It's happening 😒
#1
It's happening 😒
Even though I keep it covered and it never sees rain, I'm starting to see the dreaded rust bubbles under the vinyl top of my '72 Supreme. I don't really understand how since I keep the moisture away, but here it is. I guess I shouldn't be too upset since it's been almost 30 years from it was redone, but it still bothers me. Question is, is it something I need to address in the immediate future, or do I have some time to get the $ saved up to have it taken care of?
#2
C'mon Dave, you live in VA. Humidity is a way of life for us. Unless you store that car in a bubble filled with dry nitrogen, the moisture in the air gets absorbed by the top material. This is why I have to change quarter and roof panels on my 70 W30. I hate vinyl tops.
#3
C'mon Dave, you live in VA. Humidity is a way of life for us. Unless you store that car in a bubble filled with dry nitrogen, the moisture in the air gets absorbed by the top material. This is why I have to change quarter and roof panels on my 70 W30. I hate vinyl tops.
#4
There's moisture in the air. And of course water passes through a cloth cover. Put some water on the cover and see if the vinyl gets wet. It's also under the cover when you put it on. It's also absorbed by the vinyl when you drive or wash the car, or when it's just sitting at a car show. And unless you've owned the car since new, you have no idea how wet it has been in the past.
#6
If it's below freezing, the air is drier because the water becomes ice crystals. If the temp is slightly above freezing, that water condenses on cold surfaces (like car sheet metal) as liquid water. The fact that humidity feels worse in the summer is due to the combination of heat and humidity. The air in the fall is just as humid but the cooler temps make it seem less oppressive.
#8
#9
Don’t let it go too long. Dealing with the 100’s or 1000’s of pits is a bit of a biotch. Tough to get the rust out short of sandblasting and that isn’t a great idea on a large, flat panel like a roof. Once each rust pit “lifts” off, actually expands, it has taken away some steel with it. The steel in each pit has now been reduced in thickness and once it gets deep enough, there may be pinholes. Most of the pits need filler, that although reliable, raises the chance for a complication or failure, however unlikely. It’s all about mil thickness and material build from first coat of epoxy primer, to filler, to primer, to sealer, to base coat, to clear coat. Once it gets fixed, paint the roof just like the rest of the body would get painted, not left in a porous primer like GM did originally.
Not fear mongering, but we all know it won’t self heal, can only get worse. Our cars, like all things, are constantly trying to return to the earth, via ferric oxide in this case.
….
Not fear mongering, but we all know it won’t self heal, can only get worse. Our cars, like all things, are constantly trying to return to the earth, via ferric oxide in this case.
….
#11
^^^ Removing the top, clean it up, and coating the metal will greatly slow the progression. Doing nothing may look better but will accelerate the deterioration/increase the damage.
There isn't a yes or no answer to do you have time to wait. It depends on what you want to do with the car. The best you can do to preserve the car is remove the top now.
Consider removing the top, getting the repairs done, paint the roof sans a vinyl top.
Good luck!!!
There isn't a yes or no answer to do you have time to wait. It depends on what you want to do with the car. The best you can do to preserve the car is remove the top now.
Consider removing the top, getting the repairs done, paint the roof sans a vinyl top.
Good luck!!!
#14
There are many automotive vinyl top manufacturers. I think you need a little more searching. I think yours has seams - you don't have to have double seams - you could go with no seams, as well.
Rip it off (save the clips) & evaluate the rust areas. In the long run I'd suggest you're going to save money by installing a new vinyl top. Like others have suggested - the sooner the better. Hey, nice winter project for you.
#17
#18
#19
And, hate to say it but ... once you're sure of a dry environment for your car and you have the metalwork done on the roof, it make well be more expedient to replace the vinyl than to refinish the roof.
#20
... and the car's garaged? Sheesh! Well, when you get the roof sorted, you might go the extra mile and get a dehumidifier. I run two 50-pint units in a 1200 sq. ft. garage and take about two or three gallons a week out of the garage atmosphere at the height of our moist Pacific Northwest winter.
And, hate to say it but ... once you're sure of a dry environment for your car and you have the metalwork done on the roof, it make well be more expedient to replace the vinyl than to refinish the roof.
And, hate to say it but ... once you're sure of a dry environment for your car and you have the metalwork done on the roof, it make well be more expedient to replace the vinyl than to refinish the roof.
#21
Well, there's your problem. If it isn't garaged, don't cover it. Either you'll have moisture from condensation or your cotton cover will get soaked with rain or snow. In either case, you'll have rust issues.
If it were my car, I wouldn't spend any more money on it until I had a dry place to keep it.
If it were my car, I wouldn't spend any more money on it until I had a dry place to keep it.
#22
Well, there's your problem. If it isn't garaged, don't cover it. Either you'll have moisture from condensation or your cotton cover will get soaked with rain or snow. In either case, you'll have rust issues.
