Installing vinyl top on 71 Cuda, non vinyl top car. What do I need?

[BobBejeski]

I am installing a vinyl top on my 1971 Cuda. This is a car that currently does not have a vinyl top. I'm wondering what parts and or clips do I need?
    I already bought the vinyl top and the rear vinyl top stainless trim which I know I will need.
     But can anyone help me on what Clips, fasteners or other trim pieces I might need to make this conversion. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Bob

[70chall440]

You will need the clips that hold the stainless onto the body, try RT specialties or any number of sources.

[jimynick]

Although I didn't put my own roof on this time, it seems to me that there were also some small clips used to hold the fabric where it goes over the roof skin pinch welds. I may have them mixed up with those used on the headliner though. 

[larry4406]

My '72 has welded studs that the plastic clips engage to then hold the stainless trim that wraps around the bottom of the roof from quarter window to quarter window.

I think '70 used  screws to hold these plastic clips (ie - holes thru sheet metal).  Not sure what '71's did. 

Maybe a stud welder could be used to install the pins.  Not sure what that will do to your paint.

[jimynick]

You know, I'd just use all T-bolts, as they give the best retention. If the car interior is out, it's not too miserable to drill accessible holes for them and you don't have to pound the mldgs on either. Just my  :2cents

[70chall440]

The screwed in clips or even the T bolts are the way to go. I do not believe there are any other clips.

[DocMel]

Did it om my 71, originally non vynil top

There is weird shaped stainless piece that fits where the vynil begins at the base of the a pillars

You will need the stainless trim around the rear sides and back:  There are a few dif advertised versions of the clips that hold these pieces on.  I got the metal ones that are t shaped that were advertised that they would fit.  Even then they didn't fit into the trim channels.  I had to dremel all of them to fit, no big deal 

The pieces above are very hard to find.  Try Tonys parts, he got them for me

[BobBejeski]

Did it om my 71, originally non vynil top

There is weird shaped stainless piece that fits where the vynil begins at the base of the a pillars

You will need the stainless trim around the rear sides and back:  There are a few dif advertised versions of the clips that hold these pieces on.  I got the metal ones that are t shaped that were advertised that they would fit.  Even then they didn't fit into the trim channels.  I had to dremel all of them to fit, no big deal 

The pieces above are very hard to find.  Try Tonys parts, he got them for me

    Yes.....I know what you mean about those pieces at the pillars.  I think you just provided the exact answer I was looking for.  Let me research and see where I can  get those.   And thanks to every one else who responded.  Appreciate the input!

   -Bob

[BobBejeski]

Just found these on eBay......looks like the right ones.  So that takes care of the attachment at the A Pillars.

  Now I just wonder about where the rear stainless trim meets the front windows trim that goes up and around the doors?
  Does that just bump together or is there some kind of union piece?

-Bob

[70chall440]

If I understand you correctly, the rear stainless doesnt connect to the stainless that goes around the windows.

[BobBejeski]

Yes that is what I was asking. That seems like quite a large gap. I thought maybe it just rests right against it. I'll look for some more pictures. But thanks for the post that is exactly what I was asking about. Curious yellow, love that color! More so on a challenger than a Cuda. But it's always striking color on a Mopar. My uncle had it on his 71 Roadrunner it almost look green in the Twilight of the day and more yellow when son was on it.

[70chall440]

I snatched that pic off the internet but I agree with you reference the color; yellow was always one of my favorite colors on Mopars. I have a yellow 01 Viper GTS ACR and a 01 Ram 1500 4x4 and a 14 Ram 2500 4x4