Author Topic: Vinyl top?  (Read 2693 times)

Offline Gijs

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 14
Vinyl top?
« on: August 20, 2008 - 04:16:40 AM »
If i chose to put an vinyl top on my car 72 what do i nead to convert a non vinyl to vinyl
Do you just need the rear trim? And is there a topic that shows placement, can you just glue on?

Thanks,






Offline MrMopar440

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 221
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2008 - 06:04:08 AM »
I would think just the trim - and the associated studs/holes to clip and screw it on. I did just the opposite and all I did is fill the holes and grind off the studs.

Offline troutstreamnm

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1190
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2008 - 08:20:05 AM »
You will need to drill out the holes for the rear trim, get the mounting studs, find vinyl trim in good condition and get the A-pillar vinyl molding clips for up front too (see pic).  eBay usually has the trim and clips, but the quality is always a factor (as you can tell from the pic).  I was lucky and got some trim that was in very nice shape  :clapping:
« Last Edit: August 20, 2008 - 08:21:57 AM by troutstreamnm »
08 SRT-8 Challenger
71 GA4 Challenger
70 FK5 Charger 500

Offline dutch

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 6944
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2008 - 08:24:16 AM »
the original vinyl tops were also tacked to the roof and pillars under the glass...I don`t know if just glueing will get you in trouble in a few years  :dunno:
*** Bart ***

Offline CaCuda

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 9
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2008 - 02:36:34 PM »
I too am in need of assistance here. Our Cuda had a vinyl top originally but all of the trim has been removed for paint. We have all of the trim and all of the holes are still in body for vinyl clips ECT. The problem is that we do not know how to replace the trim or what clips / installation hardware to use. My fear is that just any body shop will not know how to properly replace (I could be wrong here). It would be great if there was a resource (a book / manual possibly) that would provide details in regards to installing a vinyl roof on an E body. Thank you for your help.  :1zhelp:

Offline troutstreamnm

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1190
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2008 - 11:19:58 PM »
CaCuda, you can find window trim clip sets for the front and rear windows readily on eBay.  Once you cut (trim) the vinyl along the windshield/rearwindow frame track (see pic), you just slide the clips over the studs.  The trim will just snap over the clip with a rap with your fist.  On the door sides, the vinyl must wrap over the lip of the roof so the drip rails will cover it.  I would recommend you get a professional to install the vinyl top so it is laid down straight and glued properly without wrinkles or bubbles, but you could install the trim and drip rails.  I'm not expert and I was able to figure it out  :o
08 SRT-8 Challenger
71 GA4 Challenger
70 FK5 Charger 500

Offline CaCuda

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 9
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2008 - 11:34:24 PM »
Trout,

    Thank you very much for this (info and pictures much appreciated). Just a quick question, will I (should I) need to remove front and rear windows for the vinyl roof to install properly? Thanks again for your assistance.   :worshippy 

Offline AMXguy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1035
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2008 - 12:13:19 AM »
It's best if the windows are out but I've seen good jobs done without removing them. are you sure you want a vinyl top? I think they suck myself, if My car wasn't an R/T SE and I had a choice my top would have been history.
1970 R/T SE Challenger
 1970 Superbee
 1969 S code Mach 1
 1967  GTO

Offline troutstreamnm

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1190
Re: Vinyl top?
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2008 - 11:57:22 PM »
I agree that it's better to do with the glass out.  :2cents:
08 SRT-8 Challenger
71 GA4 Challenger
70 FK5 Charger 500