Author Topic: Sunroof car questions...  (Read 2316 times)

Offline Finoke

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Sunroof car questions...
« on: April 30, 2016 - 05:30:50 PM »
It seems there have been some questions lately about sunroof cars. I have a some too.

Did sunroof cars have to have vinyl tops?

If so, Would the vinyl top option be on the fender tag?

Would they have factory vinyl top trim or a different version?

Were the vinyl tops limited to factory colors and patterns?

My friend has a 70 Challenger r/t LA built car. It is a two tag sunroof car with no broadcast sheet. It's loaded with options. It isn't optioned for a vinyl top but the sunroof is definitely an ASC motorized sunroof.

Comments?




Offline kissalien

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2016 - 05:45:11 PM »
The sunroof was actually an option package (M51). The package included the sunroof and a vinyl top. Vinyl tops are always on the tag, and in the case of LA built cars twice. The sunroof package usually isn't but the VON changes. Any standard vinyl top would have been available including gator grain.

I know you already know most of this.

Offline Finoke

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2016 - 06:29:34 PM »
 :woohoo:
The sunroof was actually an option package (M51). The package included the sunroof and a vinyl top. Vinyl tops are always on the tag, and in the case of LA built cars twice. The sunroof package usually isn't but the VON changes. Any standard vinyl top would have been available including gator grain.

I know you already know most of this.

So his car has puzzled me for several years. I will have to find the picture of the tag when I get home. But I remember the vinyl top is not coded. I'm not sure if the m51 is on the tag or if the VON has a letter to start. I can't remember. But will find out.

Is it possible that the dealer sent it out for conversion when it was new?

The car is a painted project that needs to be put together and every so often he thinks of selling. I would love to have it but I wish it had a broadcast sheet.

« Last Edit: April 30, 2016 - 06:31:41 PM by Finoke »

Offline sdweatherman

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2016 - 01:43:13 AM »
Finoke,
As kissalien has stated, all 70 Challenger sunroof cars will be coded for a vinyl roof. It was absolutely required with the sunroof. Typically, most early power sunroof Mopars received a special VON, which typically started with a letter (except 1969 Chargers). But 1970 Challengers didn't always follow that rule. I have run across several 70 sunroof Challengers that have a standard 6 digit numeric VONs, but the sunroof option is clearly denoted on the Broadcast sheets. A word of caution, I have not run across any 1970 LA built Challengers that were equipped with a sunroof. Not saying that they don't exist - just have not seen one yet. I have run across 5 LA built B-bodies that are sunroof equipped, but no E-bodies. A good look at the fender tags would probably get this mystery ironed out.
Scott.

Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2016 - 11:50:40 AM »
 :popcorn:
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Offline anlauto

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2016 - 11:53:57 AM »
Seeing how crudely the sunroof was installed at the factory, I can't see it leaving there without a vinyl top. There is an open seam where the roof skin attaches to the inner sunroof box.
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Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2016 - 11:54:52 AM »
Seeing how crudely the sunroof was installed at the factory, I can't see it leaving there without a vinyl top. There is an open seam where the roof skin attaches to the inner sunroof box.

So the vinyl top and the vinyl top glue are the only thing that keeps water from getting in?
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Offline anlauto

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2016 - 11:55:48 AM »
That's what I would assume :2cents:
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Offline Finoke

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2016 - 09:01:12 PM »
I pulled a picture of the tag that i had saved. I haven't looked at it in several years so I was mistaken. Its not an LA car. I think I may have thought that because I remember it being code for California emissions. But at any rate the vinyl top is not coded on the tag. Here is the info on the tag........


E63   D32   JS23   N0B  367xxx

EW1  H5B5  000    608   035967

EW1  A01   A05   A62   B51   C16

C55   C62   G31   G33   H51   J54

M21   M91   N41   N42   N85

N88   N95   P31   R35   V5B   CTD

Y05   26   EN1   

Offline Finoke

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2016 - 09:03:57 PM »
Also want to point out that my friend has owned the car since the late 70's and he bought it having the sunroof and a vinyl top.
« Last Edit: May 01, 2016 - 09:11:09 PM by Finoke »

Offline anlauto

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2016 - 10:38:37 PM »
I think it's quite possible this car was sent to ASC to get a sunroof and got a vinyl top as well regardless of what the fender tag and BCS had to say....I'm sure mistakes happened back in the day :2cents:
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Offline Finoke

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #11 on: May 02, 2016 - 07:37:38 AM »
I think it's quite possible this car was sent to ASC to get a sunroof and got a vinyl top as well regardless of what the fender tag and BCS had to say....I'm sure mistakes happened back in the day :2cents:

I thought the same thing.... The possibilities could be...

1.   Fender tag omission of the vinyl top.

2.   Dealer sent it out for conversion

3.   Conversion by an early owner using a wrecked sunroof challenger as a donor

Offline kissalien

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Re: Sunroof car questions...
« Reply #12 on: May 03, 2016 - 10:27:08 AM »
Old thread on the car. Not much help. Pics are no longer there, including the fender tag one.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=42208.msg425617#msg425617