The Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible tops are in the "classic two-part convertible top" category. We offer a profusely illustrated convertible top manual, now in its fourth edition. This covers, in detail, all the steps for do-it-yourself convertible top installation. In particular, the manual applies to cars, like the Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird, which have a two-part convertible top. Owners may purchase the manual to review it before purchasing a convertible top package. We would then pro-rate future purchase of the convertible top when it is ordered.

There is no sewing involved in installing the Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible top. There is stapling and there is manipulation of the top fabric which in places is applied with contact cement. Our convertible top packages include stainless-steel staples and the very best grade of contact cement with brush. Ready to order a convertible top package? Click here.

How can I tell if my Cavalier/Sunbird top is a Late-1993? In 1993, Chevrolet/Pontiac made two models of the Cavalier/Sunbird convertible. To get a Cavalier/Sunbird top that fits correctly, you'll need to know which one you need before making a purchase. So how do you tell which 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible top you need?

Here are a few guidelines:

The Early-1993 Cavalier/Sunbird Convertible:
This convertible top fits the 1992-1993 Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertibles and can be distinguished by a rear window without molding and a front bow without binding. Ready to order a convertible top package? Click here.

The Late-1993 Cavalier/Sunbird Convertible:
This Late-1993 Cavalier/Sunbird top is distinguished by a binding along the front bow.

Which Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible top fabric should I buy? The 1992/Early-93 Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible top is offered in two fabrics: Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl and Haartz Stayfast Canvas. Here's what you need to know about each before making a purchase:

Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl: Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is a two-ply composite with a PVC outer layer and a cotton inner lining. Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is a popular convertible top fabric. Up until 1998, the original Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible top was made of Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl. (After 1998, the original Cavalier/Sunbird top fabric was changed to Chrysler Sailcloth Vinyl.) In fact, this 36-ounce vinyl is original to most American cars made before 1993. Pinpoint refers to the little dots on the vinyl surface. If you take care of a Haartz pinpoint vinyl convertible top, it can easily last 10 years.

Haartz Stayfast Canvas: If you're looking to upgrade your vinyl top, consider a convertible top made of Haartz Stayfast Canvas. This fabric is the American substitute for the elegant German canvases used in Mercedes, Porsche, BMW. Haartz Stayfast Canvas is a three-ply composite material made of an acrylic square weave outer fabric, a butyl rubber core, and a cotton lining. The butyl rubber core promises to make Haartz Stayfast Canvas last a very long time. This canvas is a little richer looking than the vinyl. It's also a little harder to clean. Stayfast Canvas has both better static and dynamic wear ratings than any vinyl top.

Ready to peruse our selection of 1992/Early-1993 Chevy Cavalier/Pontiac Sunbird convertible tops? Click here.

Do I need new top pads? Not necessarily. Pads, under the top, can last through at least two tops. They can be examined upon removal of the old top and retained if undamaged. Still feel like you need new top pads? Click here.

Do I need a new rear well liner? Not necessarily. The rear well liner is shaped to fit your car's well area. A pre-made well liner saves much measuring and cutting time. However an undamaged rear well liner may be left in place. Rear well liners may last through several tops. Still feel like you need a new rear well liner? Click here.

Can I order just one hydraulic cylinder? No, 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. Want to replace your hydraulic cylinders? Click here.

