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New Vinyl Top

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Old May 27th, 2023, 01:29 PM
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New Vinyl Top

I've always liked the look of the vinyl tops on these cars and this one originally came with it however the previous owner had it removed. I was able to locate the holes for the end trim pieces and used the replacement screw in type clips for the long side piece. After measuring it all out, finding the center line etc I used a cheap Harbor Freight spray gun for the DAP weldwood contact adhesive - landau top and trim. A pretty exhausting job but I couldn't find anyone local to do it plus why not save some cash. Figured I'd share my process.










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Old May 27th, 2023, 01:48 PM
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Nice work. The black vinyl top makes the car look great.

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Old May 27th, 2023, 02:01 PM
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Excellent. My car has a black vinyl roof. IMO it just sets the car off.

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Old May 27th, 2023, 05:30 PM
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Thanks guys. It was hard for me to picture as I couldn't find many photos to reference before pulling the plug. Honestly I couldn't be happier.
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Old May 29th, 2023, 12:34 PM
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Excellent!😳
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Old May 29th, 2023, 01:38 PM
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Very nice job. It really looks like a nice car.

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Old August 6th, 2023, 02:52 AM
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Looks 100% better Iam going to do that to mine as well. Help a dude out anybody. I cannot find the molding that runs along the bottom between the corner pieces along the top of the fender. I understand that it is not reproduced. Any help anyone?
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Old August 17th, 2023, 04:29 AM
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Very slick looking! I really like the contrast of the black against the yellow. Beautiful paint on your car, too.

My 72 also has a vinyl top that’s still in good shape after 37 years but has lost some of its luster. Any tips for something to revive it that won’t run off when washed (or possibly rained on) and won’t affect the adhesive underneath?
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Old August 17th, 2023, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 72 Post
I've always liked the look of the vinyl tops on these cars and this one originally came with it however the previous owner had it removed. I was able to locate the holes for the end trim pieces and used the replacement screw in type clips for the long side piece. After measuring it all out, finding the center line etc I used a cheap Harbor Freight spray gun for the DAP weldwood contact adhesive - landau top and trim. A pretty exhausting job but I couldn't find anyone local to do it plus why not save some cash. Figured I'd share my process.










Originally Posted by Olds64
Excellent!😳
Originally Posted by otto72
Very nice job. It really looks like a nice car.

Keith
It really does look great. I am normally not a fan of vinyl tops. Your car looks great with it. A coupe even. I love it. I had a two tone gold 70 Cutlass once. It had a painted roof and had the vinyl top trim. Looked great. Good job. 👍
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Old August 17th, 2023, 02:42 PM
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Thanks for posting this. I need a new top on mine and this gives me an idea of what is involved. Your car looks awesome with the new top. Especially with the black and yellow.
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Old August 17th, 2023, 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 72442TwiceOwned
Very slick looking! I really like the contrast of the black against the yellow. Beautiful paint on your car, too.

My 72 also has a vinyl top that’s still in good shape after 37 years but has lost some of its luster. Any tips for something to revive it that won’t run off when washed (or possibly rained on) and won’t affect the adhesive underneath?
I'm pretty sure Chemical Guys have a product for vinyl tops.
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Old August 17th, 2023, 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by KenSanch
Looks 100% better Iam going to do that to mine as well. Help a dude out anybody. I cannot find the molding that runs along the bottom between the corner pieces along the top of the fender. I understand that it is not reproduced. Any help anyone?
Post a thread in parts wanted...that's where I found mine.
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Old August 17th, 2023, 04:23 PM
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Thanks for all the kind words everyone. It's a great feeling to see and hear that your hard work is noticed.
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Old August 18th, 2023, 02:57 AM
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BTW, where did you get the vinyl top? I'd think it would be a PITA setting the top on the roof of the car and getting the seams straight.
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Old August 18th, 2023, 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Olds64
BTW, where did you get the vinyl top? I'd think it would be a PITA setting the top on the roof of the car and getting the seams straight.
I ordered mine through YearOne. Quality top. Yes, centering was a PITA! I typically laugh at the old saying measure twice cut once. In this scenario I swear I measured this a dozen times lol. The contact cement is no joke. Once the two surfaces touch they are not coming apart. You definitely have to be precise. I don't think I showed photos but I had measurements on the roof with a marked line for the center and the seams for myself as well as the masked lines on the glass both front and rear.
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Old August 18th, 2023, 03:46 PM
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Good idea with the tape on the windows to keep it in line. Sure turned out nice Really looks good
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Old August 19th, 2023, 03:09 AM
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Originally Posted by 72 Post
The contact cement is no joke. Once the two surfaces touch they are not coming apart.
Did you have about 5 guys help you install the top once you laid down the glue? Or did you just glue the front of the top after centering it, and then apply glue to the rest of the roof?

Just trying to get all the info I can. I have vinyl top trim that I've considered installing on my 71 98.
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Old August 19th, 2023, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Olds64
Did you have about 5 guys help you install the top once you laid down the glue? Or did you just glue the front of the top after centering it, and then apply glue to the rest of the roof?

Just trying to get all the info I can. I have vinyl top trim that I've considered installing on my 71 98.
I had my son helping and first we centered the middle then small sections at a time. This video helped. Forgive the fact that it's a Mopar lol.


Last edited by 72 Post; August 19th, 2023 at 05:27 PM. Reason: typo
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Old August 20th, 2023, 04:35 AM
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Thank you sir for posting the video. Leave it to. MOPAR to use faux alligator hide on a vinyl top.
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Old August 20th, 2023, 11:02 PM
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I’m not usually a fan of vinyl tops, but yours looks just right. Especially with the factory trim.

Job well done and many thanks for showing the in-progress photos.

They will help others do a good job on their cars.
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Old August 21st, 2023, 03:51 AM
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I am really impressed, GREAT job!! Must be that material stretches as it goes on so no wrinkles/ bubbles??? Amazing job, congrats!
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Old October 13th, 2023, 11:32 AM
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Beautiful job thinking of reinstalling on mine, would you happen to know if they sell a molding clip kit..
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Old October 14th, 2023, 05:18 PM
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There are multiple clip kits available online. It all depends on if you are staying 100% stock with the welded clips or if you will use the replacement self tap screws. I personally purchased mine on Ebay.
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Old October 19th, 2023, 04:37 AM
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Thank you..
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Old October 19th, 2023, 05:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Olds64
Thank you sir for posting the video. Leave it to. MOPAR to use faux alligator hide on a vinyl top.
Oh they went further than that, they had some with a flower print that was used on their pony cars like the Dodge Dart in the late sixties to early seventies. They were really going after the young ladies whe were able to attend college etc.

The Mod Top: Introducing The Car You Wear

BY PAUL NIEDERMEYER
– POSTED ON FEBRUARY 4, 2023
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