Author Topic: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?  (Read 1001 times)

Offline AMXguy

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How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« on: December 29, 2008 - 08:07:51 PM »
I'm doing the bulk of the body work on my new project and I'm about ready to paint the roof for a vinyl top, I'm not good enough to paint the car but I can do this.   my question is how perfect does the bodywork have to be under a vinyl top ? I can still feel a few slight imperfections  around the quarter seem and a few places but I'm not going to waste a lot of time blocking if it isn't going to show.
1970 R/T SE Challenger
 1970 Superbee
 1969 S code Mach 1
 1967  GTO




Offline 360 'CUDA

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Re: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« Reply #1 on: December 29, 2008 - 08:15:58 PM »
They can show every imperfection especially around the roof welds. You really want to do a good job with bondo because it will show if you don't get it "flat"

Offline 67vertman

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Re: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« Reply #2 on: December 29, 2008 - 09:16:33 PM »
They can show every imperfection especially around the roof welds. You really want to do a good job with bondo because it will show if you don't get it "flat"

 :iagree:

There is no padding between the roof and the vinyl, so the body work will need to be smooth.  However, I think you can do it if you take your time and sand and sand and sand.  Use a flexable long board to help you get it smooth.  and don't be affraid to ask questions.



Ron - Born and raised in Southern California

I got the 1970 Cuda, but still need the hot blonde to ride shotgun!

First car -1969 Road Runner 383 4sp

Current ride - 1970 Barracuda 440-6 4 sp Dana 60  (4:10)

Offline elitecustombody

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Re: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2008 - 10:58:11 PM »
I agree with theese guys , vinyl won't hide any waves or dents, do all the body work on the roof as you would anywhere else on the car
Stefan B

Elite Custom Body = AMD Sheetmetal & Glass at great prices !!


Don't do what's easy, do what's right!!

Offline AMXguy

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Re: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« Reply #4 on: December 29, 2008 - 11:14:10 PM »
No waves or dents, just those little imperfections you can feel but not see. even with a little thinner for gloss I can't see them but I can feel them, this is the point where it seems like I fix one spot and create another.
1970 R/T SE Challenger
 1970 Superbee
 1969 S code Mach 1
 1967  GTO

Offline 426HEMI

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Re: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2008 - 02:16:10 AM »
Get it as good as you can for sure.  It will show up more than you think for sure. 
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon

Offline elitecustombody

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Re: How Forgiving Is A Vinyl Top ?
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2008 - 09:34:52 AM »
you have some pits or pinholes? skim coat of filler or high-build primer should help
Stefan B

Elite Custom Body = AMD Sheetmetal & Glass at great prices !!


Don't do what's easy, do what's right!!