The Superior Fabrics Behind Our Land Rover Soft Tops and Upholstery 

At  Señor Barbo pride ourselves on using only the highest quality materials for our Land Rover soft tops, upholstery, and covers. Here’s a closer look at the exceptional fabrics we use and their unique benefits.

Why We Don’t Use Cotton Canvas. 

While cotton canvas has a classic look that suits vintage cars, it has several significant drawbacks. Cotton canvas tends to shrink, its colors are not stable, and it quickly develops mold, mildew, and odors. These issues outweigh its aesthetic appeal. 

 

Its paulatine shrinking means a lack of dimensional stability. This makes it challenging to achieve a perfect fit. Manufacturers often produce these tops slightly larger and recommend exposing them to sunlight and moisture after installation—a less than ideal solution. Due to the unpredictable sizing of cotton canvas, achieving a snug fit is nearly impossible, resulting in excessive movement in the wind, flapping, and significant noise.

Another added problem is that unlike the fabrics we use, which always remain flexible. cotton with time it becomes stiff, requiring more and more force to manipulate, such as when we roll up and open the sides or the rear door.

One advantage of cotton is that when it absorbs water, the fabric swells, effectively sealing the needle holes created during the sewing process. However, this is not the case with the modern fabrics we use. Instead, we employ ultrasonic heat-sealed tapes on the seams, which necessitates specialised machinery and skilled labour, adding to the manufacturing cost. Nevertheless, this solution is technically far superior. 

 

Then, What do we use at Señor Barbo?

All the fabrics we use are under the category of  "technical fabric"* , they are synthetic-based, making them exceptionally resistant to fungi, mould, and odours. They offer high resistance to UV rays, abrasion, and tearing, and maintain excellent dimensional stability with virtually no shrinkage over time. These fabrics are fire retardant and resistant to most chemicals. For Ripstop Poilycotton and Thermoblock Marine, waterproofing is ensured through the use of laminated or silicone compounds. The fabric we refer to as Vinlalon is used exclusively for upholstery, does not have water-repellent treatment but is chosen for its superior breathability, providing maximum freshness and ventilation for vehicle seats.

Do you want to know more and choose the most appropriate for your car?

- Heavy Duty Ripstop.  Poly-Cotton with Silicone Treatment. 480 gsm. 

One of our primary materials is a poly-cotton blend treated with silicone and designed with ripstop technology. This fabric is truly phenomenal, offering outstanding resistance to all kinds of wear and tear. The silicone treatment enhances its durability, making it highly resistant to environmental aggressions, ensuring your Land Rover is protected in any condition. If you often dare into the most demanding wilderness with sharp branches hugging your Landy all they long, this is the one to choose. 

- Thermoblock Marine Fabric. Laminated Olefin. 400 gsm. 

Another top-tier fabric we use is the Thermo Block Marine, an olefin-based material. This fabric is not only highly resistant to fading but also features four laminated layers that provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking both durability and comfort in their Land Rover soft tops and upholstery.

*Both of these fabrics are used to craft our Land Rover soft tops, but their versatility doesn’t end there. We also utilise them for making high-quality upholstery and covers, ensuring that every part of your vehicle benefits from these superior materials.

-Vinalon for Ivory Covers

Exclusively for the seat covers we offer an additional option: Ivory Vinalon (or Vynilon).  This extraordinary material is known for its exceptional strength, being three times stronger than cotton, while keeping the same feeling to the touch. It is incredibly cool and breathable, making it perfect for use in very warm climates. Its unique properties ensure that your vehicle remains comfortable, no matter how high the temperature rises.

-PVC Tarpaulin for Critical Areas

 

In critical areas, we use PVC tarpaulin, a fabric known for its exceptional durability and waterproof properties. This material is highly resistant to tears and abrasions, making it perfect for areas that require extra protection. Its robust nature ensures that your Land Rover remains safeguarded against harsh environmental conditions, providing long-lasting performance.

-Transparent PVC

 

Lastly, we use transparent PVC treated to enhance its UV resistance, with a thickness of 1 to 1.2 mm. Our machinery allows us to work with materials of this calibre, making us the only manufacturer in the market to use such robust material in transparent areas.

* Technical fabrics, also known as performance fabrics or engineered fabrics, are specially designed textiles that offer enhanced functionality, durability, and performance characteristics compared to traditional fabrics. These fabrics are often used in various applications, including sportswear, outdoor gear, medical textiles, and industrial uses. They are designed to meet specific performance requirements, such as moisture management, breathability, waterproofing, UV protection, and abrasion resistance.