Challenger Roof & Interior Project.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

I'm going to post some of the pics from this project. I have tons of pictures but will do my best to show you guys the ones that matter.

The project started 2 years ago when I started looking for the original vinyl. My challenger is a 1973 Triple Green. I was determined to keep it that way. I knew that Black and white where available but didn't want to die the top. I spent about a year calling and searching for the original green vinyl. It was thanks to a friend at Legendary Auto Interiors that I found it almost 10 months to the day. It would take another month to get it in hand. 

After I had the vinyl it was off to find a skin. The top on mine was pretty bad. The top had been replaced once in the 1980's but they not only used a cuda vinyl, but they didn't prep or clean up the roof before they applied the vinyl. So over time the skin continued to dissolve. I worked for another year to find out about the skins available and find one that I didn't have to Freight. But every show I went to came up dry. So in short I didn't! At my wits end I was approached by MOPARDAVE here on the site. He offered me an amazing price for the A.M.D. skin and he has really been helped me out a lot. THANK YOU DAVE!!
 
 So I now have a skin and vinyl, it was time to find a fabricator. I work in a hot rod shop but many of the shops we deal with charge threw the nose, or are based in the poor sections of LA. and I didn't want the car left out. I also didn't want to do a great deal of towing, so I happened upon a builder just up the street from me. Who had a good background and was starting his own shop. Romance With Rust (1-714-744-4955) is the name of his shop and Chris was the man. He is a WONDERFUL fabricator. His work is very well done and very detailed. It also worked out that he was 5 doors down from a great interior shop (Upholstery of Orange : 714-997-0370) Who I had do my seats, headliner and vinyl top. Rudy does a really great job at a wonderful price. If you are looking for a great hole in the wall shop that does GREAT WORK. Rudy is your man.
  So long story short I now don't have to cover my car every night and it looks AMAZING!!

BEFORE:









WORK BEGINS





CONTINUED....

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

Because of the risk of damaging the paint we bonded the top higher then the standard joint. He would Lead in the joint and when it was done you could not tell there was anything done.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

LEAD FILLING











Found out why my trunk kept filling up with water. But amazingly this was the only damage. The trunk and floor panels where almost perfect. So no other work was required. He went in an lead filled the entire channel.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

Once done it was primed and I got to see the finished work. I was so happy. I had the thought that the work was so clean I almost didn't want to put the vinyl on. But I worked to hard to get it. 







So once done it went over to Rudy and the top was put on. The car also got a brand new windshield and the glass was bonded in like modern cars rather then glued in like it was originally. The channels where painted and the glass is beautiful. My old windshield was trashed and burned from age. It was so nice to see it done.





Next week the car goes in to get the headliner put in so I will take shots of the interior and the car with the tim back on once it is all done. I also installed a Dynomat style sound dampener that really REALLY cut down the noise. If any of you are looking to do this don't use Dynomat or Hushmat. I used Raamat and it was very low priced and exactly the same as Dynomat. It cost me about 123.00 for a roll, delivered. The roll did my complete floor and package tray and I have some left. It might take a roll and a half to do the complete car. I plan to get more and finish the doors and trunk next. Great product. (http://www.raamaudio.com/)

[shawge]

Looks great, thanks for posting the pictures.

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

The work does look good.  Keep the pics coming............

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

Your right, the work was amazing and took him about a week even with all his other projects. The price was good too and after the lead work was done I almost cried  . I have never seen the roof so clean and smooth.

[dutch]

that looks really great       and hats off to you for biting into getting a green top for it 
 a rare combo like that deserves to be looked after 
could you please explain to me what it means when a windshield is "bonded" in... 

[shawge]

Curious also on the bonded windshield, I'm guessing butyl tape wasn't used. 

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

Curious also on the bonded windshield, I'm guessing butyl tape wasn't used. 

I will be honest I was not around for the glass going in. I know that he painted the channels and a think 1/2 inch strip around the glass. He told me the new way of sealing it was better because it dries and bonds, unlike the old glue method which stays gummy and is prone to leaking. I will see if i can get more info. But it looks GREAT, and is sealed up GOOD for once.   

[72cudamaan]

Curious also on the bonded windshield, I'm guessing butyl tape wasn't used. 

I'm guessing a urethane caulking was used?

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

I think that is what he said it was not that I think about it.

[UKcuda]

I am totally with you.

Inner happiness does not come from doing that which is popular or easy.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

I am having some issues with the trim clips I have that go around the back of the vinyl. I don't know why. It is like the clips are just a pinch off. I got some SE clips and they totaly where not correct. So that leaves me with trim that does not sit right. The big issue is that due to the wind it is pulling up the vinyl at the trim. I am taking the car back in to be reglued ( I say this loosely as the glue is about as good as Post-It glue here in California. I will try using silicone on the end to seal it and see if that works. I am really unhappy with this set back.

[OxfordMotorSports]

I'm guessing a urethane caulking was used?

3M Windo-Weld Super Fast Urethane adhesive/sealant -

3M Rapid Two-Part Urethane Windshield Adhesive (RTP) -

Only the best. Stick with 3M products. They are the best.

That applies to buffing your new paint out too.

Todd

Oxford Motor Sports

New York Customs

www.newyorkcustomauto@yahoo.com