If it were my car, I wouldn't spend any more money on it until I had a dry place to keep it.
If it were my car, I wouldn't spend any more money on it until I had a dry place to keep it.
...and if I don't get it repaired (as already stated above), it's only gonna get worse, so that's not an option for me.
Last edited by 72455; October 9th, 2022 at 01:43 PM.
#23
#24
At the very least, drive to and talk to several of these shops to get some ballpark numbers, ideas, suggestions. Even if they can't do it, you often might find they may know someone who does do it. Will require some leg work on your part to find someone. Obviously you can toss out the "tint shops", etc., but here's a list I pulled up.
International Auto Upholstery
4.6(13) · Auto upholsterer
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 436-6570
"Great little family owned shop. Very fast turnaround, no hassle."
Directions
Wynn's Auto Upholstery
4.4(45) · Auto upholsterer
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 622-9838
"I had a top put on my 96 Toyota Celica and ..."
Directions
757 Auto Upholstery
4.8(18) · Auto repair shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 622-9838
"At the top of the list was the drivers seat, which was worn down to the ..."
Directions
Greenbrier Upholstery
4.0(14) · Upholstery shop
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 548-1925
Provides: Auto Seat Covers
Website
Directions
Tint Daddy's Of Chesapeake
4.5(278) · Auto upholsterer
7+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Tue · (757) 289-3321
"AMAZING TINT, KIND, POLITE, BEST TINTING PLACE IN HAMPTON ROADS!!!!"
Website
Directions
This guys decals
4.8(74) · Sign shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · (757) 967-0615
"Best graphics and vinyl shop in town"
Website
Directions
Fixrite Interiors
5.0(16) · Car detailing service
10+ years in business
Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM Mon · (757) 274-8441
Provides: Leather, Vinyl & Fabric
Website
DeSigns Inc.
4.8(198) · Sign shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM Mon · (757) 547-5478
"Great work on my trucks vinyl."
Website
Directions
J's Auto Cleaning Service Inc.
4.6(194) · Window tinting service
35+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM Mon · (757) 547-3177
Provides: Vinyl Application
Website
Directions
Jerry's Auto Upholstery
4.7(18) · Upholstery shop
10+ years in business · Portsmouth, VA
(757) 397-3167
"... helped me with so much information about my convertible top."
Directions
3 Guns Customs
5.0(41) · Auto body shop
5+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 337-0238
Provides: Vinyl Graphics
Website
Directions
AG Wraps
4.8(147) · Sign shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · (757) 548-5255
"Did a Great job on the vinyl stripes on my 2010 Camaro."
Website
Directions
Color Solutions
5.0(10) · Auto body shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 7AM Mon · (704) 460-3181
"Fixed the roof as well as touched up some of my smaller dings and ..."
Website
Directions
Mitchell's Complete Upholstery
4.2(26) · Upholstery shop
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
(757) 547-3568
Delivery
Website
Directions
The Graphics Shop
4.6(37) · Print shop
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 485-7800
Provides: Automotive Window Tinting
Website
Directions
Paul's Custom Interiors/Auto Upholstery
4.3(12) · Auto upholsterer
7+ years in business · Virginia Beach, VA · In London Bridge Plaza
Closed ⋅ Opens 7:30AM Mon · (757) 270-1198
"... and the detail was top notch. I bought another bike and wanted the ..."
Website
Directions
Commonwealth Window Tinting
5.0(108) · Window tinting service
5+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 646-6357
Provides: Vehicle window tinting
Website
Directions
Custom Carpet & Vinyl Inc.
4.5(20) · Carpet store
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · (757) 436-0202
In-store shopping·Delivery
Website
Directions
Cover-Ups Marine Canvas & Vinyl
No reviews · Boat cover supplier
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 312-9292
Tidal Wave Graphics
4.6(18) · Commercial printer
7+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA · In GREENBRIER BUSINESS CENTER
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 842-6269
Provides: Automotive Graphics
Website
Directions
International Auto Upholstery
4.6(13) · Auto upholsterer
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 436-6570
"Great little family owned shop. Very fast turnaround, no hassle."
Directions
Wynn's Auto Upholstery
4.4(45) · Auto upholsterer
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 622-9838
"I had a top put on my 96 Toyota Celica and ..."
Directions
757 Auto Upholstery
4.8(18) · Auto repair shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 622-9838
"At the top of the list was the drivers seat, which was worn down to the ..."
Directions
Greenbrier Upholstery
4.0(14) · Upholstery shop
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 548-1925
Provides: Auto Seat Covers
Website
Directions
Tint Daddy's Of Chesapeake
4.5(278) · Auto upholsterer
7+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Tue · (757) 289-3321
"AMAZING TINT, KIND, POLITE, BEST TINTING PLACE IN HAMPTON ROADS!!!!"
