin and Bushings
1 5/8" Long, 3/8" Diameter.
$11.95
Top Cylinder Mounting Bolt, One
With Pin and Bushings.
1 1/8" Long, 3/8" in Diameter.
$11.95
Top Cylinder White Nylon Bushing, Each
$2.95
Motor pump reservoir plug, black rubber
$2.39


Boots

Boots

Convertible Top Boot, Attaches as Original - In Original Madrid Vinyl.
Includes 35 Snaps and Snap Installation Tool.

Fits 1953-54 Pontiac Chieftan; 1953-54 Chevrolet Belair & Deluxe

View Color
$289.95
Convertible Top Boot Bag
$49.95


Cleaning & Protectant

Cleaning & Protectant

A PACKAGE SPECIAL:
A Combination Pack of RAGGTOPP Brand Canvas Cleaner & Protectant.
  • Plus:
  • Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit.
  • The Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
$79.95
A Combination Pack of RAGGTOPP Brand Canvas Cleaner & Protectant

About RAGGTOPP products
$39.95
A PACKAGE SPECIAL:
A Combination Pack of the RAGGTOPP Brand Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant.
  • Plus:
  • Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit.
  • The Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush
$79.95
A Combination Pack of the RAGGTOPP Brand Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant Together

About RAGGTOPP products
$38.95
Raggtopp Convertible Top Plastic Window Cleaner and Protectant Kit

Contains:

  • Bottle Window Cleaner
  • Bottle Window Protectant
  • Sponge, Applicator Pad
  • Microfiber Towel

About RAGGTOPP products
$32.95
Natural Horsehair Convertible Top Cleaning Brush

About Natural Horsehair Brush
$14.95


Top Switch, Relays, Etc.

Top Switch, Relays, Etc.

Top Switch
Activates Raising/Lowering.
Heavy Duty: Rated for 50 amps.
Mount in any under dash hole.
$34.95


Custom Carpet

Custom Carpet

1953-54 Chevrolet Belair Convertible Cutpile Carpet Floor Mats, 4 Piece.
View Color
$129.95
1953-54 Chevrolet Belair Convertible Cutpile Carpet, 80/20. Cut and Sewn, Custom Fit
View Color
$299.95


Important Information

Original Factory Color(s): Black, Tan and Light Neutral

Original Patterns: Our 1953-54 Chevy Belair (and Deluxe)tops are made from original dealer patterns. They are not "copies of copies." We offer the replacement tops in original stayfast canvas fabric and in Haartz pinpoint vinyl.

Fabrics: Detailed information about our topping fabrics can be read at the 'HELP' link at the top of this screen.

Installation: This is a classic two part top. You can read a thorough summary of the construction and installation of this top via the blue link below. The full installation manual is available under 'Accessories' on this page.

Tacking strips: Much of the installation involves tacking or stapling (there is no sewing involved.) Tacking into the bow over the windshield (header bow) and into the bow over the rear window (rear top bow) is done into special strips embedded in these frame bows. We offer new tack strips for the front and rear top bows. They are available separately, or included with our restoration packages.

Top pads: Top padding (underneath the top) "builds out" the top. Pads can last through two tops but should be replaced if of suspect condition.

Top Boots: You have the option of using a top storage boot. Replacement boots are available, under "Accessories."

Installation manual: The manual for classic two part tops is summarized at the link below. The manual should enable the careful handy person to perform his or her own installation and should be used in conjunction with notes taken during the removal of the old top.

Hydraulics:

We now stock hydraulic cylinders, motor-pumps, and hoses for your convertible tops. All are made to OEM specifications. Each can be ordered separately; however, when ordering hydraulic cylinders we recommend replacing both. The chances are that both hydraulic cylinders were manufactured at the same time: if one is on its way out the other may follow. If the top is raised and one hydraulic cylinder is working harder than the other the result over time can lead to a slightly bent convertible top frame. The replacement of both hydraulic cylinders will ensure that the top raises and lowers symmetrically.

Systems for this car take Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) and have a 1 year warranty when used with this fluid. Brake fluid should not be used as it voids the warranty. We also offer an installation manual when ordered.

The 12 volt motor-pumps include a mounting bracket with rubber grommets to reduce vibration.

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.
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 (Chevrolet Belair & Deluxe) fit cars for years: 1953 and 1954.