• Sonnenland® is a German-made 3-ply topping made up of an acrylic twill-weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a polyester "dobby backing." The dobby backing is a knit-like weave original to many high-end foreign cars. Customers who value originality over cost often pay top dollar for Sonnenland, just to have that authentic "dobby backing," seen only when you look up at the roof of your convertible top from inside your car. Sonnenland canvas is a top-of-the-line material original to various Audi, BMW, and Jaguar convertibles, among others. Sonnenland Canvas can vary in terms of surface weave and/or weight for acoustic performance, but all Sonnenland Canvas promises elegance and long-lasting durability.
• Twillfast®, also called Sonnendeck Canvas, is an American-made canvas - a cost-effective substitute for Sonnenland. Twillfast is usually a 3-ply topping (though some versions are 5-ply) with Polyester and/or Polyester/cotton backings. This material, original to certain Camaro, BMW, Mustang, and VW Beetle convertibles, among others, varies in terms of surface weave and/or weight for acoustic performance. Twillfast Canvas is identical to Sonnenland Canvas - elegant and durable - only it's less expensive. This is a top-notch convertible top material, one we often recommend to savvy customers who like a good buy and a quality product.
• Stayfast Canvas is an elegant, durable canvas original to cars like the Mazda Miata and the Nissan 370Z. Stayfast is commonly used in replacement convertible tops. Stayfast canvas has an acrylic square weave facing, a rubber inner-layer, and a cotton backing. As with other canvases, the rubber core gives the fabric long-lasting durability. Stayfast canvas is a sleek, beautiful canvas, usually less expensive than Twillfast, but it does not have the dobby backing offered in Sonnenland and Twillfast (Sonnendeck). Stayfast is a popular upgrade to vinyl convertible tops, and as with any canvas, is richer looking and has a higher wear rating than convertible tops made of vinyl.
• Haartz Pinpoint Vinyl is the most popular fabric. This vinyl design is original to most American cars from the fifties to the nineties. Pinpoint refers to the little dots or pips that you see if you look closely at the vinyl surface. European cars, such as the old Beetles and others also used pinpoint vinyl as the topping fabric.
• Chrysler Sailcloth is featured on many late LeBarons, Sebrings, certain Mustangs and other cars. It is structurally (wear quality) equivalent to the Haartz Pinpoint but has a different surface grain. The grain was designed to imitate the look of canvas. As you can see from the scan of this fabric, it is an exceptionally rich looking material. It is sometimes chosen for replacing convertible tops that originally featured pinpoint vinyl.
• Cabrio Grain is also structurally equivalent to the pinpoint. It has a pigskin outer grain vinyl as original to Volkswagen Cabriolets from 1984 onward and to Mazda Miatas and Mercury Capris.
• A5S German Canvas (Robbins) The 100% Acrylic Twill Weave Surface Cloth receives a special flame singing treatment to remove the fabric knap; and is laminated to Black 100% Polyester Dobby backing.
  
  This is the original topping for Porsche Boxster and Cabrio convertible tops. 59 inches (150 cm) wide, made in Germany.
• British Bison Vinyl is the most popular British roadster convertible top material. It is American made Haartz leather grain vinyl and is an imitation of the British Everflex vinyl top fabric. The British Bison Vinyl convertible top fabric is often referred to as 'crush grain.'
• British Everflex Vinyl We are now pleased to offer British Everflex Vinyl for classic English tops. This is the original material used on British convertibles including Jaguar, Rolls Royce and many others. Imported from England, British Everflex vinyl is a supple vinyl with a rich appearance and is more durable than other vinyls. A good, less expensive alternative is Colonial grain vinyl. Colonial has the same texture but is less durable.
• HV Denim (also called Twill Weave Vinyl) is heavy duty sport material composed of a distinctive twill grain PVC outer layer and a polyester/cotton blend inside lining fabric.
• Trilogy Acoustic Vinyl A heavyweight vinyl that is often used on SUVs like Jeep, because the two-ply composite has the capacity to reduce noise by about 20 percent compared to standard vinyls like Sailcloth. The vinyl material is durable, promises long-lasting wear-and-tear, and resembles the sleek twill cloth commonly found on luxury convertible cars.
• Haartz Twillfast RPC This American-made canvas has a twill weave pattern and resembles German-made Sonnenland canvas. It is a great all-purpose canvas and, according to Haartz, is used on 99 percent of convertibles. It is stronger and more durable than Stayfast Canvas and offers more sound protection. Haartz rates Twillfast RPC as a mid-level acoustic product, compared to the low-level sound reduction offered on other top materials like Stayfast