Website
Directions
This guys decals
4.8(74) · Sign shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · (757) 967-0615
"Best graphics and vinyl shop in town"
Website
Directions
Fixrite Interiors
5.0(16) · Car detailing service
10+ years in business
Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM Mon · (757) 274-8441
Provides: Leather, Vinyl & Fabric
Website
DeSigns Inc.
4.8(198) · Sign shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM Mon · (757) 547-5478
"Great work on my trucks vinyl."
Website
Directions
J's Auto Cleaning Service Inc.
4.6(194) · Window tinting service
35+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30AM Mon · (757) 547-3177
Provides: Vinyl Application
Website
Directions
Jerry's Auto Upholstery
4.7(18) · Upholstery shop
10+ years in business · Portsmouth, VA
(757) 397-3167
"... helped me with so much information about my convertible top."
Directions
3 Guns Customs
5.0(41) · Auto body shop
5+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 337-0238
Provides: Vinyl Graphics
Website
Directions
AG Wraps
4.8(147) · Sign shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · (757) 548-5255
"Did a Great job on the vinyl stripes on my 2010 Camaro."
Website
Directions
Color Solutions
5.0(10) · Auto body shop
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 7AM Mon · (704) 460-3181
"Fixed the roof as well as touched up some of my smaller dings and ..."
Website
Directions
Mitchell's Complete Upholstery
4.2(26) · Upholstery shop
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
(757) 547-3568
Delivery
Website
Directions
The Graphics Shop
4.6(37) · Print shop
10+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 485-7800
Provides: Automotive Window Tinting
Website
Directions
Paul's Custom Interiors/Auto Upholstery
4.3(12) · Auto upholsterer
7+ years in business · Virginia Beach, VA · In London Bridge Plaza
Closed ⋅ Opens 7:30AM Mon · (757) 270-1198
"... and the detail was top notch. I bought another bike and wanted the ..."
Website
Directions
Commonwealth Window Tinting
5.0(108) · Window tinting service
5+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 646-6357
Provides: Vehicle window tinting
Website
Directions
Custom Carpet & Vinyl Inc.
4.5(20) · Carpet store
Chesapeake, VA
Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon · (757) 436-0202
In-store shopping·Delivery
Website
Directions
Cover-Ups Marine Canvas & Vinyl
No reviews · Boat cover supplier
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 312-9292
Tidal Wave Graphics
4.6(18) · Commercial printer
7+ years in business · Chesapeake, VA · In GREENBRIER BUSINESS CENTER
Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Mon · (757) 842-6269
Provides: Automotive Graphics
Website
Directions
#25
#27
Putting a plastic cover over your cloth cover is basically creating a greenhouse effect locking the moisture inside.
#28
Yessir they know it's kept outside...and I've always wondered about the "greenhouse effect" with the plastic cover. Will have to nix that process going forward.
#29
As far as hurricane damage goes, that rust has been percolating underneath that vinyl top for years.
#32
#35
Finding a place to replace your vinyl top is the least of your problems. Fixing the rust under it IS! I've had to cut out and weld in panels of sheet metal after stripping vinyl tops off cars. You'd be lucky if it's only lots of rust pitting, with no holes under there. And I totally agree with the others who say covers outside will make rusting WORSE, rather than protect the car. I never recommend car covers, even indoors, to the guys I paint cars for.
#36
Based on your pictures, I think you are going to need to reskin the roof. Fortunately they do repop this. One example here roof skin just Google it and you will get several options. Hopefully you have a reputable body shop locally that you can trust. Any attempt to salvage what you have I'm afraid will only result in a return of the same problem down the road.
Agree with Joe...I hate Vinyl tops for this reason and that is why I removed mine.
good luck,
tc
Agree with Joe...I hate Vinyl tops for this reason and that is why I removed mine.
good luck,
tc
Last edited by 4+4+2=10; October 13th, 2022 at 07:22 AM.
#37
Finding a place to replace your vinyl top is the least of your problems. Fixing the rust under it IS! I've had to cut out and weld in panels of sheet metal after stripping vinyl tops off cars. You'd be lucky if it's only lots of rust pitting, with no holes under there. And I totally agree with the others who say covers outside will make rusting WORSE, rather than protect the car. I never recommend car covers, even indoors, to the guys I paint cars for.
#38
Based on your pictures, I think you are going to need to reskin the roof. Fortunately they do repop this. One example here roof skin just Google it and you will get several options. Hopefully you have a reputable body shop locally that you can trust. Any attempt to salvage what you have I'm afraid will only result in a return of the same problem down the road.
Agree with Joe...I hate Vinyl tops for this reason and that is why I removed mine.
good luck,
tc
Agree with Joe...I hate Vinyl tops for this reason and that is why I removed mine.
good luck,
tc
#39
#40
tc