Heres the prob with original vynil tops: Just like the REST of the car, the factory never intended for their cars to be still on the roads 20-30-40 years later: In fact they really didn't want them to be. It wouldn't have been good for future new car sales, etc Plus any real rust prevention than a thin coat of primer wouldv'e the bean counters lotsa money. And trust me when I say that Dodge/Plymouth did not have allot of money to play with in the late 60's early 70's. Sales were very low in numbers, compared to GM/Ford
There was no real "rust prevention" added to the cars back then: Expensive and more time on the line to do so
So lets talk vynil tops. In reality, these tops take very little maintenance. As long as you don't tear them, maybe give wipe of vynil conditioner every now and then, and they will last for years.
The prob with the original vynil tops were they were hastily put on, and frankly, moisture will enter between the top of the car (Paint) and the vynil material over the years. Yes, that can happen to one over the years as well, ones that have been recently put on for restos, BUT: Most installations use better primer/sealer and adhesive (and vynil material) than the factory would have ever considered back in the day
Go vynil They look great
