You are correct, these tops are not simple to come by. Approx. 1 year ago I was able to purchase an NOS Ruby top from a man in Michigan. He had several available, but at $700.00 each I only purchased one. The top really is an NOS top, not a reproduction. I have seen/compared the NOS/original tops to the reproduction tops and there is a significat difference. So much of a difference, that if you show the car, you'd probably be embarrassed by the repro. top (I would be).
I have chosen to put the NOS top away until something happens to the original top, making it unusable. You may want to try Mid-America Designs if you are looking for a ruby cloth top. I have seen them in there for sale with the frame included for $1,500.00. Buyer beware, however, as I do not know if these are reproduction tops or not. NOS/original tops have a ruby vinyl piping/edging around the top. The stitching will also not be exactly the same as far as location and color. Personally, I think it's a darn shame that there were approx. 2,000 of these ruby convertibles produced, and GM gives the owners the shaft when it comes to ensuring availability of the cloth tops.
The Haartz company was the supplier of the actual material, so you may want to check with them for availability. I have heard/read stories of people contacting Haartz, and being sent in the direction of someone that can make a top for them. Good luck, and hopefully you will not have to spend $700.00 like I did.
